When Nigel McMullen left the army he said it felt like his family had kicked him out.
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He felt abandoned.
The sentiment has been echoed across the Riverina, with former servicemen and women leaving a life of strict rules and procedures to navigate an unfamiliar world alone.
But Wagga’s contemporary veterans have a solution the entire community can rally behind – a Veterans’ Centre.
Similar to the Wagga Men’s Shed and the Women’s Shed, the new facility would give the region’s military-affiliated residents a safe haven; a place to talk, work, train, meet and find support.
“It would be a one-stop-shop and a place where our culture is accepted,” Mr McMullen said. “A place to just gather, learn from each other and keep busy.”
For those leaving the Australian Defence Force for medical or psychological reasons, Mr McMullen said the transition to civilian life could feel like hell.
“We put our families through hell too,” he said. “A centre like this would be for them too.”
It follows The Daily Avertiser’s awareness campaign, In Their Boots, that ran alongside Veteran’s Health Week last year.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs challenges, a lack of understanding from medical and psychological practitioners, and employment difficulties were among the greatest concerns shared.
These contributed to feelings of isolation, diagnosed post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
The National Mental Health Commission last year said ADF needed to better prepare its personnel for life after service.
Wagga RSL Sub-Branch vice-president Richard Salcole said a Veteran’s Shed could do that.
“Some of the young ones come out of the army without skills,” Mr Salcole said.
“They don’t know how to cook, how to access medicare or how to book a doctors appointment … this is where they can learn.
He said members could then use their skills to give back to the community.
Mr Salcole said Wagga had become a hub for veterans, with about one-third of the city having a military affiliation of some capacity.
“This would be a physical hub,” he said. “Separate to the sub-branch.”
Although only in the “concept stage”, Mr Salcole said it needed backing to get off the ground.
“A lot of our women are ‘blokier’ than the blokes and some of the men are as feminine as the women, so we need something set up for all,” he said.
“We’re part of the Wagga community and we’re asking for support.”