Ex Serviceman among first to complete Veterans welfare counselling training

TIP course
A Geraldton ex Serviceman is among the first group of WA military motorcycle riders to complete Veterans welfare counselling training.
The eight riders, three of them Veterans, are from the Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club (MBMMC).
After completing the course, conducted by Legacy and funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, they can now assist Veterans with basic welfare needs.
Greg “Doc” Smith, a Veteran of East Timor in 2001, said during a casual chat with the Geraldton RSL he discovered they didn't have a welfare officer.
"I am a new member, having transferred from Quinns Rocks, and mentioned I was doing the course and they grabbed me straight away," he said.
"My role will be to provide initial support for Veterans who need help with welfare issues. That mostly involves putting them in touch with the right service that can assist them, whether it's medical, financial or emotional."
Shane “Big Rig” Kempton, president of the national club's Perth North sub branch, was ecstatic with the outcome.
"We have only been up and running for nine months, so to have members who can be in the community to provide assistance to Veterans is a big step to ensuring their welfare," he said.
Even before the course, the club had assisted two Veterans who were in harm's way.
"We were approached by people on our Facebook page and we were able to refer the at-risk soldiers to qualified counsellors operating from Quinns Rocks RSL."
The club's new counsellors will be spread around WA, with another two in Kununurra and Lancelin.
"It's opportune three happen to live in the country," Shane said.