For the longest time, being able to switch off was not something that came easily to Melton Returned and Services League sub-branch president Steve Cook.
However, with the help of his family, Steve found meditation in miniature model making.
“I suffer from PTSD and find mindfulness difficult but when my daughters bought me a model, I lost myself for two to three hours,” he said.
Mr Cook proposed the idea of a mindfulness program, where veterans can share their models at Saturday meetups as well as regular barbecues.
He said it was an effort to engage with younger veterans who weren’t as interested in regular activities offered at the Melton RSL.
“We’ve started to focus a lot on welfare and wellbeing. With our veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf War, it’s not just about getting on the grog.
“It’s still seen as an old man’s club and we are trying to break those stereotypes.”
Mr Cook said there were other activities that the RSL was looking at, like a fishing group, to provide support and socialisation for locals.
“It’s purely for welfare. It helps your mental health to be with mates,” he said.
“We want to stress: you don’t have to be part of the RSL or an ex-servicemen to come down.”
Andrew’s Hobbies in Ravenhall is a big supporter of the program and offer help to amateurs like Mr Cook.
“Michael [from Andrew’s Hobbies] has been great. He comes down once a month and gives us advice – I’d never built a diorama before but he has taught me all these skills,” said Mr Cook.
There are currently 10 people doing the miniature model mindfulness program.
Eddie Russell
