Local Ipswich veteran gives back to his community one coffee and conversation at a time

Through the support of Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch, DrugARM, and the Salvation Army, the former Warrant Officer has been able to fit out a vehicle with a small kitchenette that supplies coffee and morning tea twice a week to veterans and the local community. 

“The vehicle is set up with hot and cold water urns, an Esky, and coffee making facilities that all slide out the back of the car and hang over the tailgate,” Dave says.  

Every Monday morning since March this year, Dave travels in his special vehicle to Coles Springfield to collect donated food on behalf of the Salvation Army, then drives to the park across the road from Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch to offer morning tea for veterans and those in need. 

“It’s a great, non-committal opportunity for veterans or the homeless community to have a coffee and a chat in the park.”  

Support through collaboration 

Dave says facilitating this endeavour wouldn’t be possible without the support he receives from RSL Moreton District and Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch. 

“The Sub Branch has been very supportive of my collaboration with DrugARM and the Salvation Army, and agreed to fund the Monday morning tea service,” Dave says. 

“The Sub Branch has not only been supportive with their money, but also their time. They come down and join us for morning tea when they can, and if things are getting busy in the park they come and help, which is really appreciated given they’re such a busy Sub Branch. 

“The District has also been incredibly supportive and was quick to purchase the Esky for the vehicle when I said that it might be helpful in winter, which I’m very thankful for.”  

Previously a member of Boonah RSL Sub Branch, Dave last year joined Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch as it was closer to home, following recommendations from a few people. 

“The icing on the cake for me was the fact that Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch looks after its members and the veteran community, even if they aren’t members. For me, that’s what a Sub Branch should be doing. 

“They’ve also developed a real sense of community within their Sub Branch; no matter the day, you can go in, have a cup of coffee and someone will be there to have a chat with.” 

Building a sense of community 

This sense of community is what also drives Dave to participate in other volunteering initiatives that help veterans, their families and the local community. 

“On Tuesdays I go to Wounded Heroes at Bundamba to have a chinwag with whoever comes in from the veteran community,” Dave says. 

On Fridays, he hosts morning tea for veterans and every third Friday of the month, he holds a hot lunch in the local youth hall for those in need, including non-veterans.  

“Numbers are slowly growing at the lunch with not only veterans, but also first responders and prison workers coming along to enjoy a hot meal and a yarn,” Dave says. 

“These guys are going through similar trials and tribulations, not unlike us veterans are, and we have the opportunity to sit there and talk to someone different. 

“It’s pretty rewarding to watch everyone come together over lunch and hear their conversations about their lived experiences.” 

Dave largely attributes his desire to help veterans and those in need to the support he received when he needed it most. 

“In 2011, my wife told me I needed to see a doctor – even though my gut feeling at the time was, ‘There was no problem with me; it was with the world,” he says. 

“When I started seeing my current doctor, she made me realise after a while that I did in fact have problems – but they could be fixed.  

“That realisation spurred me on to think if I’m like that, maybe there are others out there that I can help.  

“There’s no expectation to come along to the morning tea or lunches, but I do invite the local community to come down, enjoy a coffee, the camaraderie and a chat.”