By attending an upcoming motorcycle show ‘n’ shine you will help local service veterans deal with health issues.
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The South Coast chapter of the Veterans Motorcycle Club will stage its inaugural show ‘n’ shine on Sunday, March 17 at the Nowra Greyhound and it promises to be a great event.
It will feature loads of great looking motorbikes, food, drink and entertainment.
The club was established about four years ago and president Danny “DK” Kennedy said they had great plans for the future.
They want a permanent place for a Veteran Access Centre (VAC) as they know things could be tragic if people have nowhere to get help.
“One of our big concerns is the suicide rate of veterans and it’s a horrible thing,” he said
He personally knows how tragic suicide can be.
It (mental health) is just one of those things that come from being a veteran
- Danny “DK” Kennedy
DK said at the end of the day we all need someone we can reach out to and get support.
“We have that (support) on a regular basis with guys who are in the bike club and people who have just come to our Thursday VAC to talk to us and say ‘can you help me out, I am not feeling good and I need someone to talk to’,” he said.
The Thursday morning VAC is held at the at The Community Hub Café in Bridge Street, Nowra from 10 am.
DK said people should not have to feel ashamed about having a mental health issue.
“It (mental health) is just one of those things that come from being a veteran,” DK said.
The VAC is a permanent phone service at the moment and is run by volunteers.
People can contact the VAC if they want help with doctors mental health pensions and welfare issues.
“It is open all the time and the VAC is a phone number at the moment until we can get permanent residence,” DK said.
Funds raised at the March 17 event will support the VAC, help the group pay for its clubhouse rent and also used to help local charities.
“Any serving ex-serving male or female veteran can come along to the VAC if they have something they want to talk about,” he said.
Sometimes 10 people arrive at the Thursday VAC and other times over 30 people could turn up seeking support.
People don't have to be motorbike riders to get help.
The group does have a clubhouse at the Flinders Industrial Estate, thanks to Dave Bright from Nowra Tilt Tray.
“If we need to meet someone or meet separate from here (The Hub ) we can go out to this building,” he said
The clubhouse has a pool table and coffee/tea making facilities. However, the dream is still the have a permanent site for the VAC.
DK describes the Thursday as a friendly drop-in centre and added veterans face many issues.
They have wanted to organise a Show n Shine for a while. The event is being held at the Nowra Greyhound Track from 10am to 2.30pm and the track’s management has always supported the group.
“It (the Show n Shine) is going to be huge,” DK said.
Entry is a $2 donation, there will be food, drink, stalls, raffles and many great looking motorbikes.
Cost to register a bike for the event is $20 per bike and registration is from 8am to 12pm.
Bike categories include early Harley, late Harley (twin cam on) trike/outfit, European/Japanese, people's choice, women’s, vintage, best paint and best of show.
This year’s Black Dog ride will finish at the greyhound track and they will bring 250 more bikes for people to see.
They are seeking sponsorship for the VAC and the Show n Shine.
Call Bones on 0413 941 251 or Pigdog on 0418 635 856 for details.