Step by step: Helping veterans navigate the road ahead

“I always put myself in that veteran’s shoes. When I have a case come across my desk, I try to picture how that looks for that veteran. What are the best steps forward?” 

Army veteran turned Compensation Advocate Greg Ludlow has been supporting veterans at the RSL Queensland Veteran & Wellbeing Centre (VFWC) in Cairns for the past three years.  

Searching for purpose after finishing high school, Greg joined the Army in 2003 as an Administration Clerk and was posted to the 4th Field Regiment with the Royal Australian Artillery. He said the experience gave him a sense of discipline, and a unique understanding of military life, both of which he now employs in his current role.  

“Supporting a unit or regiment gives you that understanding of service, which transfers well into the compensation space. There are many similarities when it comes to understanding legislation, policies and standard operating procedures,” Greg says. 

After transitioning out of the Army in 2010, Greg worked in the disability sector before finding his way back to the Defence community.  

“Although the community sector was rewarding, I never really felt that real sense of connection to the people I support until I came to RSL Queensland,” he adds. 

“I'd been out of Defence for 13 years when I started working as a Compensation Advocate. Connecting with the veteran community again was just awesome.”  

Compassion and heart  

Greg’s client engagements are diverse and can vary greatly. One day he could be supporting new clients with liability claims, the next he could be hearing from a client he first met four years ago and is now returning to seek his support again.  

Greg describes his role at RSL Queensland as highly rewarding, but one that requires you to commit with your whole heart.  

“We are working with a diverse cohort of veterans who are often in their most vulnerable state. They may be transitioning out of Defence, experiencing homelessness or living with mental health concerns,” he says  

“No case is identical. There’s often complex legislation applied to each case, and it's our role to support and educate our veterans through this process.”

Community connections 

One of the challenges Greg faces most often is engaging older veterans who might need support, but are too proud, or unsure, how to get started. 

“I find our older veterans a little less likely to seek support. When we spend time with clients at the VFWC or out in the community, we like to share education around RSL Queensland support services and DVA entitlements that they may be unaware of,” he shares. 

As a Cairns local for more than 30 years, Greg has built important relationships within the community so he can connect with veterans in need. Regular contact with Sub Branch members and RSL Queensland’s Far Northern District President, Ken Willoughby, keeps him informed and better able to understand the challenges some veterans may be facing.  

“Our relationship with the Sub Branches is crucial. It helps us maintain that connection with the veteran community and reach people who may not have reached out otherwise – especially in our more regional and remote areas,” Greg reflects. 

“There have been so many occasions where Ken has gone out of his way to assist our veterans and connect them with our services. This filters down through all the RSL Sub Branches, regardless of if the veterans are members or not.”  

Supporting veterans for better outcomes  

For Greg, empathy is at the centre of every conversation he has with clients. 

“In this role, you need to be a people person and understand a range of different perspectives and circumstances,” he says.  

“You have to form a sense of camaraderie with the current serving members and veterans you’re assisting, so that they feel supported.”  

Though some cases may be more complex to navigate than others, he says it’s always so rewarding to support veterans on their journey.  

“A successful outcome doesn't have to look like the biggest compensation payout every time. Sometimes it's just about getting someone the medical support they need. 

“Supporting people who have served for our country is a great honour. As an ex-serving member it feels good to give back to the veteran community that has done so much for this country.”