INDEPENDENT candidate for Cowper Caz Heise welcomed Senator Jacqui Lambie to events in Port Macquarie and Macksville last week for discussions on veterans affairs.
Senator Lambie began her visit to the Nambucca Valley by calling into the Frank Partridge VC Military Museum at Bowraville.
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“Senator Lambie came across as a true powerhouse in support of veterans, it was a pleasure to host her here and she was impressed with our collection and our volunteers.” the Museum’s Blew Manning told News Of The Area.
The first event in Macksville saw over 250 attendees gather for a screening of the documentary “The Home Front”, which explores the struggles veterans face in accessing critical health services.
The screening was followed by a Q&A session featuring Lambie, Heise, filmmaker Patrick Lindsay AM, and veteran Glenn Kolomeitz, the Jacqui Lambert Network’s lead senate candidate for NSW.
Senator Lambie, who was instrumental in pushing for the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide, spoke passionately about the ongoing fight for better services.
At times, particularly when speaking of the treatment of many Special Forces personnel in the wake of the controversial Brereton Report, the Senator was moved to tears.
She and Heise agreed on the need for counselling to be included in the Medicare rebate, highlighting the financial barriers preventing veterans from accessing essential mental health care.
The second event, held in Port Macquarie, brought together 100 local business leaders and community members for discussions on defence, affordable housing, and household power issues.
Senator Lambie stressed the growing influence of independents in Parliament, while Ms Heise emphasised the importance of events like these in shaping policy that reflects community needs.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and participated in these discussions, the overwhelming support shows our community is ready for real change and I reaffirm my commitment to unveiling a comprehensive policy aimed at supporting veterans and their families,” Ms Heise told NOTA.
“I look forward to working alongside our community and leaders like Senator Lambie to ensure our veterans are never forgotten and their sacrifices are honoured.
“At both forums, I reinforced my strong commitment to working with existing veteran support services in Cowper and strengthening their capacity.
“The turnout was fantastic and demonstrated our community’s dedication to supporting veterans and their families.”
By Mick BIRTLES
