Much-needed financial assistance from Twin Towns has enabled Tweed Heads & Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch to increase their resources to assist more ex-service personnel and their families.

Recent military engagements have also driven the need for support for a younger generation of veterans.

The friendly face at the counter, former Office Coordinator Jenny Sheehan, has moved into a new role as Veterans Service Officer, a position Jenny says she is very honoured to hold.

“There is nothing better than meeting veterans who come to our office seeking advice or assistance and knowing I can guide them through the claims process.

“Ensuring they get the best possible outcome from the Department of Veteran Affairs and receive all the compensation they are entitled to from the Australian Government, is the best part of my job.

“It’s life changing for these veterans and very rewarding for me, knowing that in some small way I have helped improve their quality of life,” said Jenny.

Enter Belinda McIntosh, the new Office Co-ordinator at the Tweed Heads & Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch. Selected from a field of over 90 applicants, Belinda, an ex-service woman, was the perfect fit for the job.

Belinda served with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from 1998 to 2015 as an Air Surveillance (radar) Operator, based at regional operations centres around Australia including RAAF bases in Darwin, Newcastle, Adelaide and Canberra.

When Belinda became a member of the Sub-Branch in 2016, she said she was impressed at how welcomed the team made her feel.

“After leaving the Air Force in 2015, it is great to be back working amongst ‘military folk’ and learning how the RSL is helping veterans, young and old.

“I really enjoy meeting people and listening to their service history, and how many continue to provide service to the community in civilian life is very inspiring.

“I have found the skills I learned in Defence have been transferrable to my new role supporting the Committee administratively,” said Belinda.

Both Jenny and Belinda conveyed their thanks to Twin Towns CEO Rob Smith, Board Chairman Michael Fraser and the Board of Directors for the financial support that made it possible for her to take up this new position.

The Sub-Branch opens from 9am to 12 noon, Monday to Friday. Sub-Branch members are encouraged to call in during office hours to check out the library, use the free internet or see the military memorabilia periodically on display in the ANZAC Room.

Drop in Thursdays at the Sub-Branch are always a great opportunity to meet new friends over a coffee, a chat and always a few laughs.