Services helping veterans and their families

Find help

As RSL Queensland evolves to meet the changing needs of our Defence family, a host of innovative services are being offered to improve the overall quality of life for veterans.

Kate Brauns and her family are an example of how RSL Queensland can step in at different times with practical assistance that effects positive change.

“Our family has had a lot of interaction with RSL Queensland,” says Kate.

“My perception of RSL Queensland prior to all of this was that it was just for an older generation and not necessarily something we could access. But RSL Queensland is definitely for young veterans now. It’s somewhere you can go to ask for assistance.”

Kate and her husband Mick live in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and have two children – seven-year-old Henry and four-year-old Rose. Mick served in the Army for over eight years, during which time he did one tour of East Timor and two tours of Iraq. Kate met him two years after he discharged.

In 2015, several years after leaving Defence, Mick experienced an incident that triggered his post-traumatic stress disorder. It drastically affected both his home and work life.

“It came to a point where Mick wasn’t able to go to work every day and that was becoming a problem because I was a stay-at-home mum,” explains Kate.

DVA ADVOCATE WAS PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING

They sought advice and were put in contact with RSL Queensland advocate Jason, who helped Mick get his Department of Veterans’ Affairs claim processed. Mick now receives incapacity payments, which is helping the Brauns move forward with their lives.

“Our RSL advocate was basically a whiz. Jason put together all of Mick’s DVA claims and even provided us with food and petrol vouchers when we had no income. He was very patient and understanding and he’s become a really good friend,” says Kate.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM OPENS DOORS

With her husband unable to work, Kate faced the intimidating prospect of re-entering the workforce. But she didn’t want just any job; her goal was to find a meaningful career.

“I realised that all my previous jobs had just been a job. It had never been anything I was particularly interested in.

“I’ve been interested in surveying for a long time. I’ve always liked maps and location and anything relating to surveying.”

Kate was studying surveying online through the University of Southern Queensland, but it was becoming increasingly difficult as her husband’s health deteriorated.

At Jason’s suggestion, Kate applied for the RSL Queensland Scholarship Program for partners and her application was accepted. The scholarship helped pay for tuition fees and study items.

“I think further education for veterans or their partners can be invaluable to taking them to the next phase of their life,” explains Kate.

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM GIVES KATE ENCOURAGEMENT

Kate was then referred to the RSL Employment Program, where staff reviewed her resume, coached her through interview techniques and encouraged her to seek work experience.

She soon found a work placement with the Downes Group, a surveying, town planning and land development consultancy practice.

“It’s been really good working with the Downes Group while I’m still studying. They’ve given me the opportunity to get my hands on the equipment and the instruments and really put into practice what I’ve been learning.”

They have also been very accepting of her home situation – young children and Mick’s limitations – something Kate is extremely grateful for.

Downes Group Operations Director Tony Vella says the business operates with family values and is proud to support the community.

“Being able to help RSL Queensland provide support to families that have served is extremely important to our company,” says Tony.

“Kate has fitted in very well with the team and is popular with everyone she’s worked with. She is a very, very bright person and certainly flexible.”

COFFEE AND A CHAT AT MATES4MATES

The Brauns were also introduced to RSL Queensland’s sister organisation, Mates4Mates, and joined the fortnightly coffee meetup, which allows them to connect with similar people in the Defence community.

“We still do that to this day. It’s been a really good social outlet to just go and have a coffee and have a chat with people that understand,” explains Kate.

TIMOR AWAKENING HELPED MICK REHABILITATE

During his recovery, Mick participated in Timor Awakening, a rehabilitation and community engagement program run by RSL Queensland’s partner Veterans Care. Although initially hesitant to return to East Timor, where he had some very negative experiences, the tour allowed him to see firsthand the progress of the country and its people.

“In the end he was really, really glad he did it and he’s actually hoping to go again,” says Kate.

REACH OUT FOR HELP

Kate’s view of RSL Queensland has radically changed in recent years. She now strongly encourages other members of the Defence community to approach the organisation if they need assistance.

“I would definitely highly recommend veterans, or their partners, get in touch with RSL Queensland for any sort of assistance. You can get in touch either through your local Sub Branch or you can call the state office.”

ACCESS RSL QUEENSLAND SERVICES

To find out how RSL Queensland can support you, contact 134 RSL, email vs@rslqld.org or search our services here.

Find help