29/05/2022
Cobden is one of a few destination towns involved with the Australian Veteran Respite Program. The initiative provides free holidays for returned veterans who live with the pain, stress and anxiety of Australia’s conflicts and their roles in them.
The Heytesbury Haven came to fruition some years ago, after we were touched with the story of Robe to Recovery, which provides respite to returned service men and women struggling with PTSD. With the support of the local Cobden community, Heytesbury House is able to offer multiple night stays to veterans free of charge, and provide hampers of gifted items from locals also touched by the needs of these worthy people.
Each Veteran receives a welcome pack, loaded with gifts, vouchers for experiences or meals, and hand written thank you’s. It is the little things that have the biggest impact and a simple “thank you for your service” is something not often heard, but treasured by those who have given so much.
How can you get involved?
We have started a pay it forward system with local businesses, where visitors and locals are able to purchase vouchers to be gifted to veterans in their welcome pack on their arrival. Message or email us and ask us how you can donate.
