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Forging the way for females in the Navy
Updated 11 Feb 2024 (first published Feb 2024)
Meet Sandie Beaumont, who is our dedicated hero for VIP Heroes Draw 18. As a cook in the Royal Australian Navy, Sandie Beaumont travelled the world and forged life-long friendships while proudly serving her country. Sandie’s connection to Defence first started in 1989 when she joined the Navy, and during her time in service she was one of the first 20 females on board the HMAS Success, and the only female cook.
While at times it was tough being the only female in the galley, Sandie embraced the challenge while enjoying the camaraderie that the Navy provided. In 1992 Sandie participated in the RIMPAC exercises along with five other nations. “We got to visit Hawaii, San Diego, and even a trip down to Mexico. One time when we were ashore there was a statue built by the Royal Australian Navy back in 78’ and we got to repaint it, just the little things like that were really great,” Sandie recalls fondly.
After finishing up her time in the Navy in 1995, Sandie struggled transitioning into civilian life.
I did find it a bit hard, having the camaraderie of all those people around you supporting you like brothers and sisters. To suddenly being on your own without that stability.
Adjusting to a completely different life
Sandie had hit a low point and eventually returned home to Brisbane to live with her mum and dad. An old friend from the Navy recognised the struggles Sandie had been dealing with, and suggested she join Mates4Mates.
An initiative of RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates provides a way forward for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel, and their families, impacted by service. Over 11,000 veterans and their families to date have benefited from the physical rehabilitation and mental health services, skills and wellbeing programs, and social connection activities that Mates4Mates provides.
Before reaching out to Mates4Mates I was a bit lost, I was unable to work at the time and didn’t really know what direction to go.
Turning things around for the better
After doing a bit of initial research, Sandie made an appointment at one of their centres. “It’s the best thing that I did,” she says smiling.
During her first appointment with Mates4Mates, Sandie was introduced to Stacey, who asked her what type of services she wanted to use. “I told Stacey I was looking for a social connection because, I was feeling a bit isolated.” Since joining Mates4Mates, Sandie has participated in a range of social activities such as Ambrose Golf Days, a Story Bridge climb, painting classes, and regular coffee catch ups just to name a few. In addition to this, Sandie has utilised exercise physiology services offered by Mates4Mates and still joins in weekly yoga classes.
The exercise physiology helped with my mental health, and a few issues and injuries that I had. The yoga was actually fantastic.
Sandie feels like she has come full circle since joining Mates4Mates, after losing the camaraderie when she left the Navy. Now she has so much support around her, not just from her family and friends, but also the new friends she’s made through Mates4Mates. “I feel like I’m more confident. It’s helped me get that connection back, that sense of belonging.”
“I’d like to say to the supporters of the RSL Art Union a very big thank you. I even thank the people who sell the tickets at the supermarkets,” Sandie says smiling again.
Thank you very much, because some of the programs offered by RSL Queensland have really helped me. Like the Veteran Homelessness program and now Mates4Mates. If it wasn’t for that, I don’t know where I’d be.
How your support changes lives
Our regular supporters are so important for RSL Queensland to provide much-needed help to veterans and families. The money raised helps deliver a range of impactful services and programs to help in real and meaningful ways. In 2023, 20% more veterans and families were supported by RSL Queensland’s services than the previous year, including:
8,411
veterans and families supported by RSL Queensland’s services.
6,712
claims and appeals submitted to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
285
jobs found for veterans and their partners.
202
veterans and families housed in safe, permanent accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
Funds raised through RSL Art Union allows RSL Queensland to provide practical support, assistance, advice and camaraderie to current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families across Queensland and nationally.
RSL Queensland’s mission is to provide care, commemoration and camaraderie to enable veterans and families to live with dignity and respect.
For example, in 2023, RSL Queensland supported 8,411 veterans and their families with their services, found jobs for 285 veterans and their partners, and helped 202 individuals into safe, permanent housing.
You can read about our services and stories at rslartunion.com.au/about/impact.
Life always has its ups and downs. But as a veteran, or the partner of a veteran, you don’t have to face them on your own.
Whether you're looking for employment, scholarships, wellness programs, or assistance with DVA claims, RSL Queensland has free programs, and people at the ready, to help you achieve your life goals.
To learn more and get assistance, visit www.rslqld.org or call 134 RSL.
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Ranging between $10,000 and $100,000 in gold bullion, the Bonus Gold prize is awarded to the first prize winner and determined by the value of their ticket book purchase.
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RSL Art Union draws are held at ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 or as specified in the Terms and Conditions for each draw. Draw results will be published online, on Facebook and Instagram.
The majority of RSL Art Union prize homes are built brand new, while some are existing homes, expertly renovated. In both instances, RSL Queensland works closely with our accredited partners in the building industry to ensure the highest quality of standards is maintained.
Due to the often residential location and popularity of our prize homes, RSL Art Union has not been permitted by regional councils to conduct open homes because of the disruption to the local community.
Our prize homes might be closed to public viewing, but you can explore them in just as much detail online, any time you like! Visit our Prize page to access draw brochures, photos, videos, floor plans and virtual tours. All addresses are listed on our prize pages, so why not take a drive past and explore the neighbourhood. RSL Art Union will continue to assess opportunities to re-open prize homes to the public into the future.