Team Enchong: A force for veterans’ wellbeing

After moving to Nambour in 2011, John says he joined Nambour RSL Sub Branch in 2013 and quickly volunteered himself and his wife Naomi as welfare officers when the Sub Branch was looking for assistance.

“We were doing work in the welfare space anyway, so I put my hand up for us to help, and I have to say, we make quite the team,” John says with a smile.

Some weeks are busier than others for the couple, with the pair clocking up several hours of volunteering most days, but Naomi says they both genuinely adore the individuals and families they work with.

“They all have an amazing story to tell and a life to live – doesn’t matter their age,” Naomi says. 

“If we can provide any help, whether that is just a smile, a kind word or a friendly face, we want to do that.” 

“A favourite saying of John’s is, ‘clients become friends and friends become family’.”

With John serving 20 years in the Army and Naomi supporting him during and after his military career, having previously worked in public service, the two complement each other in more ways than one when it comes to their volunteering. 

“A large aspect of the volunteering we have done together has been face-to-face visits and chats with veterans, their families or widows,” John says.

“There have been many cases where we have assisted a veteran and their spouse. I am able to share my experience of service and Naomi can speak to her experience as a spouse of someone who has served.”

Naomi says sharing both perspectives has made her and John popular amongst veterans, and together, they have helped families create a plan of action to suite their situation at that time. 

“We have supported Sub Branch members and the veteran community in Nambour and surrounding areas including Mapleton, Yandina, and Maleny,” Naomi explains.

“We created a veteran database from scratch just from both word of mouth and online connections, working with some of our clients for more than eight years.” 

Engaging with veterans through various avenues 

John’s volunteering has evolved over the past 10 years to cater for his health and service-related hearing difficulties. While he originally visited veterans and widows at hospitals, mental health clinics or in their homes, John now communicates mostly through online platforms.

“I typically connect with veterans through my own personal social media account, and I also post positive or important updates on the Sub Branch’s social media channel,” John explains. 

“For me, I had my own challenges both physically and mentally during and after my service, but I was lucky I got the right help at the right time, which included support from Naomi.

“We want to continue to pay it forward and share our experiences and knowledge with others.” 

Naomi says John has created connections with veterans across the world due to his and his father’s service, as well as positively promoting the great work of the RSL.

“John has a lot of great perspectives and stories to share and with my background in public service, I am able to help him put those thoughts into writing,” Naomi says. 

Naomi still regularly conducts in-person visits and phone calls with veterans and widows. Using the Sub Branch’s vehicle, she also transports individuals who are unable to drive to appointments, shops, social outings, and yearly ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations. 

“Assisting veterans to understand in-home support services offered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is also an aspect of the volunteering I do,” Naomi explains. 

“I also help veterans or widows who need to move house or into aged care, which is often a quick or unexpected experience that can be emotional for them.” 

Together, both John and Naomi sell badges ahead of ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day and are certified funeral officers, dealing with grief monthly. But while John and Naomi help individuals and families during difficult times, the couple agrees that giving back in the wellbeing and welfare space has been an extremely positive aspect of both of their lives.  

“Getting involved with veterans’ welfare and seeing individuals and families smile because of our actions is so rewarding. It fills your heart and means so much to us,” John says.  

“We understand that a lot of people don’t have a lot of time compared to me and John, but we always say, “Pay it forward where you can’ and you will see the impact it has on a person’s welfare,” Naomi explains. 

“Start small, even if that’s just checking in on your mates. And then if you want to do something more, connect with your local RSL Sub Branch and they will support you along the way.” 

LEARN MORE 

National Volunteer Week shines a light on the many ways volunteering brings us all together, builds community and supports vital work across Australia. 

Find your local RSL Sub Branch to learn more about volunteering today.