By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
FOR three ‘young veterans’, 41 days of trekking from Wilson’s Promontory to the tip of Cape York ended in a minute’s silence on 11 November.
Shane Dixon, Christopher May and Katie Batham, all ex-servicepeople of the south-east Melbourne based group Young Veterans, held their own Remembrance Day service at the Australian mainland’s northernmost point.
It co-incided with Berwick veteran Christopher’s 26th birthday and the end of a relentless journey via schools, RSLs and community centres across the continent.
Travelling in two ex-Army Land Rovers donated by Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL, the group spread the word that struggling young veterans weren’t alone, and support such as counselling was available.
It was a fitting way to end the journey that started with a phone call between mates two years ago, Christopher’s brother and co-founder Scott May.
Mr May stayed back in Pakenham for this mission, but spoke to his brother Christopher before the group started on the long road home.
“We achieved the goal we set out to achieve – that is raising awareness with a younger group of veterans in the community.
“It’s been a good stepping stone to open that door, to open that line of communication with young and older veterans.
“We want to say that the RSL can offer more than a cheap pot of beer and a meal to the younger veterans.”
During the trek, the group touched base with ex-service vets, who were injured and for whatever reason had not accessed support services.
Some were given a bit of a boost by hopping in for a drive with the Young Veterans convoy.
That convoy of vehicles was symbolic of veterans in a way – they’re older and no longer required for military service, Mr May says.
It’s not just the horrifically injured vets that have needs, there’s the mentally scarred and those struggling to fit back into civilian life.
“I think the government at the time when the Afghanistan (conflict) was at the fullest point, it was unprepared for the flood of demand.
“The systems are in place now but people don’t know they’re there.
“I think the RSL need to pick up the slack and welcome the veterans in.”
The convoy also discovered a deep well of good will with RSL clubs, other ex-service groups such as Cam’s Cause, Soldier On and Veterans off the Streets.
On the way, there were emotional points such as during the hand-delivery of quilts made by Berwick group Quilts of Valour to veterans.
“The amount of blokes contacting us to say thank you (for the quilts), who were moved by receiving that as a gift.
“That’s what we’re about – people connecting and helping each other.
“There’s a lot of good will out there. It’s just people don’t know what to do with it.”
On their return, there are further activities planned for vets such as sailing on Port Phillip, as well as weekend camps and motorbike rides.
For details visit youngveterans.com.au
