Veterans Gather at Cockscomb Retreat for Healing and Support

Veterans and emergency services personnel are finding solace at the Cockscomb Veterans Bush Retreat in Cawarral, Queensland. The retreat offers a peaceful environment where attendees can share experiences and support one another while enjoying homemade baked goods and coffee.

Colin Beeton, a regular visitor since the late 1990s, described the retreat as a place to relax and connect. "It's a place where you can come and have a yarn and more or less forget about it sort of thing," he said. "We don't talk about Vietnam or anything … we just love being here."

Founded in 1997 by a group of Vietnam veterans, the retreat was established to provide a supportive space for those facing challenges. The land was donated by Bruce Acutt, a psychologist who dedicated much of his career to helping veterans. Initially, the site featured a single railway camp wagon and a small water tank. Over the years, it has expanded to include cabins, a main dining area with a large deck, and a museum showcasing memorabilia.

The retreat is open to veterans, members of the Australian Defence Force, emergency services personnel, and their families. It has grown to include over 650 members from across Australia, with some traveling long distances to attend. There are approximately 14 similar retreats in Queensland alone.

A key feature of the retreat is the weekly working bee held every Tuesday. Members gather to tackle various projects, taking breaks for morning tea and lunch. Gary Semple, a long-time participant, expressed his commitment to helping with the upkeep. "[There are] all sorts of building projects … whether it's a leaky roof or garden bed that someone gets talked into doing," he said. Semple, a retired firefighter, noted that he initially brought his father, a former soldier, to the retreat. However, he later realized he needed the support himself.

Despite its focus on veterans, Cockscomb also welcomes emergency services personnel. Semple emphasized that post-traumatic stress can affect anyone, often triggered by just a few incidents. "It doesn't take a real lot for people to become traumatized," he said. He found that connecting with fellow attendees helped him cope with the lingering effects of his firefighting career. "We don't sit down and have big talking sessions about our dramas, but I think you do gradually get rid of some of the incidents that end up bothering you."

As time has passed, Vietnam veterans at Cockscomb have become more comfortable discussing their wartime experiences. Bob Holmes, the club president, joined the Australian Army at 17 and served in Vietnam. He recalled how, for many years, he kept his experiences to himself. "Even in the Army Reserves, it never really affected my life because you never talked about it," he said.

Holmes noted that attitudes toward mental health have shifted significantly over the decades. "For the first 25 years, I don't think anyone I worked with knew I had been to Vietnam," he said. He believes that places like Cockscomb were created to help veterans escape their pasts.

He added that public perception has changed, allowing veterans to openly discuss their experiences. "We even started putting Vietnam stickers on our cars, which you would never have done back in them days because someone would have smashed your car up," he said. "A lot has changed with that, and now I think everyone's proud to be called a Vietnam vet."

The Cockscomb Veterans Bush Retreat continues to serve as a vital resource for veterans and emergency services personnel, fostering community and healing in a supportive environment.