DEFENCE FORCE Veterans Compensation & Welfare Advice

Advice for Serving and Ex-Serving Military Personal and their Families WWW.YOUNGDIGGERS.COM.AU What’s in this edition?

Letter from the President ...... 4 Tucker Dave Conquers His Military Demons...... 6 Dog Sponsorship...... 8 Josh New and his Dog ...... 10 Drive For Diggers...... 14 Bush Camps Program...... 16 Health Seminars...... 18 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)...... 20 Enoggerra Open Day 2015...... 28 Open Day 2015 ...... 29 For the Fallen...... 30 In memory of ...... 32 How do I get my dog to jacket?...... 34

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Hi all, 2015 has kicked off with a great surge in Progress on our F100 is moving along with membership and a continued growth in the dog the arrival of the tray from the US and Vass squad and dogs for diggers. A big welcome doing lots of welding and Adonis and Collin to Dave and Sarbi into our dog squad, for and the lads preparing the cabin for painting, those who don’t know Sarbi went missing in looking good. Afghanistan for a year, and has a book written about her. Also Tex and Bundy, bundy rides Young Diggers Advocacy team has expanded on the petrol tank of Tex’s motor bike and has to Victoria and is kicking some goals and doing traveled around 700,000klms to date raising a great job. , our senior DVA claims officer money for charity. is grateful for the reduction in his work load. Next is Townsville and Darwin with permanent Dogs for Diggers is a program operated by the offices and advocates and hopefully real soon Bathurst Correctional Centre where inmates a Bunker in each area. are taught to train dogs from rescue centres to an incredible standard and at around 6 months The mental health care seminars for the family the dogs are donated to young diggers. This is members will be starting in April and will be because of the great work done by Manager on Skype this year for those who aren’t local Bill Fittler, his assistant Louise Kelly and to Brisbane. This program is designed to help supervisor Scott Keen and our trainer Tenika give the tools to the family members to look Priestly. Dogs for Diggers saves the dogs, and after their loved one suffering with PTSD. helps with the rehabilitation of the inmates and then helps save our troops. This year we are going to have family and also partner days at the bunker starting monthly This year we have brought our dog training into so if you are interested please email me. line with the international standards and a large [email protected] group of dogs and handlers are undergoing their PAT, the assistance dog test. So far no Drive for Diggers truck, the Ambo, is getting failures. Well done guys and girls and trainers. real close to being ready. John is on the final We are sponsoring eight of our members on repairs etc and has done the rego. It’s looking a national certificate 4 dog training course good and sounds great with new extractor through TAFE, with Steve and Vicki Austin exhaust system. Just the internal fit out and being the trainers, this year. they are off.

Our bush camps are starting again this March Jonesy is getting ready to set up his racing and will be held monthly and we have offered team and you should hear his Audi, it’s our assistance to Trojan Treck for their bush awesome. Veterans | Families | Eligible ADF camp in Queensland this August. John Jarrett, President

4 Australian Government 5 Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service www.vvcs.gov.au Tucker Dave Conquers His Military Demons BY OLIVIA LAMBERT

He runs at least 10 kilometres a day and said when he felt like giving up he heard his mates in his head, yelling at him to keep going.

“Just like when I was in the army,” he said.

Mr Snell made the decision to start his cause last Tuesday and has already raised more than $3000.

He was inspired after seeing Mount ex-serviceman Joshua New with his dog Lucky.

AFTER 10 years in the army, former military “After seeing the bond between them I left man David Snell knows all too well the effects Josh’s house saying ‘I have to do something’,” it can have on some soldiers. Mr Snell said.

And after seeing recruits suffering from post- “Since getting Lucky everyone has seen so traumatic stress disorder and the spike in much a difference in him.” suicides, Mr Snell decided to take a step forward to help the battlers back on track. His aim was to raise $7500 to train three assistance dogs but said if the support he He is preparing to climb Mount Bogong, the received so far continued, he’d be able to highest mountain in Victoria, to raise money donate enough money to train five. for Young Diggers Dog Squad, a program that trains dogs to assist serving and ex-serving A tattoo reading “Lest We Forget” on Mr Snell’s Australian Defence Force members dealing bicep was part of his healing process after with post-traumatic stress. leaving the army and is a way he can share his story and make others aware of the issue. Mr Snell will challenge himself with four strenuous activities throughout the year. After To donate visit the website: conquering Mount Bogong, he will prepare to mycause.com.au/page/89179/ David Snell will climb Mount Bogong as part of the Run for Diggers fundraiser. climb Mount Kosciuszko before competing in runfordiggers. Picture: KYLIE ESLER the City to Surf and the Melbourne Marathon.

6 7 Dog Sponsorship Proud to support DECEMBER 2014 Is your group or business interested in sponsoring a Dog? the Young Diggers The Young Diggers Dog Squad is training rescued dogs to become Assistance Dogs to support the rehabilitation of our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who are dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Dog Squad Disorders (PTSD). This program is helping more than just the individuals. The Dog Squad helps Defence families to better cope with the effects of PTSD and saves the lives of abandoned dogs. The Defence Bank Foundation is an independent charity (separate to the operations of Defence Bank). We established The Dog Squad is run entirely by the volunteers at Young Diggers and groups and businesses the Foundation to provide support to ill, wounded and to sponsor dogs to continue running the program. disadvantaged serving and former Australian Defence Force members. It costs $2,500 to Sponsor a Dog through the Dog Squad program. Your sponsorship will rescue an abandoned dog and cover its We have chosen the Young Diggers Dog Squad as our primary expenses whilst it is training to become an beneficiary of our fundraising efforts around Australia over the Assistance Dog. Your business or group can Application Forms for sponsorship can be help by sponsoring a dog today. found at: www.youngdiggers.com.au/ next two years. dogsponsorship To find out more, visit us at defencebankfoundation.com.au The Dog Sponsorship Program is proudly co-ordinated and administered by our Dog Squad partners

Paul and Dogs for Diggers Gentlemen Jon and Lambton-Newlambton John and Rose Mulraney Bike Ride 2014 of Kokoda Alex Linehan RSL Club Jenny Lord

The Defence Bank Foundation ABN: 19 814 426 820 8 9 MAYBE Lucky’s power lies in him understanding that he himself got a second Josh New and his Dog Lucky chance at life. His pregnant mother was rescued from an outback station by the Young Diggers charity, which supports ex-serving CANINE HELP MAKES LIFE BETTER FOR POST-TRAUMATIC personnel and their families, who bought the STRESS DISORDER SUFFERERS dog for $50 from Gumtree.

Brigid O’Connell Health reporter, Herald Sun Lucky the assistance dog has been a life Josh New was deployed to Afghanistan three Melbourne, February 28, 2015 saver for this young Digger and his family. times in four years. Lucky earned his name The 30-year-old man that Megan New Josh New with his wife Megan and children from birth. There was a long pause between Digger dog: IT TAKES just the slight married 10 years ago at age 19 is bearing the Alyssa and Kayden. the sixth and seventh pups being born. They quiver in Josh New’s voice, or for the first psychological toll of three frontline deployments thought he may not have survived. But he did. tear to escape, for Lucky the dog to come to Afghanistan over four years. “It broke my Every night Ms New would ensure the house running. heart. My soldier came home broken,” she said. was spotless, their two children were quiet and dinner was on the stove when her With his oversize paws on his master’s chest, LUCKY arrived in December at just at the husband walked in the door from work. “He he licks away the tears as fast as they fall. If right time. Things Josh had seen, conditions was a different person every day,” she said. they continue, Lucky starts nibbling Josh’s he endured and decisions that were made “I couldn’t look at him until I’d worked out face to create some pain and bring him back during his first deployment in 2009, when his what mood he was in. “As time went on, I just to the moment. son Kayden was 11 months old, first started figured I had married a man who was angry, the unraveling towards post-traumatic stress that I should be frightened of him. “I saw him Next the barking starts, and Josh must tell disorder. “A lot of it happened in the first trip as a ticking time bomb. But because he was Lucky he is OK and settle his crying for the and I went back having tried to make it up, never physically abusive towards us, I just got dog to stop. It’s only then that the border collie- type thing,” he said. It just built up over time, on with it. I managed.” Josh New was deployed to Afghanistan blue healer cross pup will jump off and shake but it took four years for me to accept I had three times in four years. his body to release the muscular tension that something wrong with me. “We’re all human. I The night of her birthday in 2013, his wife gave him an ultimatum. You get help or we leave. comes from carrying his owner’s emotional don’t think — no matter how much training you Lucky was first trained by inmates at They feared for their safety. She yearned for a energy. do — you can ever be truly prepared to see Bathurst Correctional Centre, where he learnt life where she could safely leave Josh at home or deal with a lot of things you’re exposed to.” commands and tolerance for all the daily living alone while she pursued a career, or went to skills Josh would need. Prisoner and dog went the shops. Army life moved at a hectic pace. The father-of- in lifts together. Lucky proved he could walk two was overseas for more than eight months, next to a trolley and not be startled when a Josh did get help. He spent three weeks in back for three weeks to train other troops, can was dropped in, and he was tested on Ward 17, The Veterans’ Psychiatric Inpatient then back overseas for another seven. It was his unflinching ability to withstand the blast of Unit at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital only when he moved units to Albury and the cold air from an opened freezer door at the where he learnt coping strategies to help bring workload slowed, family time increased and he supermarket. had more time to think, that he started sliding him out of the dark days. And while that helped, into darkness. the same noises and triggers were there when he returned home and Ms New knew she Josh New and his dog Lucky in Mount needed something else to help protect her Beauty. Pictures: Dallinger husband. She found Young Diggers.

10 11 This Valentine’s Day, Josh got down on one knee and proposed — again — to Megan. It was his way of saying thank you to the woman who had stood by him through the angry years. They will renew their vows in October on their 10 year wedding anniversary. He is working hard at repairing the relationship with his six- year-old son, and the pair go trout fishing. Special daddy time for three-year-old Alyssa is a hot chocolate together in town.

“Knowledge of what a mental illness is gives you strength and understanding,” she said. “The man I married is not the same person, but that’s OK. I stay because he’s a good person. “He’s a kind and caring person, but he has a lot of struggles.”

And now the Mount Beauty area — a place Josh discovered when he drove up the “I still struggle. Don’t get me wrong. Everyday Lucky is trained to help Josh when his mountains to end it all — have helped raise is a battle. “My wife feels a lot safer going to anxiety increases. almost $10,000 between its population of work, knowing that I have lucky here. “I don’t 2500 to train the first four dogs. Josh wants to go anywhere without him.” Loud noises and Josh New suffered post traumatic stress Lucky’s nickname in prison was Donkey. raise $37,000 to train 15 dogs, and help keep too many people are still too much for Josh disorder when he returned from Afghanistan. Inmates thought he looked dumb, but he other families together. Young Diggers have to handle. You will only see him in town in the probably had his smarts hidden. The trainers got more than 100 young veterans waiting for early morning when it’s quiet. But the locals and Young Diggers staff were concerned the a canine companion. do see him now. pair didn’t have a connection, as Lucky always looked out at the world and not in at Josh. “I’ve seen so many guys lose their families Josh New suffered post traumatic stress But he proved his devotion on their second because of it. If only they were able to get disorder when he returned from Afghanistan. night together. A screaming girl at a disability a dog sooner, who knows what could have The pair visit the primary school and nursing school they had visited that day triggered a happened,” he said. “He’s the missing piece home, showing off the many tricks Josh has panic attack. to our family.” taught him. This dog can take socks off your feet, open and close cupboards, and even Lucky is trained to help Josh when his anxiety Donate to The Gift of Lucky — The Young skittle over ten pin bowls with a ball. “I can’t increases. As Josh spoke to his wife about it Diggers Dog at: work. For me it’s about trying to create some on the phone that night, Lucky stirred from self-worth for myself and give me something his deep sleep, jumped on the bed and lay his to do,” he said. www.mycause.com.au/page/87133/ head on his master’s chest to ask if he was thegiftofluckytheyoungdiggersdog. OK. “Straight away I knew he was going to be “I joined as a 21-year-old parachute rigger. I’m there and get me through those tough times. Anyone needing support can contact gutted. That’s the hardest part for me, the fact And he has.” In just over two months together, Lifeline on I had a career, I was a successful soldier, and 13 11 14. Josh’s good days now out number the bad. all of a sudden that was gone.”

12 13 Drive For Diggers

Well it has been a rollercoaster these last few Even though the Ambulance isn’t quite ready to months, full of emotions and more that comes make epic journeys just yet that doesn’t mean with having PTSD. One half of the Drive For Drive For Diggers hasn’t been on the road. Just Diggers team moved to while I spent last week Bonza and I went down to Canberra the beginning of 2015 in hospital. As I said, it and got to check out the dog training down was a rollercoaster. there. We had a ball catching up with the other half of our team, Louis and his owner. Bonza As for the Ambulance things are moving slower even went for a swim, before it was time to then I would like. The Ambulance spent some head back home again. time just before my hospital trip at Auto One Browns Plains as a way to share with the public about what Drive for Diggers is all about. We also got new extractors and now that I am out of hospital I have been pottering around with little jobs I can do on it.

The Ambulance at Auto One Browns Plains

It is My hope that it’ll be ready for a trip this ANZAC Day…fingers crossed. I just also wish Bonza Swimming The Dogs from Canberra Training to add that if you or your partner want to help out, please feel free to contact me via our Drive It is our hope that we will get to visit more people Here’s to hoping that the next few months run For Diggers facebook page. all over with our heart set on making a trip to smooth and are filled with more journeys and Melbourne to catch up with Josh New and meeting new people. Trucker Dave (check them out on our Facebook Page or Young Diggers Facebook page.)

14 15 Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service A service founded by Vietnam veterans

Bush Camps Program CAMP DAVIS A VVCS summary for veteran support officers

Camp dates for 2015: Key messages: • 24 – 27 April 2015 ● VVCS is available 24/7 by phoning 1800 011 046 (free calls from landlines and some mobile phones). ● VVCS is not just a crisis hotline, it offers ongoing counselling and support for war and service-related • 25 – 29 May 2015 mental health and wellbeing conditions i.e. anxiety, depression, anger, sleep difficulties, PTSD, alcohol or • 22 – 26 June 2015 substance misuse, relationship and family issues. ● VVCS services are free, offered nationwide to either individuals, couples and/or families. If you are a member and would like to register to attend a Bush Camp, please visit the website ● VVCS services are delivered by experienced mental health counsellors who understand and complete the form. military culture. ● VVCS conducts group treatment programs, and offers case management services if required. www.youngdiggers.com.au/ ● VVCS has a strong commitment to protecting the client’s right to confidentiality and privacy. attend-bush-camp Clinical information is not released to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Department of Defence or other agencies without informed client consent.

Young diggers veterans retreat is located in the Further information on confidentiality and privacy can be found at: www.vvcs.gov.au foothills of Mount Stanley in the Brisbane Valley at the source of the Brisbane river. VVCS is available to: ● Current and former serving Australian Defence Force veterans and peacekeepers; This is a five day camp for serving and ● Current and former Australian Defence Force members who have: served in domestic or international ex-serving Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel disaster relief operations; served in border protection operations; served as a submariner; been medically who are in need of a little chilling out and discharged or have been involved in a training accident that resulted in serious injury to any person; military style companionship. ● Partners and dependent children (aged 5 to 26) of members listed above; One of the highlights of the camps is the ● Partners, dependent children and parents of members killed in service-related incidents; discussions while sitting around the campfire at ● The ex-partners of Vietnam veterans within five years of separation; night. Other events include swimming, fishing, ● Sons and daughters (of any age) of Vietnam veterans; bush walking and relaxing. ● War Widow[er]s; IT’S FREE. All you need is sleeping gear, ● Holders of a DVA Health Card – for All Conditions (Gold) or a DVA Health Card – for Specific Conditions small tent, towel and toiletries etc. Food will (White) for specified mental health conditions; and be supplied, but if you have a special diet, then ● Participants in the Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (F-111) scheme. bring your food with you. Complete list of eligible clients can be found at: www.vvcs.gov.au or call 1800 011 046. P02803

16 1800 011 046 I www.vvcs.gov.au I 17 Health Seminars

On April 8th we will see the beginning of our Health Seminars begin with Dr Stewart doing a talk about Chiropractic and Yoga health benefits. We are excited as this is a great opportunity too discover more tools to help with not only PTSD but to improve your overall Well-Being.

Dr Stewart is very passionate about helping our Veteran’s, Severing members and their Families: his own family having a rich history of serving our Country.

Here is a statement from Dr Stewart.

“I can’t describe the immense respect and appreciation I have of our servicemen who have served us, so in turn I hope to help them find healing from the inside-out.

At Bonfire we talk about ‘being a community of people who want to be the change that we want to see in the world’ (to steal a quote from Ghandi) - and so I want to attract to us people who are searching for something better in their lives and health.”

I personally can’t wait to begin this Seminar and hope to see you all there too.

18 19 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) WHAT IS PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a Signs and symptoms particular set of reactions that can develop in people who have been through a traumatic People with PTSD often experience feelings event. That is, they have experienced or of panic or extreme fear, which may resemble witnessed an event, which threatened their those sensations that were felt during the life or safety, or that of others around them, traumatic event. A person with PTSD has four and led to feelings of intense fear, helplessness main types of difficulties. or horror. 1. Re-living the traumatic event: This can be a car or other serious accident, Through unwanted and recurring memories, physical or sexual assault, war or torture, or often in the form of vivid images and disasters such as bush fires or floods. Other life nightmares. There may be intense emotional changing situations such as being retrenched, or physical reactions, such as sweating, A health professional may diagnose PTSD if How common is PTSD and getting divorced or the expected death of an heart palpitations or panic when reminded a person has a number of symptoms in each who experiences it? ill family member are very distressing and may of the event. of these areas for one month or more. The Anyone can develop PTSD following a cause mental health problems, but are not symptoms usually lead to significant distress traumatic event, but people are at greater events that can cause PTSD. 2. Being overly alert or wound up: and interfere with the person’s ability to work Sleeping difficulties, irritability, lack of or study, as well as his/her social relationships. risk if the event involved deliberate harm concentration, becoming easily startled (such as physical or sexual assault) or they and constantly being on the lookout for It’s not unusual for people with PTSD to have had repeated traumatic experiences (such signs of danger. experience other mental health conditions at as childhood sexual abuse or living in a war the same time. These may have developed zone). Apart from the event itself, risk factors 3. Avoiding reminders of the event: directly in response to the traumatic event for developing PTSD include a past history of Deliberately avoiding activities, places, or have followed the PTSD. These additional trauma or previous mental health problems, as people, thoughts or feelings associated with problems – most commonly depression, the event because they bring back painful anxiety and alcohol or drug use – are more likely Well as ongoing stressful life events after the memories. to occur if PTSD has persisted for a long time. trauma and an absence of social supports.

4. Feeling emotionally numb: Talk to your doctor or another health Around one million Australians experience Losing interest in day-to-day activities, professional at any time if you feel very PTSD in any one year, and 12 per cent of feeling cut off and detached from friends and distressed or your reactions are interfering with Australians will experience PTSD in their family, or feeling emotionally flat and numb. your relationships, work or study and ability to lifetime.1 Serious accidents are one of the participate in day-to-day activities. leading causes of PTSD in Australia.

20 21 What treatments are available for PTSD? Trying, as far as possible, to minimise other Helping yourself to recover from PTSD Other tips to promote recovery stressful life experiences allows the person to Many people experience some of the focus more on his/her recovery. There are also many ways in which the person • Set realistic goals – don’t take on too much, symptoms of PTSD in the first couple of weeks can assist in his/her recovery. It’s important to but try to find goals that keep you motivated. after a traumatic event, but most recover on remember that recovery is not something that If a person feels very distressed at any time • Review and reward progress – notice even their own or with the help of family and friends. happens all at once, nor is it straightforward. after a traumatic event, he/she should talk the small steps. For this reason, treatment does not usually to a doctor or other health professional. If a Symptoms of PTSD can be manageable start until about two weeks after a traumatic person experiences symptoms of PTSD that for a while, then return at times of stress. • Talk about the ups and downs of recovery experience. Even though formal treatment may persist beyond two weeks, a doctor or a mental Anniversary dates, news coverage of similar with friends, family and the health not commence, it is important during those first health professional may recommend starting events or going through a major change like a professionals involved in your care. few days and weeks to get whatever help is new job or relationship breakdown can lead to treatment for PTSD. • Have a plan to maintain positive changes needed. This might include simple information problems coming back or getting worse for a and plans to deal with times of stress or and advice on self care. Support from family time. For most people, however, the following Effective treatments are available. Most involve reminders of the trauma. and friends is very important for most people. psychological treatment (talking therapy), “DOs and DON’Ts” will help: but medication can also be prescribed in Don’t some cases. Generally, it’s best to start with Do ✗✗ Use alcohol or drugs to try to cope psychological treatment rather than use ✓✓ Spend time with people who care. medication as the first and only solution to ✗✗ Keep yourself busy and work too much the problem. ✓✓ Give yourself time. ✗✗ Engage in stressful family ✓✓ Find out about the impact of or work situations The cornerstone of treatment for PTSD involves trauma and what to expect. confronting the traumatic memory and working ✗✗ Withdraw from family and friends through thoughts and beliefs associated with ✓✓ Try to keep a routine going the experience. Trauma-focused psychological (e.g. work, study). ✗✗ Stop yourself from doing things that you enjoy treatments can reduce PTSD symptoms, ✓✓ Return to normal activities. lessen anxiety and depression, and improve ✗✗ Avoid talking about what happened a person’s quality of life. They are also effective ✓✓ Talk about how you feel or what for people who have experienced prolonged or happened when ready. ✗✗ Take risks repeated traumatic events, but more time may ✓✓ Do things that help you relax. be needed in these circumstances. ✓✓ Do things that you enjoy. Drug treatments are not recommended within four weeks of symptoms appearing unless the severity of the person’s distress cannot be managed by psychological means alone

22 23 How to help someone recover from PTSD • You can encourage your family member to share their thoughts and feelings about As a family member, carer or friend, you what is happening to them. Remember that should be involved, wherever possible, in you are not the person’s therapist and don’t the assessment and treatment of the person have to find solutions. You also do not have with PTSD. PTSD often impacts on the whole to hear all the details of the trauma – in many family and it is important that your needs and cases, it is best not to. If necessary, let the perspective are taken into account throughout person know that you do not feel strong treatment. This can only be done if you think it is enough to hear all the details, while at the appropriate and with the approval of the person same time reassuring the person about your who has experienced the traumatic event. support and understanding.

If you are finding the situation very distressing, • Remember that providing support doesn’t you may seek treatment for these issues in have to be complicated. It often involves your own right. It can be very difficult to watch small things like spending time together, Anniversaries and other stressful times Tips to help you cope with someone you care about struggle with the having a cup of tea, chatting about day- today life or giving the person a hug. Anniversaries of traumatic events like the anniversaries and other difficult times distress caused by a traumatic event. You may find yourself worrying constantly about September 11 terrorist attacks in America, • Recognise that an anniversary can be a • Some people find it helpful to have time to the person’s wellbeing and feel helpless when a battle in the Vietnam War, major bush fires difficult period. Give yourself permission themselves after a traumatic experience. If confronted with his/her emotions. and floods, and tragedies may trigger some to feel some distress; it is perfectly normal this is the case for the person, try to give unpleasant emotions in people, even if they and understandable. him/ her some space and time alone when were not directly affected or involved. Seeing People with PTSD can often seem disinterested requested. Encourage a balance between images in the media again, or recalling your • Try to limit your exposure to media coverage or distant as they try not to think or feel in order time spent alone and time spent with others. reaction at the time, may be upsetting. You may about the anniversary, as well as your to block out painful memories, so you may Encourage your family member to seek also find other times difficult, especially when conversations about it with other people. feel shut out. They may stop participating in • help and stay focused on recovery. The you are experiencing other stress in your life family life, ignore your offers of help or become • Keep your normal routine going, but allow person may not realise that he/she needs such as financial, work, health, or relationship irritable. It is important to remember that this yourself some time out if you need it. help or may find it hard to admit that help is problems. At those times, it is especially behaviour is part of the problem; it’s not about needed. The person may be worried about important that you look after yourself in the • Plan your days and build in plenty of relaxing you. The person with PTSD probably needs being vulnerable or having to talk about ways discussed in this fact sheet. and enjoyable activities. your support, but doesn’t know what he/she needs or how to ask for help. There are many what happened. Getting professional help • Spend time with other people – especially ways you can help: can sometimes be difficult, as it often means those you care about – and don’t be afraid facing painful memories. Commenting on to ask for support if you need it. • Listen and show that you care. Sometimes, positive changes or small steps taken by • Look after yourself. Get plenty of rest and people say things that are meant to be the person can also help him/her to remain exercise and eat sensibly; cut back on helpful, but instead just leave the person hopeful about recovery. stimulants such as tea, coffee, chocolate, feeling more isolated and misunderstood. cola and cigarettes. Examples of such unhelpful statements are “You just need to get on with your life” and • If you drink alcohol, keep an eye on how “I know how you feel”. much you drink. • Try to relax. Listen to soothing music, go for a walk, take a hot bath, or do whatever works for you.

24 25 • Look after yourself. This may be the most A General Practitioner (GP) is a good person Psychiatrists are doctors who have undergone WHERE TO FIND important thing you can do to help your with whom to discuss your concerns in the first further training to specialise in mental health. family member. Supporting someone who instance. A good GP can: They can make medical and psychiatric MORE INFORMATION has been through a traumatic event can assessments, conduct medical tests, provide Beyondblue take a toll on you, sometimes so much that • Make a diagnosis therapy and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists your own health can be affected and you often use psychological treatments such www.beyondblue.org.au • Discuss available treatments can no longer help the person effectively. It as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), 1300 22 4636 is crucial that you take time out and reach • Work with the person to draw up a Mental interpersonal therapy (IPT) and/ or medication. Information on depression and anxiety, out to friends and other supportive people Health Treatment Plan so he or she can If the anxiety is severe and hospital admission available treatments and where to get help. in your community get a Medicare rebate for psychological is required, a psychiatrist will be in charge of You can visit www.beyondblue.org.au/ treatment the person’s treatment. anxietysupport for a list of services Where to find help specifically for people experiencing anxiety, • Provide brief counselling or, in some cases, The cost of getting treatment from a health their friends and family. These services Most people who have experienced a talking therapy traumatic event will go through times when professional varies. However, in the same way include national and state-based information they find things difficult or challenging and • Prescribe medication that people can get a Medicare rebate when and referral lines, face-to-face treatment they see a doctor, they can also get part or all and support services, and links to online it is important to understand the benefits • Refer a person to a mental health specialist of the consultation fee subsidised when they information, support and treatment. of professional assistance. Don’t think you such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. need to be struggling or suffering severely to see a mental health professional for treatment access help. It is recommended that people consult their of anxiety or depression. Lifeline regular GP or another GP in the same clinic, as www.lifeline.org.au People who have been through a traumatic medical information is shared within a practice. See beyondblue’s ‘Getting help – How much does it cost?’ 13 11 14 event may, as a result of that event, come Access to crisis support, suicide When seeking psychological therapy, mental fact sheet at www.beyondblue.org.au into contact with various help services. For prevention and mental health support health practitioners trained in trauma- example, when a disaster occurs, governments services. Mindhealthconnect focused psychological therapy should be the activate their recovery arrangements and www.mindhealthconnect.org.au first choice. Most commonly, mental health provide a range of support services to assist Access to trusted, relevant mental health practitioners with this kind of training are affected individuals and communities, including care services, online programs and psychologists, although psychiatrists and access to counselling and mental health resources. services. If such assistance is available, it’s clinical social workers may also have received such training. a good idea to utilise it. However, there are Mindhealthconnect many other services and health professionals who can assist. Psychologists are health professionals www.mindhealthconnect.org.au who provide psychological therapies (talking Access to trusted, relevant mental health care therapies) such as cognitive behaviour services, online programs and resources. therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Clinical psychologists specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. Psychologists and clinical facebook.com/beyondblue twitter.com/beyondblue psychologists are not doctors and cannot prescribe medication in Australia. 26 27 Enoggerra Open Day 2015 Townsville Open Day 2015 OUT AND ABOUT THANKS OUT AND ABOUT THANKS

A great day at DCO Enoggerra barracks. Thank you to everyone who attended the Townsville Expo, and a big thanks to everyone Great job by all and thanks for those who who came to represent Young Diggers — A special thank you to the dogs! took the time to pitch in and promote Young Diggers.

28 29 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: For the Fallen Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. By Robert Laurence Binyon (1869–1943) At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; England mourns for her dead across the sea. They sit no more at familiar tables of home; Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; Fallen in the cause of the free. They sleep beyond England’s foam.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres. Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, There is music in the midst of desolation To the innermost heart of their own land they are known And a glory that shines upon our tears. As the stars are known to the Night;

They went with songs to the battle, they were young, As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain, They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, They fell with their faces to the foe. To the end, to the end, they remain. In memory of Sarbi

Sarbi, a female black Labrador x Newfoundland trained as an EDD with Army, and put her training to work at the 2006 Commonwealth Games before deploying to Afghanistan in 2008.

Attached to the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG), Sarbi went missing during the heat of battle, the same battle that would see Trooper earn the . During the fighting, nine Australian soldiers, including Sarbi’s handler were wounded and Sarbi was separated from the patrol and declared MIA.

It would be almost two years before Sarbi and David would be reunited in Afghanistan.

The rest as they say ‘is history’. Sarbi eventually made her way back to Australia and to David. She retired from the Army and spent the last Like so many in the veteran and broader five years as a very loved family dog living with Defence community Young Diggers have David and Kira. been saddened to learn of the passing of retired Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Sarbi. Sarbi was awarded the War Dog Operational We would like to pay our condolences to her Medal (Afghanistan), the Canine Service Medal handler, David Simpson and his wife Kira. and the RSPCA Purple Cross Award. Most of you will already know Sarbi’s story, Following a recent diagnosis of brain cancer, which will forever hold a very special place in Sarbi died peacefully on Friday 27th March Australia’s military history. 2015.

RIP Sarbi. You served your country well. You were loved by many and will be missed.

32 33 How do I get my dog to jacket? HEIDI YOULE

This is the most common question I get asked You dog must be able to complete the with diggers joining the program. Once you following with distractions and in various have your dog weather it is from our Bathurst situations. program, donated or your own dog that has passed the assessment it all works in the same • The dog must walk in a quite manner way. on lead with no pulling • The dog must be able to focus on Once you and your dog can work together as the handler a team and complete the level one tasks and have the dog under control at all times and • The dog must be able to focus in various situations then your trainer is in a on command position to award you with a jacket. • The dog must be able to sit on lead • The dog must be able to drop on lead • The dog must be able to “come” on command • The dog must be able to interact socially with other dogs • The dog must be able to interact socially with people • The dog must be able to enter and exit the car on command • The dog must not snatch food • Appropriate toileting procedures demonstrated • Comfortable with a crate Please remember that your trainer will approve your jacket when you are ready and not before.

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