It is the reason Chris Cotterill is polishing his dusty vocal chords for the city’s popular charity event Thomas Bros Wagga Wagga Takes 2.

The Wagga angler is raising money for Soldier On – a foundation supporting “those who serve and protect Australia, and their families”.

He said more needed to be done to assist veterans, who were having a hard time returning to civilian life after having served overseas. 

It follows a tragic report revealing more than 80 former defence members had taken their lives this year alone. 

According to Veterans 360 Australia, the death toll is climbing, despite the rising number of organisations working to combat the issue. 

In a post, it said 292 certified suicide deaths had occurred among serving and ex-serving personnel between 2001 and 2014.

Mr Cotterill said friends he knew, who had returned from conflict, would say they were 100 per cent when they were not. 

“So much of what these younger veterans are seeing is brutal and graphic,” Mr Cotterill said.

“They can be shot at and have to help bag the bodies of civilians. 

“They come back absolutely broken, there’s no help to cross over to civilian life and they get forgotten about.”

The Wagga father said it broke his heart. 

“I have the capability to help, so why wouldn’t I?” he said. 

“It’s something we need to be putting a lot more help into.”

Mr Cotterill said he believed in Soldier On’s mission.

In addition to the raffling of a kayak, a fundraising fishing competition – Mud, Marlin and Muster – will be held at the Boat Club on February 24 to support the cause. 

Mr Cotterill is one of 12 Wagga contestants in this year’s tournament of vocal talent.

Thomas Bros Wagga Wagga Takes 2 will be held in April, 2018.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.