By Oliver Lees
The inaugural Tri Services Cup will be held in Sunbury to raise funds to support ex-service members suffering from mental illness.
A full day’s worth of footy on Anzac Day eve will be capped off with rivals Sunbury Kangaroos and Rupertswood Football Club going head to head at Eric Boardman Reserve.
Save Our Services Australia, a registered charity devoted to providing social support to veterans, has helped organise a day of fun for the whole family, with a sausage sizzle as well as a petting zoo and face-painting for the kids.
To symbolise the Anzac spirit, the player judged best afield will receive the David Finney Medal, named in honour of an ex-service member that died by suicide. A service will be held before the match at 6.45pm with Mr Finney’s mother in attendance.
Save Our Services Australia president Jeb Summers understands firsthand how a career in the military can affect one’s mental health.
Having completed two nine-month tours in East Timor and Afghanistan, Mr Summers says the charity is committed to improving the social lives of veterans who need support.
“Many ex-service members with mental health issues go into isolation once they are discharged as a means of protecting themselves,” he said.
“From my own experience, I remember there were days where I couldn’t get out of bed to go to work.
“Isolation can make bad mental health problems worse, so we want to support them through our programs.”
Save Our Services Australia committee member Mel O’Neill said these programs are modelled to provide regular social interaction for veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as encouraging veterans to join a local sporting club or by organising fishing competitions.
The day will be capped off with a private dinner featuring ex-AFL star and media personality Brendan Fevola, who will also be in attendance at the match.
Tickets to the dinner are $85 for adults.
Head to www.saveourservicesaustralia.com for more information.
If you or anyone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
