Forging a new path with a heritage trade

RSL Queensland’s popular Active Lifestyles program ended 2021 with heritage trade blacksmiths Rob Scully and Wayne Schmidt giving participants a taste of the historic trade. 

Learning the basics of operating a forge and using traditional tools like an anvil were all a part of the class that taught participants how to create their own traditional French-style carving fork. 

One of the 16 participants, ex-serviceman Troy Peall, says the highlight of the session was being able to talk with other veterans while learning a new skill.

“Events like this are a really healthy way for younger veterans to engage with the RSL,” he says. 

“Having learnt a trade myself before joining the military full time, I appreciate the skill that blacksmiths needed to have, to be able to turn a piece of metal into something useful. I enjoyed the challenge and was pretty happy with the final product.”

SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT

Joining in 1992, as an infantry reservist rifleman in 9RQR, Troy transferred full time in 1999 to 3RAR as a paratrooper. In 2005 he transferred to the Engineer Corps as a Geospatial Technician and was discharged from the military in 2017.

“I joined wanting to help those who couldn’t help themselves and do my bit for Australia,” he says. “Just like the hundreds of thousands of veterans before me.” 

He notes deployments in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Afghanistan as career highlights, knowing that the teams he worked in, and alongside of, saved many lives. 

But he acknowledges that transitioning to civilian life, like many of his peers found, wasn’t easy. 

“My transition out of the Defence Force was quite difficult,” he shares. “I spent more than 20 years in the service and events like Active Lifestyles are really helping to teach veterans positive ways of managing stress and anxiety, while promoting healthy lifestyle choices.” 

For Troy, it’s also a chance to give back to fellow veterans in a healthy environment. 

“Meeting fellow veterans is important. My wife and I are both veterans and have done more than 30 years’ combined service. We both enjoy being able to connect with other veterans and help them understand what support is available to both them and their family.

“I’m grateful to have events like this available to me, to help me get out of my comfort zone, and meet new people.” 

“I want to thank RSL Queensland for the chance to try something new and be a part of adapting to the needs of the modern veteran.” 

KEEP ACTIVE IN 2022

RSL Queensland’s Active Lifestyles program has helped over 110 current and ex-serving men and women, their partners and their families connect with fellow members of the Defence community. From abseiling and kayaking to learning to cook up a storm – there are events for everyone. 

We know leaving Defence can be isolating and making new friends who understand where you’ve come from can be hard. Having a strong community around you will help support you through the transition. 

RSL Queensland are busy planning our 2022 event schedule, which includes a leather work experience in March, pottery classes, metalsmithing and so much more. 

You don’t need to be an RSL member to attend. To register your interest and find out when events are happening, please email partnerships@rslqld.org or visit our What's On page.

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