Vietnam Veterans                                    

Association of Australia St Marys Outpost

Sub-Branch Inc.

                                            What we do

Everyone working at the 'Train' is a volunteer; nevertheless the office is always well manned between Monday and Friday from around 9.00am and 2.00pm.  

Pension Officers are in attendance for claims on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and limited Pension Claims on Wednesday.  

Each Tuesday approximately 18 Welfare Officers are on the road visiting hospitals and limited home visits between Nepean, Penrith and out to the Hills District.  

Computer classes are held, free of charge, on Tuesday and Thursday between 9.00am and 2.00pm - depending on class numbers; these classes are not restricted to members or Veterans only.

On Thursdays we have a group of volunteers affectionately known as the 'Train Washers’, carrying out the cleaning and maintenance of the Office and Surrounds under the watchful eye of our Stationmaster - Reno Ciantar.  

Our Education Team under the expert guidance of team Co-ordinator Vin Cosgrove - visit schools in the area speaking to students on the Vietnam conflict; they also deliver assembly talks to children on ANZAC and Remembrance Commemoration.

You do not have to be a Vietnam Veteran to join us - everyone is welcome, and if you are looking for something to do or just have a chat - we can accommodate you, it has been said that the “Train” is the best therapy one can get.

Welfare.

Here at the “Train” we have a Welfare Organisation that we believe is unique in it’s concept and application, we are unaware of any other ESO which has a similar service. 

The Welfare Section has been operating in the Western Area Health District for approximately the last 10 years. In that time we have developed the Section to a stage where we now have 18 TIP trained Welfare Officers of which 5 are women. 

We work closely with the Veteran Affairs Network in Parramatta who support us by supplying information to us to assist patients in hospital and at home. 

Because of our TIP training and our relationship with VAN we are able to advise our clients in the following area, DVA Transport, Occupational Therapists, Home Care, Carers Pensions and allowance and other entitlements under the Veterans Entitlement Act and referral to an appropriate Pensions Officer if required.

We have a very good working relationship with St Marys RSL Sub Branch and Rooty Hill Sub-Branches and handle all their welfare requirements. We also perform most RSL and Veterans funerals in the district. 

In the performance of these functions we cover approximately 2500 kms, visit 10 hospitals in our area each Tuesday, which equates to approximately 450 patients, 50 home visits 4 funerals a month. 

The Welfare Sections also performs a service at local Nursing Homes on ANZAC and Remembrance Days; we also advise on the importance of wills and how to go about making a will.