By Brendan Rees
Julie Anderson is passionate about helping war veterans live their best quality of life.
She assists veterans of all ages to lodge applications regarding injury and illness claims. She organises doctor and referral appointments for those struggling on their own or facing red tape with the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA).
On 26 January, the Berwick resident was recognised with a Medial of the Order of Australia for her service to veterans and their families.
When told of her honour, Ms Anderson said it came unexpected but was truly humbled.
“When I got the letter I didn’t even know what it was. I was like ‘Oh my God’. It came out of the blue,” she said.
Ms Anderson explained her motivation to help veterans began when her husband, a former Navy electrician, experienced unnecessary delays with medical records and complications through his claim for loss of earnings.
Charlie, who served in the Gulf War as a 20-year-old, became quite ill when he returned home years later, which was diagnosed as ‘Gulf War illness’ – a cluster of medically unexplained chronic symptoms.
When his mental health declined Ms Anderson said this was a “trigger” for her to step in and help – not only for husband but for other veterans too.
She began as an administrator of a Facebook group called Gulf War Veterans Facebook Group and Advisory Group and the Department of Veterans Affairs Entitlements Facebook Group. She also co-founded the United Younger Veterans Facebook page.
“It turned out to be a catalyst for getting all veterans together, but not only veterans; advocates – people who look after veterans,” she said, adding “It’s an incredible network.”
“There are cases that exist that have been going on for 30 years that still aren’t resolved.”
Speaking about one of her cases, Ms Anderson said a 33-year-old former Navy employee was still jumping hoops to get compensation from an injury she suffered on a Naval ship – which she later had to undergo surgery for a brain bleed.
“She wasn’t able to walk properly. Her back went and had like nine back surgeries. It’s been one thing after another,” she said.
A former drama teacher, who runs a dance school with her sister Suzie Ryrie at Suzie Ryrie School of Dance in Berwick, Ms Anderson volunteers her time with the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Association and is on the welfare committee of the Berwick RSL.
Among a list of giving, she’s also a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Round Table; the Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trials Advisory Group; and the Australian Gulf War Veterans Association.
