From service to strings: songs for the soul

From playing music for Sub Branch members in Woodford to performing at local commemorations and working with Guitars for Veterans Australia (G4VA), Paul is an advocate for the benefits a guitar can bring into a veteran’s life. 

“I come from a musical family, and I started playing when I was 10 years old. I played throughout my time in service and now play as a veteran as well,” Paul says. 

“I took on the role of Treasurer at Woodford RSL Sub Branch a couple of years ago and have also been assisting with G4VA for five years. 

“The Sub Branch has been very supportive of my love for music and I am very grateful for that.” 

Paul says when he came across G4VA, it didn’t take long before he held a leading role. The non-profit organisation offers guitar lessons and sessions to Army, Navy and Air Force veterans across Australia to assist those living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  

As part of a team of three, which includes founder Dave Cox and Jim Mavromatis, Paul coordinates gifting guitars and lessons to veterans who live in Queensland and the Northern Territory. 

“I remember when I approached Dave with interest to help in some way. To my surprise, he gave me the role of managing the Queensland and Northern Territory branches,” Paul says.  

“I work full time but was excited for the challenge and the opportunity to connect with veterans through music.” 

Supporting veterans one guitar at a time 

G4VA has assisted more than 500 veterans across the country so far. Paul says the two state branches he manages focus on offering guitar lessons, including a free 10-week program with an instructor that teaches veterans guitar basics.   

“The program is quite a simple format. After the veteran completes a short application, I find out where they reside and then coordinate the lessons with an instructor in their area,” Paul says. 

“In addition to covering the fee for the lessons provided, if a veteran doesn’t own a guitar, we will gift them one to keep.”

Woodford RSL Sub Branch President Steve McClintock and Paul Malone 

Paul says the program not only offers the joy of music but also strives to assist veterans on a deeper level. 

“For veterans who are having mental health troubles, it gives them an outlet and something to focus on,” Paul explains.  

“More than that, I’ve had one-on-one interactions with clients when delivering them a guitar and it has brought tears to their eyes. The program shows veterans that we care and are thinking of them.” 

Paul has also introduced G4VA to Woodford RSL Sub Branch members. Three veteran members have done the program so far and Paul recently signed up Sub Branch Vice President Steve McClintock, gifting him a red bass guitar for his lessons.  

Steve, who served 23 years full time as an Aircraft Avionics Engineer in the Royal Australian Navy, says he has always wanted to learn how to play guitar. After chatting with Paul and hearing his passion, he was inspired to give it a go.

“It is a great opportunity to try something different and learn a new hobby or skill,” Steve says.  

“Once I have completed my lessons, I plan to give the bass guitar back to Paul so he can pass it on to another veteran.” 

Spreading the joy of music 

While G4VA is grateful for all the donations it receives, which allow the program to continue, Paul says the team has come up with some creative initiatives to fundraise and promote the organisation. 

“We have some wonderful musician ambassadors who promote us through their tours, concerts and events,” Paul says. 

“I am also particularly proud of the two albums we have created, which feature our ambassadors. In our latest album, David, Jim and I recorded a song each. Mine is called ‘Where Words Fail’, so that was pretty special – a dream come true, really.” 

Through this awareness, G4VA has also received many guitar donations from people around the country and Paul says these guitars are being put to good use.  

Paul is hoping to get more veterans involved in learning guitar

“We either gift the guitars to veteran clients or, if they are unplayable, we give them to local artists to turn into pieces of art,” Pauls says. 

“It is our ‘Rhythm Art’ program, which has the catchcry, ‘No Guitar Left Behind’.  

“The transformation of these guitars is just incredible and selling these art pieces is another way we can fundraise and create more exposure for the program.” 

Proud of what his two branches have been able to accomplish so far, Paul hopes he can welcome more veterans and introduce more activities like group or jam sessions. 

“It gives me joy to help or support someone who needs it, and I hope the program continues to grow and thrive for years to come.” 

For more information visit: g4va.org.au or facebook.com/G4VAustralia.