Places of quiet and serenity in Australia for veterans and first responders
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382688)
Rockingham, Australia
March 2, 2023 1:11am CST
I read a news item the other day about the tiny town of Adavale, in outback Queensland. It has a population of around 15 residents.
In the , seven Vietnam veterans bought a dilapidated hut there and it is now set up as an outback escape for veterans and first responders. The retreat has been instrumental in helping stave off suicides among traumatised veterans and others.
For those suffering from PTSD and other mental disorders, as well as those looking for a bit of peace and quiet, the place is a haven. Air-conditioned dongas (transportable buildings) provide a respite from the traffic, sirens and temptations of city life.
They can fish in the creek, watch the sun go down and gaze at a gazillion stars in the evening. As all the residents at the The Hut, as it is now known, are veterans, they feel at ease there.
Western Australia has a similar retreat at Meentheena Station, a disused cattle station in the Pilbara, 75 kms east of Marble Bar. We had friends from Donnybrook who would make the long drive to Meentheena helping set up basic facilities. The men are unanimous in their belief in the worth of such places of retreat.
The photo is of one of the gorges in our north.
29 people like this
30 responses
@Beestring (15372)
• Hong Kong
2 Mar 23
This is a nice retreat. Certainly helps to calm the mind.
3 people like this
@Jenaisle (16568)
• Philippines
2 Mar 23
Those who made this happen have made a great contribution to society. Nature could soothe the mind and the heart. The noise, pollution, and hurl-burly of city life can sometimes make the rejuvenation of the spirit slow or impossible. Having a peaceful haven to retreat to is the best option.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Mar 23
They can relax and share their stories if they want to with people who won't judge them.
@LadyDuck (502914)
• Italy
2 Mar 23
This photo is beautiful, clean clear water, a place I would love to visit.
Good idea to use those dilapidated huts to help veterans. I think government could do a lot more with less money... but nothing would go into their pockets doing with little money.
3 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (51839)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
3 Mar 23
@JudyEv I've always felt better when getting out into nature.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 23
@BarBaraPrz Me too. That's why I like getting away from here and house-sitting on farms.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (136114)
• Marion, Ohio
2 Mar 23
That could be very helpful. Many don't think about what first responders see on a regular basis. I am glad they are included
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (136114)
• Marion, Ohio
3 Mar 23
@JudyEv Our volunteer department responded to a wreck where the guy was almost scalped. I felt very bad for them
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 23
Firefighters, ambulance workers see some terrible things too, as you say.
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 23
And that is what some of them crave - peace and quiet.
@aninditasen (18202)
• Raurkela, India
2 Mar 23
That's a nice quiet nice place that would relieve the people in sorrow.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (18202)
• Raurkela, India
3 Mar 23
@JudyEv Most of us throughout the world want to live in peace and therefore search for it.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222978)
• United States
2 Mar 23
This is a wonderful thing to do for the veterans. It looks like a lovely place. Too bad the government didn't join in and really make this an awesome retreat.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 23
@LindaOHio They are pretty good at that sometimes.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222978)
• United States
3 Mar 23
@JudyEv The government would probably screw it up somehow.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
2 Mar 23
Yes, looking at the photo it does look like a tranquil place. The rocks seem to surround the lake offering not only protection but privacy too.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
5 Mar 23
@JudyEv Oh, I see. Well, what a nice place to hang out! 
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169589)
• United States
3 Mar 23
Being able to go out in nature is very soothing.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 23
And these places would be very quiet - no traffic noise at all.
@allknowing (153529)
• India
2 Mar 23
Not just Veterans I am sure there will be others needing to go there if that is allowed.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98187)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Mar 23
That is a beautiful sight, That sounds like a nice place to just relax, I don't swim well but I sure would not mind getting an inflatable raft and just lying in that water looking at the sky,
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 23
Getting out-of-doors can really get the creative juices flowing.
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
2 Mar 23
What a great space to have for vets to get some peaceful time.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 23
It's a godsend especially for some who normally live in a very noisy city.
@Lignitecityabishek96 (7114)
• Cuddalore, India
3 Mar 23
I will peacefully take water and sunbath here.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382688)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 23
The gorge is beautiful but it's not where the camp is. They do have swimming and fishing holes at the camps.
