VETERANS and their loved ones in the Wimmera are able to access a range of support options.
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Horsham RSL president Robert Lockwood said veterans could access many forms of assistance from mental health checks to transport for medical appointments.
"We have two cars that are able to take people to hospital visits, including as far as Melbourne," he said.
Mr Lockwood said while returned servicemen and women had a Department of Veterans' Affairs Card, the RSL provided something unique to those in need.
"We can give them a personal service and that makes all the difference," he said.
Mr Lockwood estimated there were between 70 and 150 veterans in Horsham and surrounds.
"The people involved in World War Two are passing away now but there are still veterans from Korea, Vietnam and more recently Iraq and Afghanistan. They are coming through all the time," he said.
Mr Lockwood said Horsham RSL was in the process of applying for more grants to improve the services they could offer.
He said he was disappointed in the mental health services currently available in the region.
"We need more (mental health) services for all, not just veterans," he said.
Mr Lockwood urged any veterans in Horsham to get in contact with the RSL.
"Please come and see us to make yourself known so we can at least offer a hand of friendship," he said.
Established in 1946, Wimmera Legacy has 40 volunteers known as legatees who provide support to 182 widows and their families.
Returned servicemen established Legacy Clubs throughout Australia to ensure the families of those killed in or who died subsequent to war were not financially or socially disadvantaged.
Services provided by Wimmera Legacy include advocacy for pensions and welfare, medical support, financial assistance, widows' clubs and children's education and development.
"Today, while many of those Legacy serves are in their 80s, Legacy continues to support young widows and young children," a spokesman from Legacy said in a statement.
He said people seeking support or wanting to assist Wimmera Legacy could call 5382 1543 or email admin@wimmeralegacy.com.au.
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Eliza Berlage
Eliza Berlage made the move to Horsham to report for the Wimmera Mail-Times in October 2019. Originally from Sydney, she has a sociology background and spent two years working in the press gallery in Canberra.
Eliza Berlage made the move to Horsham to report for the Wimmera Mail-Times in October 2019. Originally from Sydney, she has a sociology background and spent two years working in the press gallery in Canberra.
