I’m hoping many of you enjoyed a wonderful holiday break over the Christmas and New Year Period. For many, it was a time they would rather not have experienced. Lives were lost in the bushfires, our Prime Minister farewelled his much-loved father, John Morrison, and we believe another 9 of our veterans took their lives. Grief is such a complex emotion for all of us and I’m so very sorry for all who have lost a loved one.
On Saturday, 1 February it will be one year since my life changed forever, and I received a knock on the door telling me that my David was gone. I am just one of thousands and thousands dealing with the grief of a veteran lost. We can no longer bury our dead heroes and believe that things are changing for the better, we must as a nation demand a full investigation and accountability for all of our troops.
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Our Prime Minister has so many issues to focus on recently (not least being the sad passing of his dad), but, we are hopeful that his answer regarding the Royal Commission into veteran suicide with wide terms of reference for the well-being of all our troops is positive.
We can no longer accept that because more mental health care is available, we don’t require a Royal Commission. We need to look at the core of the problem: ADF and DVA together, how surely must be investigated in regards to when and how we are breaking our bravest.
If you are dealing with grief, I don’t have words to help you through it. I wish I did, then I may be able to help myself and David’s family. Just know that I am so sorry for your loss. We have to somehow learn to live a life that honours those that have passed and we have to learn to live with our own loss. Wishing you all love, compassion, kindness and gratitude. Let’s continue to fight to save lives. They matter.
Wishing you all a safe and happy 2020,
Julie-Ann Finney, proud mother of Dave Stafford Finney.
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If you or someone you know needs help, please phone Lifeline on 131 114, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.