VC recipient calls for federal government to step up veteran support

Liam O'Connell reports

ABC Tropical North reports

The topic is veterans

Keith Payne is a highly decorated soldier in Australia

In short, Keith Payne wants a special place for veterans

Keith Payne wants a dedicated mental health retreat for veterans with PTSD

Many veterans are not getting the support they need

What happens next is important

The government says it has improved support for veterans

One of Australia's most decorated soldiers wants better care for veterans

Keith Payne saved 40 wounded soldiers in the Vietnam War

Keith Payne was given the Victoria Cross for his bravery

Keith Payne is the last living Vietnam War recipient of the Victoria Cross

Keith Payne thinks a dedicated veterans hub is necessary

Keith Payne still wants to help other veterans

Keith Payne has spoken about his own battles with PTSD

Keith Payne never fully recovered from his PTSD

Keith Payne thinks a bush retreat would be good for veterans with PTSD

The retreat should be supported by the government

Keith Payne asks why the government is not doing more

One possible location for the retreat is Kinchant Dam

Kinchant Dam is a good place for recreation and camping

Before the last election, Keith Payne got promises for the project

But the new government has not done anything about it

Keith Payne wants to meet with the Prime Minister

Keith Payne was given his Victoria Cross in 1970

The Prime Minister's office says they have improved support for veterans

A smaller version of Keith Payne's idea is being built in Mackay

The Mackay RSL has bought a facility to create a wellness centre

The centre will have a pool and volleyball courts

The centre hopes to attract younger veterans

The centre wants to provide a safe space for veterans

The demand for the centre is there, despite a similar centre closing

The new centre shares facilities with a beach volleyball club

The centre needs to be designed to make veterans happy

The Queensland government is developing its first strategy for veterans

Queensland has the largest population of veterans in Australia

Many veterans live with PTSD

The number of veterans with PTSD is higher than in the general public

Kerry Summerscales works with veterans and thinks a dedicated space is valuable

Veterans need a space where they can be themselves

Having a space where veterans can relax is important

Questions are being asked about why a similar centre closed

The model for the centre is medically sound

Some veterans do not have long-term connections to their communities

Keith Payne is proud of initiatives like the Keith Payne Unit

But Keith Payne thinks Australia needs to do more to support veterans

Keith Payne keeps photos and honours on display at his home

Keith Payne thinks Australia will have another brutal campaign

Keith Payne wants a place for people to recover from PTSD

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