AN innovative concept that provides respite for returned Australian Defence Force veterans and their families has seen well-known South East resident Jacqui Bateman win Robe’s Australia Day event of the year award.
Robe to Recovery, a respite program for veterans, was awarded the prestigious honour by Robe council at the recent Australia Day ceremony.
Ms Bateman said the program had hosted 21 veterans and their families to date, with around 30 providers offering complimentary holiday accommodation.
She praised the small coastal township for their contribution, saying most hospitality and a good percentage of retail businesses have contributed to the program.
Ms Bateman said some locals had even offer their own private homes to veterans in cases where accommodation was tight.
“We have had offers to take veterans fishing, four-wheel driving, a cruise around the bay on a cray boat, surfing; yoga, massages, mountain biking; kayaking, golfing, a joy flight in the Tiger Moth – I could go on,” she said.
“We have even had locals making jams, cakes and slices to include in the welcome hamper.
“Each of these donated vouchers and gifts are accompanied by a personal note from each of the contributors to the visiting veteran, with just a few words to thank them for their service.”
In a speech, Ms Bateman said she was inspired to initiate the program as “not just make a financial donation, but to do something practical” after attending a fundraiser for veterans in the nation’s capital.
“This is where I first became aware of the physical and mental effects that military service and deployment have on some veterans and I felt compelled to help,” she said.
“I thought of donating a few days accommodation in my beach house and after pitching the idea at a chance meeting with East Timor veteran Justin Brown, we got the ball rolling.
“Our first veteran and his family came for a respite visit back in June, 2015 and it was a resounding success.
“I then pitched the concept to the Robe Tourism Association which gave the concept its full support, with most businesses in Robe more than happy to contribute in one way or another.”
Ms Bateman said the exposure gained from the ABC Back Roads program, of which Robe to Recovery was featured on in 2016, had spearheaded a “movement” across the country.
Mr Brown and Ms Bateman have since expanded the initiative into other communities, with Cobden and Phillip Island in Victoria, Mittagong in New South Wales, Port Hughes and Port Lincoln adopting the model.
The pair said Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson had recently accepted an invitation to be the patron of Robe to Recovery, promising he would visit the town in the near future.
In closing, Ms Bateman said the program’s successes were based on the collective effort of the community in providing returned servicemen and women with what they need to rest and recover.
“What this amazing community has done for the veterans who visit, can never be under stated,” she said.
“Veterans leave Robe knowing that whatever hardships they’re going through, a little town in the Limestone coast is there for them and has their backs.
“Take a bow Robe,” she said.
“You’re the reason for the success of Robe to Recovery.
“When the chips are down and times get tough, you’re there to lend support where it’s needed.
“And I’m damn proud to be part of your community.”
