Brews, bonds and heartfelt conversations

The 78-year-old Gold Coaster has been volunteering for not one, but two RSL Sub Branches for several years.

“I joined Nerang RSL Sub Branch about six years ago and I immediately started chatting and connecting with veterans. I just enjoy interacting with people over a cup of tea or coffee,” Nea says.

Wellbeing Officer Nea Storan assisting veteran Doug Kelsall

“I think that comes from my time as a Corrections Officer but also my time in the Army. In addition to my service, I worked as a Defence Family Liaison Officer for a couple of years.”

Noticing Nea’s ability to bond and relate with others, the Sub Branch asked if she would be interested in doing some hospital and home visits for veterans. That is how her volunteering began.

Connecting with Gold Coast veterans

Today, Nea is a Wellbeing Officer certified to assist in the wellbeing and compensation space. She also assists with sausage sizzle fundraisers and badge selling for ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

Nea has fond memories of her service with the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps in Melbourne (1966-1968). However, she also sees the importance of ex-service organisations and volunteers assisting those who served, as well as their families.

Nea working with Grant Cotterill on his accreditation studies

“Some veterans need a little extra support and so do their families, so I make it a priority to work with veterans and veterans’ spouses who need that helping hand,” Nea says.

“I always say it takes a community to support our veterans and each of these individuals has their own queries or needs. That's what encourages me to keep volunteering.”

Volunteering keeps Nea busy. She clocks around 40 hours per month, going for regular coffee catch-ups with individuals or groups, as well as to ladies’ morning teas.

“One of my coffee groups, I call us ‘the groupies’,” Nea says with a chuckle. 

“They are a group of veterans and widows who are unable to come into the RSL Sub Branch for meetings anymore, so I pay them regular visits at their retirement village and it means a lot to all of them.”

Nea is also part of Mudgeeraba-Robina RSL Sub Branch’s welfare team. The network of veterans and families that Nea works with has really expanded since she started volunteering and her impact continues to grow.

Extending her reach in the community

“I was recently appointed to the Gold Coast District Board as Vice President (VP) of Welfare,” Nea says.

“This means I interact with members of the board to discuss care for veterans and their families, and share insights on how each RSL Sub Branch within the Gold Coast District is supporting its members.”

Alongside other Sub Branch members, Nea volunteers her time to help the veteran community

Nea says the new appointment will be a challenge for her, but she is eager to jump in with both feet.

“Volunteering keeps me going, and I have no plans of slowing down any time soon,” Nea says with a smile.

“Bringing a bright spot to someone’s day or helping them connect with others – that’s what warms my heart and why I do it.”

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.