Mateship is a value associated with servicemen and women since the diggers landed on the beach at Gallipoli.
A veteran’s sense of duty to their mates does not fade even after serving their country.
The work of Phil Thompson and his wife, Jo, setting up the Goorambat Veterans’ Retreat, is another outstanding example of mateship.
After four years of blood, sweat and tears, the retreat opened on Friday, November 10, with a ceremony at 11am.
Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines, Rural City of Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn and Victorian Veterans Council member Bruce Maidenhall were all in attendance.
Thompson said it was a relief to see the facility open.
“Myself and my wife and many other volunteers have been working on this project for years,” Mr Thompson said.
“Through COVID, we thought we’d come here for six months or so and pitch in and get it all done.
“And weren’t we crazy?
“My wife and I lived here in our caravan for four years.”
The sole purpose of the Goorambat Veterans’ Retreat is to support Defence veterans and their families.
The facility provides a serene and natural environment to focus on their wellbeing while reconnecting with social and support networks.
Mr Thompson said he saw the need for a retreat while working in veteran advocacy in Melbourne.
“I’ve worked in veteran advocacy for 20 years, a little less than the period of time I’ve spent out of the services,” he said.
“What we found in the city is that we were satisfying veterans’ needs for accommodation’s sake.
“For that moment, we put them into a serviced apartment, and downstairs was a bar and poker machines.
“My wife showed me this (property) one day, and there was (the old) Goorambat school.
“I said, well, that’s a perfect location.”
The old Goorambat Primary School had been closed for nine years when the Thompsons secured the site.
Work started with fixing the old school buildings and cutting back the overgrown vegetation.
As work progressed, they were able to expand their emergency accommodation capabilities as funds came in from public donations and government grants.
Dr Haines said that when she learnt of the project, she was determined to see it succeed.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be here,” Ms Haines said.
“When an application for a grant came through my office, I was immediately intrigued by what Jo and Phil were doing out here.
“So it’s my first visit out here seeing where the money has been spent.
“This (facility) is so badly needed. They’ve had a vision, and people have followed. It’s extraordinary.
“(It’s important for Victoria) and beyond. I understand there are veterans coming from all over Australia to here, so it’s put Goorambat on the map again.”
The committee members of the Goorambat Veterans’ Retreat would like to thank everyone who helped fund the facility and those who dedicated their time at working bees.
Several projects are still ongoing at the retreat, and donations, big or small, will help support veterans and their families.