JEFF Swain, who joined the Australian Army in 1968, has witnessed first-hand the battlefield devastation having been to the Vietnam War in 1969-70.
Mr Swain, now 78 and retired after a 41-year career with the defence force, including 16 years at Puckapunyal, had to face another battlefront when his beloved mud-brick home of 20 years in Highlands, near Seymour, was totally destroyed in the January 9 bushfires.
The house, which luckily escaped the 2006 Victorian bushfires because of a late favourable wind change, ran out of luck this time. Despite the big loss, Mr Swain keeps up the true soldier spirit of a realistic perspective with eyes on goal of rebuilding his life.
“It was only a house, with possessions that can be built again. The big thing is that myself and Geordie (his beloved pet kelpie) are safe. Bushfires remind you how quickly life can change. One moment you are at home, the next you are out and starting again,” he said.
“What makes the difference is knowing there are people and organisations who step in and help.”
Mr Swain is thankful of the “commendable support” of all locals, State Government and local organisations, including The Highlands Caravan Park, Middle Kinglake Primary School, the Vietnam Veterans Association (Goulburn Valley and Diamond Valley), the Defence Force Welfare Association, RSL Victoria, and various RSL sub-branches, including Seymour, Kilmore and Yea-Kinglake.
Now Mr Swain has another veterans’ group saviour. To ease Mr Swain’s pain, Vasey RSL Care has provided him a home at its newly completed ex-service accommodation site in Bundoora.
“I am thankful for the timely and thoughtful support (of Vasey RSL Care). The one-bedroom unit is modern and in a very convenient location close to amenities. I have not made long-term plans yet, but it is a great re-start in life to think about future plans and rebuild life.”
Vasey RSL Care Chief Executive Officer Janna Voloshin said providing safe and secure housing in times of crisis is central to the organisation’s mission.
“At Vasey RSL Care, we exist to serve those who served,” Ms Voloshin said.
“When veterans experience hardship — whether through bushfires, housing stress or other crises — our focus is on offering practical support that helps them recover and rebuild.
“Secure housing is fundamental to recovery and wellbeing. We are proud to provide Jeff with a permanent home after such a significant loss, and to ensure he and Geordie have not just a roof over their heads, but a supportive community around them.”
Completed in late December last year, the Bundoora development includes 20 new single-storey housing units designed to meet growing demand for secure, long-term housing for veterans.
Vasey RSL Care’s ex-service accommodation program provides affordable, secure, long-term housing to veterans and their families across Victoria.