After losing his home to the January bushfires, local Vietnam veteran Jeff Swain found stability, and a new place to call home, through the veteran community.

Mr Swain’s Highlands home was destroyed on January 9, leaving him and dog Geordie homeless in the blink of an eye.

This catastrophe brought back memories of earlier bushfire threats, with his home narrowly escaping destruction during the 2006 Victorian bushfires.

“Bushfires remind you how quickly everything can change,” Mr Swain said.

“One moment you’re at home, the next you’re starting again.

“What makes the difference is knowing there are people and organisations who step in and help.”

When Vasey RSL Care, provider of ex-service accommodation, care and support, became aware of the situation, it moved quickly.

Mr Swain was offered a permanent home at the newly completed ex-service accommodation site in Bundoora, which includes 20 single-storey affordable housing units designed to meet growing demand for secure, long-term veteran housing.

Mr Swain and Geordie have now settled into one of those homes, marking a fresh start after an incredibly challenging beginning to the year.

Despite losing his home, he remains grounded and optimistic.

“At the end of the day, they’re just possessions,” Mr Swain said.

“Geordie and I are safe, and now we have a secure place to live again.

“Having stability makes it easier to stay positive and move forward.”

Vasey RSL Care chief executive Janna Voloshin said providing safe and secure housing in times of crisis was central to the organisation’s mission.

“At Vasey RSL Care, we exist to serve those who serve,” Ms Voloshin said.

“When veterans experience hardship – whether through bushfires, housing stress or other crises – our focus is on offering practical support that helps them recover and rebuild.

“Secure housing is fundamental to recovery and wellbeing. We are proud to provide Jeff with a permanent home after such a significant loss, and to ensure he and Geordie have not just a roof over their heads, but a supportive community around them.”

Mr Swain also acknowledged the broader support he received in the immediate aftermath of the fires.

The Highlands Caravan Park, for example, provided him with emergency accommodation, and assistance flowed in from Middle Kinglake Primary School.

He also thanked the Vietnam Veterans Association, the Defence Force Welfare Association, RSL Victoria, and the Seymour, Frankston, Seaford, Box Hill, Kilmore and Yea-Kinglake RSL sub-branches.

Now in his new home, he said the experience reinforced his belief in the importance of community and the value of organisations that stepped up when it mattered most.

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Thursday, 5th April 2029

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