Fiona Phillips (Gilmore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last week, early on a cloudy Tuesday morning, I had the absolute joy of my very first surf on a surfboard, at beautiful Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa. It was joyous not just because of the thrill of surfing but because I was enjoying the surf with the absolutely inspiring members of the Veterans Surf Project. Local Rusty Moran, a former professional big wave surfer, started this project with Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group to support local veterans suffering from PTSD. Since then, Rusty has taken the project from strength to strength, with veterans travelling for hours from around the state to enjoy the surf together. Now, Rusty is studying a PhD so the Department of Veterans' Affairs can officially include surf therapy in its schedule of services. Their story is amazing.

I've met with members on many occasions, but I was humbled to enjoy my very first surf with them and the Assistant Minister for Defence and Assistant Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Thistlethwaite. It certainly wasn't his first surf. Whatever skill you have, Rusty guides you through and helps you reap the benefits of this unique, incredible therapy. As the motto says, 'Surf, recover, thrive'. Thank you to Rusty and every veteran who took the time to share your stories. You are a true inspiration.

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