An adrenaline-based off-road racing program supporting the mental health and wellbeing of younger veterans and particularly women in the Ipswich region has received a $48,000 grant through the Morrison Government’s Supporting Younger Veterans Grants program.
Local LNP Senator Paul Scarr said the grant to veteran volunteer-run Raemus Rover Off-Road Racing at Karalee would help the club group expand its family-friendly peer-to-peer support program, including a “women’s only” program based around off-road racing.
Thirty-year army veteran and Raemus president, Ian Baker, said the grant was great news for the club and its support programs – aimed to help veterans who had served in high-stress, high-adrenaline situations integrate back into society.
“We use off-road racing, based on teamwork and having fun with other veterans, to help sufferers deal with PTSD (post- traumatic stress disorder) and depression. We find it works really well for former frontline veterans and particularly for female medics,” Mr Baker said.
He said many veterans had trouble settling back into society. They and their families suffered from the effects of PTSD and associated issues of alcohol and substance abuse and violence.
“Without help and peer support, veterans become withdrawn …disengaged from society and alone in a spiral of depression and abuse.
“Adrenalin-therapy has been medically proven to help younger veterans get purpose back in their lives. Our off-road racing programs team-them-up with fellow veterans who understand all the issues, what they’re going through, and how to get them focussed again while having fun.”
Mr Baker said the Raemus club planned to expand opportunities for veterans and their families, with a focus to include women and teenagers in activities including regular races at an off-road section at Willowbank and special events such as the Don River Dash held near Bowen – where club members competed last year and were hosted to a motivational talk by two-time Dakar champion Toby Price.
Senator Scarr said the grant would be pivotal in supporting the development of the only “ongoing” adrenaline/adventure based, peer-to-peer veterans support program with involvement for females.
“This is fantastic for the veterans and their families in Ipswich and southeast region, and I encourage them to get involved,” Senator Scarr said.
Applications for the next round of Supporting Younger Veterans Grants are expected to be available in late 2021. For more information, see the Community Grants Hub www.communitygrants.gov.au
Caption: Veterans Warren Stevens, left, Morgan Appleby, Rod Wilkinson, Raemus president Ian Baker, assistance dog “Fink” and Senator Paul Scarr.
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Contact: Bruce Mills 0408 713 610
