Dianne Pilmore with her husband Raymond Smith and Commissioner James Douglas. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Commission Chair Nick Kaldas was unable to stop his tears while speaking of the nation’s duty to protect veterans and defence personnel.
Speaking at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide morning tea to thank the Wagga community, Commissioner Kaldas said it had been “a fairly rough 12 months”.
“We’ve heard a lot of sad stories,” Commissioner Kaldas said. “You wouldn’t be human if it didn’t affect you and we recognize that.
“But we have a debt of gratitude. The nation has a debt of gratitude to pay to every member who served and wore the uniform, deployed to places where angels fear to tread, man or woman.
“What we have here is a great noble cause and you’re all involved in it. We are all very much part of it and you all hold the solutions, you need to keep talking to us … continue to support the effort and we will get there.”
Commissioner Kaldas said the Royal Commission was made to feel very welcome in Wagga and was “very grateful for the welcome reception”.
Commissioner Nick Kaldas broke down in tears last Friday while thanking the Wagga community for welcoming and hosting the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Veteran Raymond Smith thanked the commission for the help they had received.
He said the community must remember those who “had paid the ultimate sacrifice”.
“Their war is over now and our war is still on because we’ve got to start stopping the suicides within the defence force,” Mr Smith said.
Riverina Veteran Wellbeing Centre manager Charlotte Web said the hearing in the Riverina had given a huge garrison town like Wagga a chance to have veterans’ voices heard.
“And we have such a large population of current serving and veterans … I think it’s a positive step for Riverina,” Ms Webb said.
RSL members Steve Jenkins, Nigel McMullen, Wagga RSL Sub-Branch Vice President Ken May, RSL Director David McCann, Andy Cseszko and Wagga RSL Sub-Branch President David Gardiner. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
“But I think you know, there are things that could happen that could be positive for generations to come.”
Wagga veteran Philip Drake, who had followed the four days of hearings, said there was enough evidence to “realise there is a big problem”.
“A lot more defence and veterans will commit suicide if there is no action,” Mr Drake said.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide counsel Anna Stewart with Pro Patria Treasurer Alan Lean. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
“And I just hope that all the information is taken into account.”
RSL NSW director and Coolamon mayor David McCann was pleased with the hearings in Wagga.
“We’ve seen many veterans come forward to tell their stories, and that’s immensely important to improve the systems we have in defence,” Mr McCann said.
Mr McCann said RSL was “aware of the problems and … wants to get on board and make sure that the veterans receive the care that they so richly deserve”.
If this story has raised any issues for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, the Defence all-hours Support Line 1800 628 036, Open Arms 1800 011 046 or Soldier On 1300 620 380.
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