OVA ADMIN

13/03/2026

On the road again 🎶

Off to Path of the Horse Trentham to help with the cleanup.

Now with Solar Power for the trailer.

23/02/2026

Back in November 2025, the CFA (Country Fire Authority) was warning of damaging fires during the 25/26 Summer. Hawthorn RSL Sub Branch kicked into gear with initial planning for a deployment of Operation Veteran Assist if needed.

As soon as the fires commenced, we knew that we would be needed to help Veterans and First Responders.

Our first Volunteers were on the ground on 15 January 2026 and we are still here, supporting those in need.

Fawcett Hall Hawthorn RSL Sub Branch RSL Australia RSL Victoria

23/02/2026

An update from our OVA lead for Week Seven, Pello.

Day 1.2 - Pello’s Volunteering Adventures - Koriella Fire Brigade CFA - Scott the Fire Captain (and 30 year Infantry veteran) never asks for anything but he quietly hinted that the firehouse was ‘a bit neglected’ while everyone has been busy elsewhere … Dave (local and Navy Veteran), Dan Young (2 Cav Veteran) and I went to work and gave it a clean up for the team

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Hawthorn RSL Sub Branch Operation Veteran Assist Koriella Fire Brigade

02/02/2026

If you can volunteer, please reach out to the OVA Team or Hawthorn RSL Sub Branch

We are located at Fawcett Hall

POV: You’re a veteran or first responder affected by the Longwood fires, and these absolute weapons turn up…

The Operation Veteran Assist team are still on the ground across Alexandra, Fawcett, and Ruffy. The work is hot, heavy, and relentless, but the morale is sky high.

What’s been remarkable is watching those old bonds from military and emergency-service life kick straight back in. Teamwork, bants, problem-solving, mega work ethic, and that instinctive drive to help others have been on full display.

Every fence cleared, tree cut, meal cooked, and veteran checked on has shown exactly what our community is about: stepping up when others are doing it tough.

Proud of them is an understatement.

01/02/2026

A great write up in the Alexandra Paper

https://www.alexandranewspapers.com.au/veterans-helping-veterans-after-the-fire/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPrxWhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeeXDN5N5HJTKRPAgS5PTGEK1nANJPOg-NbefPi-scqOg9vo101cbX8bp5RWg_aem_o4iC72XoYpIf3nM3_FiHkg

DREW Madison, Hawthorne RSL President is currently in Murrindindi Shire, helping with Operation Veteran Assist (OVA).