Testimonials
The Community of Albany has embraced this initiative with great enthusiasm and genuine concern for the welfare of our veterans and their families proving through their actions that community spirit is alive and well in rural Australia.
The words of our following veterans are proof of the value that this program holds for those in need and serve not only as inspiration for the community but also as a message of hope for other ADF veterans, members and their families.
Rachael
“ In December 2023 my family and I were granted the opportunity to be the Beneficiaries of the Albany at Ease program. We arrived at our beautiful accommodation at Emu Point, Just moments from the most stunning beach. We were welcomed with some wonderful gifts all donated by the generous local community. So many people thanking myself and my families sacrifices to our country, which I cannot put in words how humbling this was. The hospitality was overwhelming and very emotionally received. In our care pack was vouchers for food at local businesses, admission tickets to local exhibitions and hand made gifts by talented locals.
As a veteran who has many mental as well as physical health issues, seldom do I take time for myself. However this opportunity gave me the perfect break away from it all and most importantly it gave me the opportunity to focus on my children.
I can not fault the program, it's organisers and the generous community of Albany. I would strongly recommend anyone who is eligible to access the Albany at Ease program to do so. The most important lesson I learned from this experience was its ok to take time out to recharge. So much so was our amazing holiday that my family and I will be returning to Albany again this December to camp at Emu Bay.
Again Thank you doesn't seem enough. ”
Bron
“ Our family was nominated to be a part of this very special program, where the local community comes together to provide respite for Veterans, First Responders and their families in beautiful Albany.
We were met with hampers, baskets and flowers welcoming us to Albany by Veronique the Co-ordinator of this amazing program, and Denise a very generous local and volunteer of the program.
The baskets contained vouchers and tickets to enter many local attractions which we didn't get through them all, and goodies supplied by the local community, schools and organisations..
We are so grateful and appreciative that we were nominated and able to attend this respite vacation where we were able to rest, restore, recharge and reconnect with our family. Thank you so much to Albany At Ease for the generosity. “
H. Family
“ Our family wanted to thank the At Ease Team for the wonderful stay in Albany over the school holidays. As we are both veterans with children (one having a disability) it was a wonderful break where we could reconnect and simply relax as a family. This is something we have not been able to do for a very long time.
We want to also thank the Albany and local community for the gift basket on arrival. We felt very humbled to have received the gift basket and we felt very humbled to have been gifted a stay away in Albany.
Thank you again”