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The global defence prime has partnered with a veteran’s group to bolster access to support services.
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Lockheed Martin Australia has teamed up with the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group to launch a three-year veterans’ sponsorship program, aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of current and former ADF personnel and their families within the Shoalhaven region.
This involves establishing a joint sponsorship with a $30,000 endowment by Lockheed Martin Australia — providing $10,000 in grants over three years, to help support and sustain vital social inclusion, health and fitness activities for veterans.
Rick Meehan OAM, chairman of Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group, noted the value of Lockheed Martin’s contribution.
“Based in Nowra, a Defence town since 1915, our primary goal is to reach as many veterans as possible,” he said.
“We organise social activities from BBQs, breakfasts, exercise, dinners and more to ensure our veterans remain connected, which helps improve veterans’ wellbeing and recovery from issues such as post-traumatic stress and depression.
The wellbeing activities hosted by Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group include a twice weekly Walk to Talk program, Veterans Health Week, Veterans Lawn Bowls, Vitamins 4 Veterans and the Veterans Surf Project.
The organisation has also partnered with the Western Sydney University to study the clinical benefits of surfing.
“Over the last 12 months of our surf program alone, we committed ourselves with the goal of 560 attendances but have reached over 1,556 (including 240 family members),” Meehan added.
“We have delivered over 135 sessions and had 119 new veterans sign up to the program. A number of those veterans have turned their lives around and have bounced back from severe depression.
“…Lockheed Martin Australia’s sponsorship is greatly welcomed. It will enable our Group to sustain and increase our programs to continue serving those who have served our country.”
Lockheed Martin Australia chief executive Warren McDonald welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group.
“Ex-Australian Defence Force personnel make up a large part of our Sikorsky Australian workforce in Nowra and we can see the direct impact these programs have on the health of the local veteran and ex-service community and their families,” he said.
[Related: New veterans employment guide supports veteran pathways]
