Afraa Kori
Veteran Gabi and James Warnett from Bundoora, is a testament to service, community and family.
They participated in the RSL Active Melbourne Zoo Family Day Out, held on September 21.
Veterans, first responders, and their immediate family members also enjoyed a day out at the zoo with entry fees, scavenger hunt, and lunch provided.
James said it was encouraging to see the defence community reconnecting, families exchanging stories, and children meeting others their age that they wouldn’t usually in other environments.
“RSL Active is good for bringing people I didn’t know were in Melbourne. At a past event, there was a person I hadn’t seen for 10 years and didn’t realise he was living in Melbourne until we went along to one of these events,” he said.
“It’s fun every time we do it, like meeting old people that I haven’t seen, or you don’t know from different parts of the base. So if you’re new to Melbourne or any city they’re working out of, it’s really good to meet other people in the same community base. I encourage future families to just come along to them, it shows you parts of the city, town or an area that you probably wouldn’t go to.”
RSL Active program officer Jacob Gossage said the response from the defence community was overwhelmingly positive at RSL Active Melbourne Zoo Family Day Out.
“It was overwhelming the amount of the veterans and their spouses that approached our team to thank us for hosting the day. It was reassuring to know that the day was enjoyable and meant something to those able to attend,” he said.
“This is just one of many activities and events that are held around the entire state of Victoria. RSL sub-branches consistently volunteer their time to host these events as well, making sure our veterans, first responders, and their families can be consistently supported and experience activities they may not be able to otherwise.”
Being a defence family posted to different parts of Australia can be challenging, however the RSL program has helped Warnett’s family.
“I enjoy getting to see all parts of Australia. I’ve grown up in Melbourne, so like we’ve come back here for a few years now, but I’m keen to go off to somewhere else I haven’t been,” James said.
“It is a little bit tough on the kids when we move, especially as they have gotten older and in school. Like they make friends in school and then we move, so this is definitely the hardest challenge we’ve had but they adapt well. They make new friends and some of the other defences kids have, and they meet later on.”
This program focuses on physical health, mental health, and social connection to connect like-minded and like-experienced participants in an environment where they have the opportunity to focus on themselves and avoid social isolation, a known risk factor in military suicide.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman said it’s important to prioritise the health and wellbeing of those who put everything on the line for us.
“Veterans have given so much for our state and nation – the RSL Active program is one way we’re supporting the health and wellbeing of veterans, within a community who understands them and their experiences. Our continued support for RSL Active is about providing additional support, engagement and opportunities to boost the health and wellbeing of our veterans.”
RSL Active was launched in 2016, with more than $600,000 in funding from the Victorian Government over the past five years and a further $300,000 from 2024-25.
This initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s broader commitment to support veterans and their families to thrive in their civilian lives, including through programs such as the Veterans Card – Victoria and the VPS Veterans Employment Strategy.
