Back in the 1990’s, a fellah called Les Hiddins was noticing more and more of his fellow vets ‘falling off the perch’. He wondered what he could do about it. The bush is in his blood and he knew others like him, many of them vets; they all understood the benefits of the bush. The thoughts percolated like a good brew and in 2000 Project Pandanus was established by Les and a few mates - mates who, like Les, prefer to disappear into the shadows - mainly Pat Shears (Vietnam vet and then a QPWS Ranger), Graham Elms (then Cooktown Mayor), and Dick Schafer (then a TPI Vietnam vet).

Together they set out to create or have set aside a suitable environment in far north Queensland (FNQ), somewhere for Aussie vets to use as a recreational retreat. They wanted the government to set it up for the vets, because the vets' need was created by their service to Australia, and also because it is a really practical and decent thing for a country to do for its troops. Demographically, FNQ has one of the greatest veteran population densities in Australia, so an FNQ location was practical and preferred in order to give maximum benefit to the vets.

They'd done their homework: it was all legally possible. The Qld Lands Act has provision for war memorial and recreation reserves, there is also provision at state and federal levels for a Deed of Grant in Trust. Bullseye! They named the project after the Pandanus, a pretty significant tree in northern climes, and for their logo these vets took the three red stripes from their Australian Service ribbon for Vietnam.

The grapevine led like-minds to them and the rest is history.

They found the perfect spot, vacant crown land up on Kalpowar Station in Cape York and in 2001 Pandanus Park was born. Lots of quiet, lots of space; fauna, fishing and fellow vets – people who understand each other. Talking with a vet who once wanted to end it all and who now embraces life, you know that there must be something big happening. Especially when he openly gives Pandanus Park and the Pandanus vets the full credit for his turn-around.

Pandanus Healing – Vietnam veterans Steve Theodore (L) and Mick Puckey (R)

During 2001 the Pandanus vets' numbers grew to 15 campers, 600 on the first mailing list, others not on the web. On the ground, the retreatees got company: the Qld govt moved an Aboriginal family onto Kalpowar Station as caretakers, until the govt worked out who was getting what of Kalpowar. Michael Ross and his wife Helen Rootsey have a long history in the region, with Helen being born up north near Bathurst Bay, and both of them having worked on Kalpowar when it was managed by WW2 vet Jack Scott. Jack's bio "Stone the Crows" has some fascinating insights into life last century and pictures of Michael and Helen with the Scott family.

What did all these efforts lead to? In 2006 Pandanus Park is on the government and Hema maps, gates open for retreat from 25 April to 11 November each year (weather permitting) and vets from WW2 to East Timor and the sandpit have found their 'something' in Pandanus. Vets come from all backgrounds, so there's no racial divide. The vets and the locals look out for each other, helping where they can. Many vets prefer not to have their picture or details publicised and this is respected. All rank, public profile and fan clubs are left at the crossing: Pandanus Park is a sanctuary for vets and their families.

Some vets and their wives start the trek from WA in March each year; from SA, NSW and QLD in April, all ready for when Pandanus Park opens again for business. A Pandanus pilgrimage is for some impossible, so they support in other ways. For others, it is a trip in a lifetime. Or for a couple of months. Or two weeks each year. It is many things to many people.

Strangely, it never seems to get crowded in Pandanus Park. The busiest time is the August reunion period and that has settled at between 400-500 people over the peak week - you don't even realise until the Dawn service - folks like their own space. And then there are the folks you'll never see, even during that time.

New campsite-hamlets appear when squadrons, platoons etc gather together after their initial week or so of recuperative retreat, ready again to make the most of time with mates who truly understand. Peaceful afternoons of fishing, exploring the environment and history, comparing medications, music and management strategies; the renowned bocce comps between Snoopy's Hangar and Dead End Camp, chatting with the locals, emu parades to gather the debris from itinerant 'civvie' campers, spontaneous singalongs, painting, writing, table tennis (!!!) -their activity list goes on and on. And while the quest for national vet retreats continues, there is always the sport of politics - optional of course. These veterans are a true inspiration.

Today Pandanus has about 1200 on the main vet list, then additional lists from the websites. These activists and supporters all forward and print - some have even set up support websites. Pandanus is also regularly featured in "The Veteran Leader", a USA-based mag supporting today's defence personnel and veterans; it gets passed around all current op areas, along with vet centres in both America and Australia. Back home, individuals coalesce into working groups, seeking out retreats and locales in other states, and encouraging vets globally to find their own Pandanus. What amazing flow-on from a dream.

The bureaucratic battle for official status continues and the vets will never give up. They know that ‘tilting at windmills’ can be really worthwhile: the vets in Pandanus Park each year say that this IS the right thing. That battle, it will be seen thru to the end - for all veterans, for their Pandanus.

Project Pandanus embodies the spirit of Australia: don't wait for someone to help you - get together with your mates and do it for yourself, for everyone. Our veterans are claiming their lives. As one vet said to me, "I've found Tomorrow."

Pandanus Park is a sanctuary for vets and their families. Try it. Invest in yourself.

Something missing? Maybe Pandanus can help you find it...

And maybe you can help someone else find theirs...

Pandanus Pilgrimage

LEST WE FORGET

Other veteran retreats

In typical Aussie tradition, Pandanus is a group of individuals contributing time and energy toward making the project successful. Their diverse talents, their vision and commitment have helped veterans from all conflicts since WW2, and their families.

The last decade has seen differing vet retreats springing up all over the country. Not one of them is enacted by our government, who seem to have great difficulty understanding the immense positive impact retreat has on many of our vets. These veterans live - and die - in hope of this healing from their liege - the Australian Government.