A newly formed Veterans’ Reference Group will provide a crucial link between Tasmania’s Veterans and the Hodgman Liberal Government, with members giving advice and insight on a wide range of veterans related issues.
Following an expression of interest process, I am pleased to announced that appointment of the following individuals to the inaugural Reference Group: Mr John Withers, Ms Natalie Sankey, Mr Joshua Miller, Ms Alison Merridew, Mr Phillip De Bomford, Mr Grant Herring, Mrs Cheryl Arnol and Dr Jon Lane.
The new members have diverse backgrounds and will be able to provide information and insights on a range of issues facing veterans in Tasmania.
Support for the group will be provided by the Communities, Sport and Recreation Division of the Department of Communities Tasmania, with additional expertise relating to Mental Health to be provided by the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Directorate from the Department of Health.
An initial focus for the Veterans Reference Group, when it first meets early next year, will be to discuss an active recreation project for veterans in partnership with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Hodgman Liberal Government committed $225,000 over three years to this project to focus on mental health and well-being and a pathway to employment in outdoor education and/or eco-tourism.