From service to
civilian life
Researchers are calling for veterans to take part in a
new study which will investigate the transition process
from service to civilian life.
Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation
(GMRF), which is based at Greenslopes
Private Hospital, is working in partnership
with RSL Queensland to trial a measure
that will help assess reintegration and
psychological adjustment.
An estimated 46% of Australian
Defence Force members who left
full-time service had experienced a
mental health disorder in the previous
year, according to the Department
of Veterans’ Affairs’ Transition and
Wellbeing Research Program.
GMRF Leader of the Veteran
Mental Health Initiative Dr Madeline
Romaniuk said, “In my role as a clinical
psychologist and researcher, I have
seen countless veterans struggle with
life after service. The DVA data confirms
that ADF members transitioning from
full-time military service represent a
group at particular risk of developing
mental health conditions. This is a
national issue – so we need to develop
strategies to mitigate such risk.”
The study aims to identify early which
veterans require additional support, and
provide them with specific skills training
to help manage the adjustment and
reintegration process.
“We want to prevent veterans from
hitting rock bottom once they leave the
military family and return to the civilian
world,” Dr Romaniuk said.
The study is open to former members of
the regular ADF who have discharged
from 2000 to 2018. Participation involves
completing an online survey about
transition experiences and mental health.
GMRF CEO Miriam Dwyer said, “The
fact that almost half of all former service
personnel experience a mental health
concern is a huge issue for us as a
caring and supportive society. We must
do more to help our veterans.“
We want to prevent
veterans from hitting
rock bottom once
they leave the military
family...
RSL Queensland State President Stewart
Cameron CSC said the research results
would help the organisation better
support transitioning Defence members.
“Re-entering civilian life after a career
in the Defence forces may present
significant challenges. GMRF’s research
will help RSL Queensland improve the
services it provides to former Defence
personnel during this crucial transition
period,” Mr Cameron said.
For more information contact
GMRF on 07 3394 7284 or visit
www.gallipoliresearch.com.au
Dawn Service
pilgrimage
A New Zealand man has
flown from Auckland
to Brisbane for the fifth
consecutive year to
attend the Dawn Service
at Greenslopes Private
Hospital.
Adam Sooaemalelagi, who was
adopted at a young age, began the
tradition after finding out his biological
great-grandfather had been a patient
at the hospital.
The father of seven said his ancestor
was a soldier during World War Two,
but had passed away before they
could meet.
“This is probably the closest to my
great grandfather that I will ever get.”
Mr Sooaemalelagi said he would one
day like to bring his children on the
journey for Anzac Day.
greenslopesprivate.com.au | 5