GV Veterans Services

READY AND WILLING TO HELP

Navigating the complex legislation that deals with veterans’ entitlements can be challenging — and
that’s where the volunteers from Goulburn Valley Veterans Centre can help..

The dedicated team operates autonomously from the Shepparton RSL, but receives valuable financial support from the club to carry out this important work.

Level two advocate and centre coordinator Paul Blackwell said many veterans were unaware of the assistance they were entitled to, and for some individuals, dealing with the various government agencies was confusing and increased stress.

“Anyone and everyone who has served can come in here and we will help them,” Paul said.

Liaising primarily with the Department of Defence and Department of Veterans Affairs, the team can assist with accessing service and medical records, obtain documentation and process claims.

“People are unsure what they are entitled to and we can help them with almost anything from claiming for injury or illness that happened during their time in the defence force, to assisting partners of deceased veterans to access pensions,” Paul said.

“We offer support and advice and can refer them to welfare if they need financial assistance.

The centre is building relationships with a team of psychologists and medical professionals to support veterans, and can organise DVA doctors to liaise directly with veterans’ local doctors to work through cumbersome paperwork.

Veterans within a 150 km radius of Shepparton — including those living in Mansfield, Tocumwal, Benalla, Yea and Rochester — access the services the centre offers.

“I would encourage vets to come in and get advice before attempting any online claims, once that information is submitted it can be very difficult to alter if it’s incorrect,” Paul said.

“Each service has its own dialect so to speak, so we’re fortunate here that our team of advocates have combined years of experience” Paul said.  “Someone will always understand the terminology.”

The offices of Goulburn Valley Veterans Services are located to the right of the main entrance of the Shepparton RSL Sub Branch. Ph 5831 7220 or email info@gvveterans.com.au