It's what we're about

“I wake up in my tent to the sound of magpies singing in the pre-dawn light. It’s been a cold night in the bush at Glen Mervyn Dam near Collie. Homeless, a car that’s unlicensed and broken down, and just my old dog to keep me company, things are not looking good. My time in the Army has taught me strength and resilience – but it’s getting hard” – Justin.

“I was contacted by Veterans Affairs and advised that Justin was living rough and wasn’t coping well. I provided Veterans Affairs with my contact details for Justin to contact me” – Gary (Collie-Cardiff RSL Secretary)

In early August the team from Collie RSL swung into gear and retrieved Justin’s car, his tent, belongings, and faithful hound and relocated them all to Gary’s house in Collie where he moved into the vacant “granny flat” and his dog is safe to roam in a fenced yard.

With funding from the RSL Welfare Fund and member’s support:

• The car is now registered after significant repairs (ECU, broken keys, headlights unroadworthy).

• A trailer has been donated for when Justin decides to travel east to employment in QLD.

Justin is now an active member of the Collie RSL assisting when possible, cutting wood for older members fires, and providing hands on support for all Collie RSL functions and cook-ups.

“This is what RSL’s are about – supporting veterans, ex-servicemen and their families and the members of Collie-RSL do it in spades!” – Marco (Collie-Cardiff RSL President).

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