Details of two programs relevant to local veterans were outlined to a gathering of support groups and politicians, when South Australian MLC Sarah Game successfully staged her second Parliamentary Friends of Veterans event last week. 

Dr Game described the Parliament House event as “an apolitical show of support to South Australia’s veteran community, evidenced by the long list of SA politicians in attendance”. 

“It highlights why I wanted to organise an event like this,” she said. 

“I wanted to make sure that there was an opportunity for all sides of politics to come together and engage with the veteran community. 

“This initiative allows politicians to network, learn and be educated, and to hear veterans’ stories so we can better advocate for them. 

“I was rapt to have bipartisan support for my event.” 

The event featured guest speakers from both Open Door, based at the Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and The Headstone Project SA. 

Veterans Affairs Minister Joe Szakacs and his Opposition counterpart, Adrian Pederick, were among those to address the gathering, along with Dr Game, who acted as MC. 

Guest speakers at last week’s event included The Headstone Project SA’s founder and president John Brownlie, and its investigations manager Ian Hopley. 

Mr Brownlie said the volunteer-run initiative searches for South Australian World War I veterans who have died and whose graves are unmarked. He said volunteer investigators then confirm gravesite details, research each veteran’s military and family history, before seeking to locate a living relative or descendant. 

Once inquiries are completed and appropriate cemetery authority and government requirements met, each veteran’s gravesite is marked with a prescribed military headstone, consisting of a pedestal headstone and plaque, acknowledging their service to Australia. 

The other guest speaker was Professor Ben Wadham, director of Open Door, based at Flinders University Institute Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Open Door disseminates information to academics, practitioners and veterans to ultimately improve the wellbeing of veterans and their families. 

Professor Wadham said Open Door helps veterans understand and navigate the transition to civilian life, while also supporting their families through what is often a challenging time. 

Dr Game said she was pleased with the “overwhelmingly positive” response to the first two Parliamentary Friends of Veterans Group events, with planning already under way for the next event, later this year. 

Since being elected in 2022, Dr Game has been a consistent and vocal advocate for the state’s veterans. In addition to establishing the Parliamentary Friends of Veterans Group, she also secured a $75,000 State Government grant to rescue the Port Lincoln RSL’s Garden of Remembrance cemetery. Dr Game returned to the cemetery last month to inspect the first stage of the renovation.