Veterans Support

The Mildura RSL Veterans Centre continues to provide vital support to veterans and their families. With the ongoing involvement of Veterans Counsellor Mark Pavilach, the range and depth of services available to the veteran community has continued to expand.

A core focus of the Veterans Centre is the provision of pensions and welfare support to veterans and their families. The Veterans Centre also plays an important role in the administration of the Mildura RSL Retirement Village, comprising 20 units, and the coordination of RSL funerals. Additional responsibilities include overseeing the operation of the Mildura RSL RAAF Air Museum, coordinating appeals, managing RSL Active events, and administering commemorative services.

Throughout the year, the Mildura RSL conducts significant commemorative services including Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, and Bombing of Darwin Day ceremonies, ensuring the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans continues to be honoured. The Sub-Branch also contributes to projects that preserve and promote local military history, including the RAAF Memorial at Mildura Airport, which features as part of the displays at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Each year, more than 100 veterans and their families access the Veterans Centre for assistance with Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims and welfare support. Through this work, more than $6 million in compensation has been secured for local veterans, together with the approval of Gold Cards and pensions.

RSL Active events continue to be well attended and provide valuable opportunities for veterans and their families to connect, build friendships, and support their physical and mental wellbeing.

Following the Australian Government’s acceptance of the majority of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, significant reforms have been introduced to simplify the veterans’ compensation system. New claims are now assessed under a single legislative framework, helping to streamline the claims process and reduce waiting times for veterans seeking support.

The Mildura RSL Veterans Centre remains committed to supporting all veterans and their families within the local community. Assistance is available weekdays from the Veterans Services office, located in the Mildura RSL car park, where staff are available to provide advice, advocacy, and support across a wide range of veteran services.

Paul Mensch

DVA Pensions Advocate

Paul is currently employed full-time by the Mildura RSL and is a fully qualified Advocate.

Paul served for 5 years as a full-time RAAF photographer. He worked in Edinburgh with Aircraft Research and Development Unit as a test flight photographer. He also worked with 92 Wing and undertook operations in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Paul Mensch can be contacted on 0409 049 290 or email paulmensch@mildurarsl.com.au