Any veteran, service or ex-service personnel who would like to seek assistance with any service pension, disability pension, war widow and/or an MCRS Claim from any confrontation is welcome to make an individual appointment.

All appointments are for one hour and will be held in the Parkes RSL Sub Branch office at the Parkes Services & Citizens Club.

To make an appointment contact Parkes Sub-Branch Secretary Paul Thomas on 0427 624 683.

There are a limited number of evening appointments available.

The service is free to all service and ex-service personnel.

Mr Thomas said that the fears some veterans have regarding tasks performed by the Vietnam Veterans Federation in that the Outreach Program is strictly for ex Vietnam personnel, are unfounded.

Co-ordinator Dennis Hanmer OAM said “we are here to help, assist and represent former as well as current members of the defence forces in their battles with Veterans Affairs (DVA), where there is always the risk of changes in Government policy which may erode benefits and pensions or changes to eligibility entitlements.”

“Mr Hanmer is also available to assist widows and families of departed comrades and members irrespective of whether they are members or not of the local Sub Branch or if they are from surrounding towns they also can also make appointments,” Mr Thomas said.