SMEAC Inc.

29/10/2026

24/10/2026

A big shout-out and a sincere thank you to SMEAC’s own Bales and Navy Dave, who braved the weather and flew the SMEAC flag at the 9th Steve Irwin Australia Zoo Veterans Day, while I was travelling from Brisbane to South Australia and back with Chrissy, my new bride.
This annual event is once again hosted by longtime SMEAC supporter and Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP. It's a fantastic opportunity to bring the veteran community together, recognise their service and sacrifice, and showcase the organisations working to support our veterans and their families.
This year's special guest was Michael McCormack MP, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, who also took time out of his busy schedule to visit Camp SMEAC. It was a great opportunity to show him firsthand what we do, why we do it, and, just as importantly, how we go about doing it. There is a lot more to SMEAC than simply providing a place for veterans to gather, and it's important that those representing our veteran community understand the work being done on the ground.
A special thanks again to Bales and Navy Dave for stepping up and representing SMEAC in my absence, to Andrew Wallace for his continued support, and to Michael McCormack for taking the time to visit us.
Veterans Helping Veterans. It's what we do.
Cheers,
Stomps

22/10/2026

HI! Bales here. As you SMEAC followers are aware, Toro Australia gratefully donated a 54" zero turn ride on mower to us earlier in the year when we reached out, through the Army Apprentice network, looking for a solution to the hectares of lawn that are managed by us.
Recently, our little push mower had enough and threw the big end cap through the block, causing catastrophic failure.
We needed a mower, as lawn presentation is everything, so we used the SMEAC methodology of "if you do not ask the question, you do not get." We sent an email to the Toro Area Sales Manager, Darren Millard, describing our situation and enquired about the possibility of a new mower. A couple of days later, after Head Office approval, we received positive feedback that Toro Australia would, once again, answer the call.
Wednesday morning, Darren arrived and unloaded a brand new All Wheel Drive, variable speed self propelled 22" cut lawnmower and presented it to an eager crew at SMEAC. Darren ran us through the features, gave us the safety brief, handed over the paperwork and we thanked him and Toro Australia for supporting our facility.
Thanks to this delivery, we now have team members arguing over who is going to mow the lawn which is a good problem to have for a Facility Manager.
Thank you Toro Australia for your support to SMEAC.

15/10/2026

Continuing of with our Wellness Team - Meet Bec, SMEAC's Social Worker ☕

Bec is a Social Worker with over 10 years' experience in the drug & alcohol and mental health sector as a Counsellor/Case Manager. For those who aren't quite sure what a Social Worker does, Stomps likes to compare them to a Platoon Sergeant, someone who makes sure you have everything you need to get the job done. Drawing on both professional and lived experience, Bec supports Veterans with the emotional pressures and practical challenges that life can throw their way.

Bec was introduced to SMEAC in November 2025 through a Veteran who was also a Social Work student she was supervising. After visiting the camp and spending time chatting with Stomps about the incredible support offered and the vision for growing that support, she knew SMEAC was a place she wanted to be involved with.

You'll find Bec at SMEAC every Wednesday morning alongside the Allied Health team and behind the coffee machine as the resident barista. She meets with new Veterans to chat about any support they may need and can assist with everything from navigating DVA claims and pensions to housing, health, mental health and financial concerns. Bec helps connect Veterans with SMEAC's GP, Sam, and the wider Allied Health team, eliminating the stress of making appointments, wait times and travel. Most importantly, it creates an environment where Veterans can relax, connect and focus on what matters most.
SMEAC

Outside of work, Bec's biggest loves, apart from her children, are the ocean, live music and coffee - even better when they're all combined!

If you're a Veteran feeling overwhelmed, stuck or wanting to make positive changes in your life, or simply looking for a relaxed, judgement-free conversation, come out for a cuppa and a chat with Bec. We're glad she's part of the SMEAC family. 💙



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04/10/2026

Just a lazy Sunday night down at the Camp SMEAC Rec Hut watching the NRL Grand Final with a few friends a b**r or two and pizza...
Veterans Helping Veterans.
Cheers
Stomps

22/09/2026

Need a Haircut tomorrow Veterans! Come on down to SMEAC, Wellness Wednesday from 10am. Don’t forget Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided.

15/09/2026

Before we roll into another Wellbeing Wednesday tomorrow, here's a little of what happened at the last one...Yep I wasn't built for Social Media...

Another Wednesday at Camp SMEAC and the old place is starting to look pretty bloody good. A lot of the work the crew has been putting in is coming together, the Hub Café is taking shape and Wednesdays in particular are becoming one of those days where you can stand back for five minutes and actually see what SMEAC is becoming.

Last Wednesday we welcomed Alan and the veteran crew from Halcyon Nirimba to the Camp. They came out to have a look around, catch up and see what we're doing, but certainly didn't arrive empty-handed. They brought a mountain of cleaning products for the Camp and donated around $1,100 to SMEAC. An incredibly generous contribution, but just as importantly another group of veterans getting behind veterans. They got to have a brew, meet the crew and see firsthand where their support goes.

Meanwhile Melissa was set up cutting hair. She's married to a veteran and was previously the base barber at RAAF Base Point Cook, so she's certainly no stranger to servicemen or the bu****it that probably comes with sitting them in a barber's chair. Melissa volunteered her time to provide free haircuts and has now offered to come back every fortnight. That's how so much seems to happen at SMEAC — somebody sees what we're doing, has something they can contribute and simply says, "I can help with that."

Amongst all of this, the SMEAC crew were doing what they normally do: making coffees, showing people around, catching up with veterans and quietly keeping the place moving. There is still plenty to do, but SMEAC isn't something we're continually talking about building anymore — it's happening around us. Thanks to Alan and the Halcyon Nirimba crew, Melissa, and everyone who made another Wednesday happen. Veterans Helping Veterans isn't just a slogan out here. Increasingly, it's simply what happens.

Cheers
Stomps

10/09/2026

SMEAC, Volunteers Helping Veterans...
Today we wish a very happy birthday to someone who does more work behind the scenes at SMEAC than most people will ever realise—our wonderful Coleen.
For many people who contact SMEAC, Coleen is the first person they encounter. She listens, gathers the information and makes sure it gets passed on to me so that we can provide the right support.
What people don’t see are the countless phone calls, emails, messages, paperwork and follow-ups she handles quietly in the background. She keeps me informed, keeps things moving and somehow manages to bring order to the chaos.
Coleen is a volunteer, but the time, effort and genuine care she gives SMEAC go far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect. The truth is, without Coleen and everything she does for me behind the scenes, we simply would not be able to do what we do.
So today, on behalf of Chrissy and me, the Board, our volunteers, the veterans we support and the entire SMEAC family—thank you, Coleen.
Thank you for your loyalty, your patience, your commitment and for always being there when we need you.
We hope you have a wonderful birthday. You deserve to know just how valued and appreciated you truly are.
Happy birthday, Coleen—from all of us at SMEAC.

05/09/2026

Father’s Day means different things to different people.

Happy Father's Day
Today, some veterans will wake up with their kids beside them. They will get the homemade cards, the burnt toast, the hugs and the simple privilege of being Dad.

Others will wake up alone.

One veteran at SMEAC recently spent time with his children after six months apart. Because he had somewhere safe to live and people prepared to give him a hand up, he could be their dad again.

Another l has not seen his teenage child for three years. Three years.

Whatever has happened between two adults, children should never become weapons in the fight. They are not bargaining chips, messengers or tools for punishment. When a relationship ends, the responsibility to protect the children does not.

To every dad spending today with his kids—rejoice in it. Put the phone down, hold them close and appreciate how fortunate you are.

To those who cannot see their children today—be strong. Keep working on yourself, head up, keep the door open. Never stop loving them, even from a distance.

To all those veterans, the living innies, at the camp today not seeing their kids and the one who is were all thinking of you.

Every one of us, without exception, had a father. Some were good. Some were great. Some were bloody useless. Many are now gone.

For some, today is their first Father’s Day without their dad. For others, it has been many years, but the absence still catches them unexpectedly.

I have lost count of the number of times I have thought, “I’ll ask Dad about that,” only to remember that he is no longer here to ask.

Wherever you are, mate, thanks for being my dad.

Happy Father’s Day from SMEAC.

Veterans Helping Veterans.

01/09/2026

Andrew Bales has asked me to let you all know we have a new addition tomorrow. Melissa ( previous RAAF Base Barber) has kindly volunteered her services for FREE hair cuts to Veterans, so step right up at Wellbeing Wednesday tomorrow and send us a pic of your new style. Whilst i am here, shout out to our Volunteer Jess, who will be missing in action tomorrow as it's her 40th Birthday. Happy Birthday Jess & enjoy your day. … See more