Finding connection in keeping active

The Currumbin Waters local is tapping into RSL Queensland’s Active Lifestyles program to get the ball rolling.  

The 64-year-old, who served in the Royal Australian Navy for 20 years, recently took part in RSL Queensland’s kayaking adventure.  

The event, which also marked Veteran’s Health Week, saw more than 35 veterans, current serving members and their families head out on the Brisbane River for a morning of kayaking from Kangaroo Point. 

Having grown up in the riverside Brisbane suburb of Bulimba, Sue says it felt good to spend time on the water.  

“I had kayaked before, but many years ago. It was a bit tough, but I loved it,” she says.  

“Of course, I capsized into the river in the first five minutes but got myself back in the kayak quite quickly. It cooled me down for the rest of the paddle!  

“Before the event, I was thinking it would be okay if I couldn’t paddle but, in the end, I was really quite proud of myself. I think not giving in and pushing yourself is a result of my years in the Navy.” 

AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECONNECT

Navy veteran Sue White alongside other Active Lifestyles participants at RSL Queensland’s kayaking adventure.

For Sue, the RSL Queensland Active Lifestyles experiences have been an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces. 

“I’ve been to two events so far – a cooking experience with Oz Harvest and the Brisbane River kayak adventure,” she says. 

“The Oz Harvest Cooking for a Cause event was fantastic as I got to meet other veterans – both young and old – and learn more about what Oz Harvest does. And then my daughter and her partner, who is a current serving member, were able to join me for the kayak adventure.

“My daughter’s partner wasn’t aware the events were happening and so to be able to introduce him to them and see him look forward to future activities was great.” 

Now that she lives on her own, Sue can see these events becoming a regular activity.

“After the COVID lockdowns and working from home for the past two years, I could have locked myself away and not gone anywhere,” she says. “When I saw the posts on Facebook about the upcoming events, I thought I would give it a try.”

“The big thing for me was being able to meet new people – both young and old – and challenging myself to do new things.”

A LIFE AT SEA

Sue enlisted in the Navy in 1976. She says some of her career highlights include meeting her husband (who passed away in 2016) in Darwin on the first day she started training for the first all-female Divisional Guard at HMAS Coonawarra and being the first Senior Sailor to be posted to the School of Military Intelligence.

“I wanted to do something different and exciting,” she explains. “Most girls either became teachers, nurses or worked in banks at the time.

“I didn’t know anyone who had joined the Navy, and it wasn’t until after I joined that I found out my grandfather was in the Naval Bridging Team prior to and at the start of WWI.

“He transferred to the AIF when he was posted to Egypt. I was so proud to have unknowingly followed in his footsteps.

“It can be hard for some veterans, particularly those that may have had a tough time while serving and since they’ve been out. I would certainly encourage anyone to try it out. Whatever ‘it’ may be, they might be surprised.

“You never know who you might meet. It could just be an old or new friend, or one that you just need to meet at this particular time of your life. The support you get from the team is fantastic and you may find out about so much more that is available that could help and support you in your current situation.” 

KEEPING ACTIVE TO STAY HEALTHY

Since attending the RSL Queensland Active Lifestyles events, Sue has developed the confidence to attend the gym twice a week through a VHA Better Life Program and other events through the Currumbin RSL Sub Branch. 

“I have consciously been trying to keep myself healthy the past few years, both physically and mentally, as I head into my mid-60s,” she says.

“Being active as possible in mind and body is critical no matter how old or young you are. Veterans have such diverse experiences, and you can only benefit from starting somewhere and continuing by adding new experiences to your current lifestyle.”

ACTIVE LIFESTYLES IN 2022

RSL Queensland’s Active Lifestyles program gives veterans and their families the opportunity to participate in exhilarating experiences, while connecting with fellow members of the Defence family. You don’t need to be an RSL member to attend. From abseiling and pottery to kayaking and blacksmithing – catering for all abilities – there’s something to suit everyone. See what’s coming up in 2022 at rslqld.org/whats-on.

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