Update #1 2024

So far this year, we have been marching forward with a skip in our step. Thank you! We successfully delivered TA26 at Rainbow Bay, fielded many requests for individual support and been highly active in promoting well-being in various DVA, ADF and ESO forums. We conducted a successful recon in Timor-Leste in January, fostering positive relationships and promoting the 25th Anniversary of Timor-Leste operations in 2024, with all conditions established for successful, and large, TA programs in April and September 2024. Our Executive Officer has been implementing online forms for onboarding participants and volunteers, evaluations, as well as ‘Monday.com’ project management software and other systems; exceptional work!

We have been actively engaged with the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association, exploring pathways of mutual support for our veterans. We have had numerous discussions, and soon we will be presenting to the RSA and other ESOs in NZ. They are enthusiastic about the prospect of adopting activities and methodology from Timor Awakening, appreciative that we have embraced NZ veterans and families, with a view to inviting Australian veterans to a range of future programs they are planning.

Over In the next quarter, we will be reaching out for support in various aspects of our organisation. I have asked members of the committee to recruit one or two people into each of the teams. We need help in IT, media/communications, partnerships and fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and an assistant Treasurer to take over from Jeff, who will be transitioning out later this year. Profound appreciation to Jeff McLaren for his incredible work staying on top of finances through tough medical challenges recently.

Recognition and thanks to our Partnerships team, who have conducted high level meetings with DVA, RSL QLD, SPAHs/St Georges Defence Suites and Mr Nev Power. Our programs, reporting and conduct continue to be praised and continued ongoing financial support. We continue to appeal for external financial funding for TA participants from the ADF and DVA. We appreciate the support of all of our friends with links to companies, especially the Defence Industry,  who might consider VCA as part of their corporate sponsorships.

We appeal to our wider veteran community to seek out media opportunities this year, being the 25th Anniversary of contemporary Australian operations in Timor-Leste. This is an opportunity to bring into Australian consciousness the extensive military and veteran relationship we have had with Timor-Leste since 1941. We have suggested that 20 September be considered as Timor-Leste Veterans Day to incorporate all who have served in Timor-Leste, including veterans of WW2, UNAMET, INTERFET, UNTAET, UNMISET, UNOTIL, ISF (JTF 631), UNMIT. We have thousands of photos and experiences of the last 8 years to tell incredible, inspiring and good stories, reflections, challenges, and triumphs.

Thank you all for your efforts. We have started the year very strong. See enclosed (hyperlink the feedback form) the feedback from the last program, which give us the ‘Why?’ we do this. More great work to follow in 2024, I am proud and grateful to be part of this team.

Wishing you all love and happiness this Easter,

Mick Stone, President VCA

Dear friends, this Easter, please “experience the love of God, and love your neighbour in some practical way”. 

This year, I will be assisting with the Easter services at Saint Benedict’s Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. One of the lay leaders at Mudgeeraba is former Lt. Col. Guy Bagot, who was a mentor to me at the 8/9 RAR and Army headquarters many years ago. He continues to be active in his vibrant hinterland parish community.  Guy will assist me in narrating the amazing Gospel story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Subsequently, I will reflect upon how our own life, death and resurrection into new life can be inspired by Jesus’ example.

No doubt, after the services, we will reflect on the lives of some of our tribe members who have passed through the vale of death recently, like Battle of Coral veteran Bruno Flematti, DCM, who passed this week. I’m sure there was much joy in heaven, and lots of catchups when Bruno arrived back home. 

Easter offers us hope in a loving God who desires that we experience love, joy and peace in this life, and the next ,  but also asks us to go beyond ourselves to love our neighbours,  to care for our mates, as well as anyone in particular need. I’m conscious that for those without family close by, Easter could be a lonely time. May we reach out and contact those that come to mind over these days?

When we pass through the vale of death, we will not be asked about how many medals or riches or titles we have gained, we will be asked to account for how we have cared for those in need. Commitment to compassion and caring for others is the fundamental human virtue that Jesus gave witness to. That remains our primary mission, too.

Happy Easter.

With love from your Padre, Gary Stone

Timor Awakening 26 Gold Coast, 16 to 24 January 2024. TA26 was an 8-day peer support wellness program at St George's Defence Suites, Rainbow Bay, QLD. There were 30 participants, which included 9 peer mentors and 6 support crew. Several supervised family members were there for parts or all of the program. The program was well received, as demonstrated in the report. Thank you to all involved in developing and executing the program. Special thank you to wellness expert Jenn Jeffries for her presentation, to John White for continuing to inspire us, to Bill and Barbara from Quilts of Valour, Veterans Health Association, Dave Freeman and Sean De Gelder at Veterans Health Garden. Thanks to our wide team in making the program a success.

As we continue to grow and evolve as an organisation, we will introduce several new policies and procedures to ensure we operate in the most effective way possible to achieve our mission. 

Since the AGM in November 2023, the Management Committee have approved two changes that affect volunteers within the organisation.

• Letter of Engagement & Code of Conduct

• Peer Mentor Training and Selection Policy

These new policies are also aligned with the strategic planning framework developed during our time on the Gold Coast in June 2023. If you want to review these changes, please check them at the links below.

Timor Awakening 2024 are fully booked (indeed we are taking well more than usual), with large waitlists.

TA27 in Timor-Leste, 20 Apr to 3 May 24. 28 participants and 8 peer mentors.

TA28 in Gold Coast, 15 to 23 June 23 (peer support development). 24 participants. 

TA29 in Timor-Leste, 14 to 24 Sep 24. 29 participants and 10 peer mentors.

VCA Retreat, Nov 24. This year’s retreat theme is fun, social connection and healing.

Western Australia Domestic Pilot Programme:

We are currently in the planning stages of conducting a pilot programme in WA in late 2024. The pilot programme will be a condensed version of our existing domestic program.

Dates for 2025 Programs have been tentatively set at the following dates:

TA30 - 15-23 February 2025

TA31 - 23 April - 3 May 2025

TA32 - 14-23 June 2025

TA33 - TBC

It has been an excellent start to the year, and it is exciting to see everything coming together. As we continue to evolve and develop as an organisation and community, please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

Also any questions in relation to the new policies and procedures included in this update, please also reach out to me, and I will do my best to answer them.

Email: jasontaane@veteranscare.com.au
Phone: 0484301780