Advocacy through empathy and compassion

With a background in Defence, teaching and police service, Steve Monteath has always had a knack for guiding others and serving his community. 

But it was after he had been volunteering with St Vincent De Paul’s (Vinnies) in Beaudesert that he found his passion for supporting veteran welfare. 

“In 2013, one of the Vinnies members asked me if I had been in service and invited me to come along to Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch to see whether they needed any assistance. Once we got there, I began to learn about what the Sub Branch does for the veteran community and got involved with welfare and compensation,” Steve says. 

“From there, I was officially trained through the Advocacy Training and Development Program  

(ATDP) to become a qualified level two compensation and welfare advocate and have been assisting veterans like me ever since.” 

While his training from the Queensland Police Force and welfare experience from Vinnies helped his work at the Sub Branch, Steve says that veteran welfare and compensation was an entirely different course.  

The ATDP training program he pursued at the time involved attending seminars and discussion groups that enabled him to connect with a network of people. This collaborative learning environment helped him, and his peers, better understand the complexities veterans face when they seek compensation support. 

“Veterans are a totally different type of civilian with a different set of life skills who need proper attention when dealing with their complex cases of compensation,” Steve says. 

“It’s so important that veterans reach out if they’re struggling to navigate their hardships or complex situations, but it’s equally important for those who can help, to reach out too. 

Steve Monteath, President of the Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch

“And that’s something that the Sub Branches do very well; they understand our background and the military mindset, and have the resources to assist and make sure no one falls through the cracks.” 

Steve has held positions in RSL South Eastern District including District Wellbeing Officer, which saw him responsible for helping Sub Branch members become fully trained volunteer advocates.  

He also held positions of responsibility at Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch including Vice President and President, where he played an important role in providing advocacy services to the community while also mentoring upcoming advocates. 

“While the ATDP training provides you with practical and legislative knowledge, it is equally important for advocates to understand how to approach a client’s case with empathy and compassion,” Steve says. 

“I make sure that the advocates I train understand how to relate to the veterans they assist by recognising their own lived experiences. Having said that, I also make sure that they look after themselves as much as they will look after others.” 

Steve says the collaborative way the RSL State, District and Sub Branches work together is inspirational and a testament to the success of the RSL advocacy program. 

“For me, working alongside leaders like Wendy Taylor and Kerry Gallagher has made me want to do more to support the veteran community and their families,” he says. 

Now, Steve continues to assist in the compensation and welfare programs of not only Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch, but also manages veteran cases in Logan Village, Jimboomba and Kooralbyn.  

“There’s nothing more rewarding than when you’re able to help a client leave with a smile on their face after coming to you with tears down their cheek. Seeing your support and guidance actually make a difference in someone’s life is one of the most special parts of this work.”