Something for everyone as RSL Active growth captures hearts around the State
The first half of 2024 has shown continued success for RSL Victoria’s veteran support program, RSL Active.
RSL Active is designed to support the physical health and wellbeing of veterans and their families through a wide range of programs and activities aimed at improving physical and mental health.
In the past few months, Keilor East, Caroline Springs, Ringwood, Lakes Entrance and Frankston Sub-Branches have all signed up, adding to the long and growing list of RSL Sub-Branches that offer the program.
“Having RSL Active continue to expand around the State is a great outcome for veterans and their families, allowing them even more access to a variety of events,” said Salina Parton, RSL Active Program Officer.
From coffee catchups to chess, walks, golf – both the mini and ‘normal’ kinds – smash room experiences and fitness classes, there is something on offer catering to a wide range of participants, their interests and capabilities.
Peter Bellion is a long-time participant in RSL Active events. During his almost 30-year career in the police force, Peter attended and investigated more than 2000 roadside fatalities, along with other confronting tragedies and threats to his own personal safety.
The former police officer suffered chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from his service.
RSL Active is a free service, not only for defence veterans, but also first responders and their immediate families. As a former first responder, Peter is thankful that the program and all that it offers is open to him.
As part of his ongoing path to mental health and wellbeing, Peter joined RSL Active-run yoga sessions about five years ago, which he said has been beneficial to his recovery.
It helped reduce my anxiety levels and I learnt how to do full body scan meditation session, which I was then using just about every night at that witching hour, 1am to 2am in the morning, when the PTSD would typically kick in overnight and I would wake up hot sweats, shakes, bloated gut tremors, all that sort of stuff. It would help bring that down and allow me to go back to sleep again.
PETER BELLION
More recently Peter’s been involved in scale modelling, a regular feature of RSL Active where participants create miniature models of larger subjects. Peter also finds it very beneficial for mental health struggles.
COMING UP NEXT
Adding to the program’s momentum, this November RSL Active is once again sending an all-veteran team to the Wheelchair AFL National Championships, known this year as the Toyota AFL Open, being held in Queensland in November.
RSL Active has a strong history with the event, with an all-veteran team playing in the Championships since 2017.
Nine participants will be sent to Queensland to represent the RSL Active wheelchair AFL team in the week-long event.
The positive impact experienced by veterans competing in the event cannot be underestimated.
Andi Kauer joined the Australian Army in 1995, serving with 26 Transport Squadron as a Driver. She transitioned to the Army Reserves in 2004, before finishing her time in service as Military Police when medically separated in 2008.
She first competed in the 2023 Wheelchair AFL National Championships.
I was looking for a way to stay active and connect with others.
ANDI KAUER
Andi said every game and training session is filled with encouragement and respect and the camaraderie and support within the team are unparalleled.
“The RSL Active Wheelchair AFL team, is more than just a sports team; it’s a family that lifts each other and celebrated every victory, big or small.”
RSL Victoria will bring you further updates about the RSL Active team and their progress over the coming months.
