𝗥𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲: 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗦𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗖
It’s no secret that for some veterans, the battles don’t stop when they return to civilian life. Trauma, stress, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts can haunt ex-service men and women, taking a brutal toll on veterans and those who love them. And that’s where SMEAC INC. comes in.
The veteran-run, veteran-operated charity understands the challenges faced by ex-servicepeople and their families, and Camp SMEAC lies at the heart of their wraparound support. The 50ac bush block on the beautiful Sunny Coat hinterland is a refuge, offering bespoke medical, psychological and allied health support, help with navigating the complexities of claims assessments, and simple, vital connection. It’s an exceptional holistic service and facility supporting veteran families across Qld – it just needed a bit of elbow grease. And that’s where our troops come in.
Jon Friend is one of dozens of ex-service personnel working at Ergon Energy Network and Energex. Keen to lend a hand at Camp SMEAC, he put out feelers on the offchance just in case any colleagues might be interested in helping refurbish the camp’s old dormitories and amenities. Jon was hoping for a couple of offsiders. Instead, he got a mini-army: 30 workmates from across the area volunteered, including a number of fellow ex-defence personnel.
Over two monster days, our team cleaned, sanded, painted, laid flooring, built gardens, and created private outdoor areas which will be used by veterans and their families to connect, regroup and recover. Some of our team who travelled hours to help camped out overnight to deliver maximum bang for their volunteering buck.
For SMEAC Inc, the result was “magnificent”. “What your team did in such a short period of time was far more than (we) anticipated. They worked tirelessly…it was a great initiative, for a great cause, undertaken by great people.” Right back at you, Team SMEAC 🙌
Camp SMEAC is a reminder of the immense price paid by those who serve our country, and the debt we all owe them – something to ponder as Remembrance Day approaches.
#lestweforget #veteranshelpingveterans #ADF #RemembranceDay2024 #RSLQld
📸 1. Many hands make light work – our volunteers
📸 2. Mat, Aaron, Marshall, Jon, Nathan & Gary
📸 3. Rick
📸 4. Angus
📸 5. Aedan, Jono, Kaden, Jamie, Nick & Nick
📸 6. Will, Renee & Matt
📸 7. Tom & Justin
📸 8. Steve, Aaron & Tim
📸 9. Daryl & Ash
📸 10. SMEAC Inc is doing extraordinary work for veterans and service families.