Nicole
Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, Nicole joined the Defence Force with a sense of pride. She wanted to honour her grandfather’s memory and was fortunate enough to travel to Papua New Guinea on deployment, not far from where her grandfather had served during WWII – the Kokoda Track.
Nicole spent seven years in the Royal Australian Air Force in both the air and fuel movements. There were some incredible highs and devastating lows for Nicole during this time.
Nicole loved her job, it was “fantastic, an amazing role” where she got to see Black Hawk helicopters, Naval aircrafts and the American Galaxy aircraft. She also experienced a sense of “adventure, enjoyment and wonderful training”. Unfortunately, there is also a “dark side as well” – Nicole had to leave her dog with her parents when she joined, a burden to them and the first time her 10-year-old dog had left her side since it was a puppy. Nicole was also exposed to noxious fumes from fueling various transport vessels and had to deal with the stress and trauma of loading up fellow servicemen and women and watching them head off to fight overseas – several of whom never returned home.
Upon discharge, Nicole returned home and like many veterans, struggled with her identity – “it was pretty hard, I knew what to do in Defence, I knew who I was”. Trying to adjust back to civilian life, Nicole found it difficult to hold down regular employment and experienced a nervous breakdown. Needing two separate surgeries post-discharge and without a regular income, Nicole felt herself drowning fast – “I had to move in with my parents and was termed homeless, I thought about suicide”.
Nicole continued to look for employment and moved into a share house. Unfortunately, she continued to struggle with anxiety and due to fractured relationships was facing homelessness once again. Determined not to give up, Nicole reached out to RSL DefenceCare for assistance. We were able to assist Nicole with both claims and financial assistance. Nicole’s claims advisor helped her complete forms to submit to DVA and helped her get a White Card. They also referred her to counselling services through Open Arms.
The Wellbeing team were able to assist Nicole with bond and a few weeks rent so that she had a place to live and could properly start to get back on her feet. “RSL DefenceCare really stepped in and helped me. If you hadn’t have been there I would be on the street, I would have nothing, absolutely nothing. How do you say thank you for something like that?”
Nicole is still coming to terms with life after service, but as long as she stays positive and works through her problems, she has a bright future ahead.
Search the blog
News & Stories
05 Feb 2024
NSW veteran employment prospects enhanced as RSL LifeCare partners with RSL Queensland
To further enhance the employment prospects of veterans and their partners, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services has today announced its...
23 Jan 2024
RSL LifeCare receives $5.445 million in funding to deliver a new Veteran Wellbeing Hub in Queanbeyan
RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW, will receive a $5.445 million grant from the Federal Government to develop...
11 Dec 2023
RSL LifeCare Annual Report 2023
We are pleased to announce the 2023 RSL LifeCare Annual Report is now available to view via flipbook or...
27 Nov 2023
Positive impact of Intergenerational Relationships
The power of intergenerational relationships has been demonstrated on ABC’s Old People’s Home for Teenagers, featuring residents from RSL...
23 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare secures $1.7 million funding to establish Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub and $243,000 for a centre at Bardia Barracks
RSL LifeCare has received $1.7 million in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants One-Off Program to establish...
22 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare awarded $520,341 in government funding to enhance Veteran wellbeing services in Riverina
RSL LifeCare has secured $520,341 in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veterans Wellbeing Grants One-Off program that will be...
14 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare hosts the inaugural Poppy Ball aboard HMAS Adelaide (III)
The inaugural Poppy Ball was held in Sydney on Saturday 11 November 2023 aboard the HMAS Adelaide (III). The...
26 Sep 2023
RSL LifeCare announces plans for new Veteran Wellbeing Centre in Dee Why
RSL LifeCare is set to extend its crucial service delivery for local veterans and their families with the opening...
20 Sep 2023
RSL LifeCare Nowra Community Unveils Visionary Expansion, Elevating Retirement Living to New Heights
RSL LifeCare has today announced Stage 2 release of its Dumaresq Retirement Village at RSL LifeCare Nowra Community. The...
22 Aug 2023
Federal Government grant awarded to RSL LifeCare
RSL LifeCare has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Australian Government to support the development of a business...
16 Aug 2023
RSL LifeCare a finalist in Best Graduate Development Program – Australian HR Awards 2023
August 2023 – RSL LifeCare’s Graduate Registered Nurse Program has been announced as a finalist in the Australian HR...
14 Aug 2023
RSL LifeCare successfully moves to the second stage in becoming the provider for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in both the Tweed-North Coast region and Queanbeyan.
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the opportunity by the Federal Government to submit a business case to deliver a Veterans’...
08 Mar 2023
Message from our CEO celebrating International Women’s Day
Good morning everyone, Today, on International Women’s Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by the...
09 Jun 2022
Vale Walter Williams OAM
RSL LifeCare staff and residents alike have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long – time...
12 May 2022
Giving our nurses a voice to lead
Today, on International Nurses Day (IND) we shine a light on our nursing staff and their vital work. Our nurses...
08 Apr 2022
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services – one team supporting veterans and their families
The delivery of Veteran Services has been core to RSL LifeCare since its beginnings over 100 years ago. Now,...
20 Mar 2022
How the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program helps veterans find work
Transitioning to a different career is not always easy for veterans returning to civilian life. The RSL Veterans’ Employment...
24 Nov 2021
RSL LifeCare Annual Report 2021
I am pleased to advise that the 2021 RSL LifeCare Annual Report is now available. This annual report is...
06 Oct 2021
Rapid Antigen Test kits now available to Aged Care providers.
The Department of Health is offering Rapid Antigen Test kits to aged care providers across NSW in high-risk Local...
05 Aug 2021
Aged Care Employee Day is a day to thank everyone at RSL LifeCare.
7th August is Aged Care Employee Day. This is a day for us to thank every person who works...
12 Jul 2021
World War 2 code breaker Marion Painter features in Sky News documentary
ANZAC Village, Narrabeen resident Marion Painter has featured in Sky News documentary, The Alliance, about her time as a...
29 Jun 2021
Aged care workers should be vaccinated on site.
AGED care provider, RSL LifeCare, have applauded the Australian Government for their decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for staff...
01 Jan 2020
Annual Update – 2019
At RSL DefenceCare our mission is to meet the needs of Australian veterans and their families seeking help with...
01 Apr 2020
Quarterly Update – January-March 2020
At RSL DefenceCare our mission is to meet the needs of Australian veterans and their families seeking help with...
01 Jul 2020
Quarterly Update – April-June 2020
At RSL DefenceCare we strive to support Australian veterans and their families during times of injury, illness or crisis....
Download a brochure
We'll never share your email address and you can opt out at any time, we promise