Veteran support services in a southern New South Wales city have more people walking through the door than usual after a recent visit from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The royal commission held hearings at Wagga Wagga in late November last year, with a focus on defence training.
It heard scathing evidence about bullying and sexual misconduct at army, air force and navy schools.
Riverina Veteran Wellbeing Centre manager Charlotte Webb said the centre had experienced a gradual increase in demand since opening a year ago.
She said more people finding out about the service and the royal commission's presence likely contributed to a recent spike in visitations.
"Since the beginning of this year we've had overwhelming engagement and we've doubled our monthly average in the last month," she said.
"Having the royal commission here was absolutely essential.
"It really highlighted to people the need to speak up, the need to put your hand up and access support."
'Spotlight' on issues
Pro Patria Centre board member Jacqui Van de Velde said the centre had also experienced a recent increase in demand and the royal commission hearings had "thrown a spotlight" on veterans' issues.
"It's encouraging people who perhaps have not taken good care of themselves and had issues as a result of service to seek help," she said.
"Leading up to the hearings we were getting a lot more people seeking support, particularly psychological and psychiatric support.
"Wanting to see medical professionals, make appointments, which is encouraging but also speaks to the depth of the need."
Defence and Veterans Legal Service solicitor Gerry Stapleton said his organisation had more people in the Riverina reach out straight after the hearings.
"We took on a few new people who wanted to tell their story, so there was a noticeable difference," Mr Stapleton said.
"We had some people who said in a roundabout way 'I could do with some additional support'."
High demand
Wagga Wagga is home to more than 1,500 veterans, with more than 5,300 current or ex-serving personnel in the wider Riverina region.
The Riverina Veteran Wellbeing Centre, which helps veterans with wellbeing support, claims and advocacy and employment, has had 750 people walk through the door since it opened a year ago.
Meanwhile, Pro Patria has had more than 400 referrals since February last year.
Ms Van de Velde said the two services complemented each other.
She said the high demand for both showed there was a need for funding commitments towards long-term veteran support.
"There's certainly a need for sustained services in this area," Ms Van de Velde said.
The defence royal commission will hold its next hearings in Perth in May.
The deadline for private session requests is April 28 and for written submissions is October 13.
Mr Stapleton said it was understandable that people might be reluctant to share their story, but that they had the power to make meaningful change.
"We want to offer reassurance to the community that they have nothing to fear by coming forward," he said.
"Don't underestimate what influence you can have on changing things."
