Paul Reilly gives us this report from our meeting several weeks ago (pre-lockdown);
We were fortunate to listen to a presentation by Adam Kent at this week's meeting, and we all left much wiser with renewed admiration for vets and their work post-service. A measure of a presentation is how engaged the audience were and whether they left knowing more than they did - this one ticked both boxes. A few of the main take-aways for me were:
- understanding how and why RSL Active came into being. Being driven by the grass roots rather than those above will always deliver what is needed and create that engagement, and this is what has happened;
- not an edict from above, but those on the ground helping each other out;
- RSL Active is wanting, and achieving wide spread community engagement, which helps its members, primarily vets, feel a sense of belonging that they often miss once they are back in civvies;
- a series of photos showed the development of the group in Warrnambool from a group of men…..to men, women and children, vets and others, Warrnambool and beyond;
- community connection by coffee and breakfast at various locations around town. The members pay, providing a sense of buy-in;
- many success stories and a few shared. Success being an individual’s re-engagement with family and the community;
- it’s importance is obvious, and many can see that, and RSL Active is slowly talking to corporations about sponsorship;
- “Open Arms” is also now active in Warrnambool and this provides counselling for veterans and families;
- the group plan and partake in many activities (COVID permitting) which are open to all.
Overall an excellent presentation delivered by passionate member of the vets community, focussed on making the wider community a better place.
We thank Paul for this report and thank Adam for taking the time to talk to our club.