Supporting Veterans in Canberra
The Vietnam Veterans Federation started in Canberra many years ago and has been instrumental in looking after veterans from all conflicts. Most of our work is in helping veterans in their dealings with the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are many support groups available to veterans and we interact with them on the veterans behalf. We represent them in processing their initial claims, Advocate for them at the Veterans Review Board and take the cases further to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal if necessary. We optimize the quality of life as the effects of their service take a toll on their health.
One of the recurring patterns among veterans is the tendency to social isolation. For many suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the simple acts such as shopping or being in a crowded place can trigger terrifying emotions. As a result, they withdraw, and spend a lot of time alone.
Our efforts here have often been described as "the walking wounded helping the walking wounded" What we offer is a chance for the veterans to talk to us in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere about their problems and to act for them in their efforts to have their cases heard.
We provide a venue for our 500 plus members to get together socially. We have developed workshops for Metal work and Carpentry and have a computer facility. We have groups that are set up for teaching cooking, Veterans Voices male choir, garden maintenance, hospital visiting of veterans, golf, walking, and home visiting. We have a Food Van for fundraising and that can be seen at the various shows around Canberra and Queanbeyan. There is also a Garage sale every month at our Page centre which is very popular.
For many veterans it's the first time in years that they have actually been able to relax and enjoy each others company. Many veterans are still unable to handle the larger groups and they are able to just work away at their own pace. We are all volunteers and enjoy the companionship and the ability to help each other and fellow veterans.
We are thankful to the Vikings Group for the ongoing support that they have provided the Federation. The Club has been a long term supporter of our endeavours and has assisted us over the years with support for building projects that we have undertaken at our Page residence, carers courses that we have run and the provision of items for our computer room.
We can be contacted on 02 6255 1599 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, or email vvfact@internode.on.net We also have a very informative website www.vvfact.org.au which details our latest information and events. Our address is 3 Burkitt St Page 2614.