How social connection can support following transition
Transitioning from the Defence Force to civilian life can have a significant impact on a veteran’s mental health and wellbeing.
Reaching veterans in regional Australia
17 June 2022
“It is fantastic to see our Cairns community growing and enjoying the variety of social activities happening around the region from stand-up paddle boarding at Tinaroo to exploring Green Island to macrame and pottery classes or even just a coffee and a chat in the office,” said Cairns Senior Liaison Officer, Sam.
For veterans and family members impacted by service who would like to drop into the Cairns office, it is located at The Pier Cairns, 1 Pier Point Road, Cairns City 4870.
The team is here to support you
For those who aren’t located in our outreach areas or near a Mates4Mates Family Recovery Centre, we do offer regular online social connection activities to help veterans and family members experiencing social isolation.
Through a wide range of social connection activities, our liaison officers online and on the ground are here to support veterans and their families who have been impacted by service.
To get in contact with your local Mates4Mates centre, contact 1300 4 MATES or visit mates4mates.org.
We know that everyone can benefit from support, no matter where they live, which is why Mates4Mates holds activities and programs in a number of regional, outreach areas across Australia.
Currently, there are regular social connection and wellbeing activities in Toowoomba, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Mackay, Bundaberg, Cairns, and around Tasmania, including Burnie and Launceston, and programs in other areas across Australia.
With dedicated liaison officers operating out of Launceston, Cairns, and Ipswich, we delve a little deeper into how we are supporting veterans and their families impacted by service in these areas.
Expanding services in Launceston
This year we have grown our Tasmanian team to provide more outreach activities to the North and Northwest, with two liaison officers now supporting the veteran community in these locations.
What started with a simple coffee catch-up in Launceston has now grown to see veterans and families attending a monthly walk and brunch, yoga sessions, kayaking, rock climbing, and much more.
“Increasing Mates4Mates services in the North and Northwest of Tasmania has been instrumental in reaching the growing number of contemporary veterans that are returning home after service or making the move to a peaceful spot to live,” explained Tasmania’s Regional Manager, Cathy.
“The building of regular social connection opportunities across Tasmania has also reinforced the value and focus of Mates4Mates to support all our veterans and families impacted by service regardless of their location,” added Launceston Liaison Officer, Sandie.
Going from strength to strength in Ipswich
With a large volume of current and ex-serving Defence Force personnel and family located outside of Brisbane, Ipswich has been a popular area for engaging with Mates.
“Ipswich veterans are always keen for a good coffee catch-up and to take part in the range of activities we have on offer, especially at school holiday time. It has been great to see the Mates4Mates community in this area continue to grow,” shared Ipswich Senior Liaison Officer, Rob.
The great news is there is something for everyone with Mini Mates Family Days, ten pin bowling, cemetery ghost tours, art museum exhibitions, and more.
Opening the doors in Cairns
As the demand for Mates4Mates and its services has grown in Far North Queensland, we opened a dedicated Cairns office to provide support to the veteran community in this area, who now have a place to visit and connect.“It is fantastic to see our Cairns community growing and enjoying the variety of social activities happening around the region from stand-up paddle boarding at Tinaroo to exploring Green Island to macrame and pottery classes or even just a coffee and a chat in the office,” said Cairns Senior Liaison Officer, Sam.
For veterans and family members impacted by service who would like to drop into the Cairns office, it is located at The Pier Cairns, 1 Pier Point Road, Cairns City 4870.
The team is here to support you
For those who aren’t located in our outreach areas or near a Mates4Mates Family Recovery Centre, we do offer regular online social connection activities to help veterans and family members experiencing social isolation.
Through a wide range of social connection activities, our liaison officers online and on the ground are here to support veterans and their families who have been impacted by service.
To get in contact with your local Mates4Mates centre, contact 1300 4 MATES or visit mates4mates.org.
