From Legacy Child to Veteran Champion: 60 Years of Service

From Kokoda to Afghanistan, Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL life member Rob Winther has spent 60 years supporting Australian veterans across generations at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. As Veteran Liaison Officer at Austin Health, Rob’s journey from Legacy child to veteran champion represents multi-generational veteran care spanning Gallipoli diggers, Rats of Tobruk, Vietnam veterans, and modern-era Afghanistan and Iraq veterans. His work encompasses everything from Ward 17 mental health and PTSD support to the Kokoda gym program for Vietnam veterans. Recognised by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in February 2026 for six decades of volunteer veteran support, Rob’s story highlights the heart and soul of cross-generational service through the Department of Veterans Affairs and RSL community.

What inspired you to start supporting veterans at just 18?

Dad was a Second World War veteran who was killed in a car accident in 1961 and we were looked after by Legacy. That is what started it all.

The Legacy fellow was working in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and I got through the Commonwealth selection test. They offered me a job at the repatriation department in 1966.

I worked there and 60 years on, here I am. Veterans’ Affairs had institutions in each state. The Repat Hospital Heidelberg was the biggest, then there were other hospitals, a factory making artificial limbs for First World War veterans, and psych facilities. It was pretty big business.

You come from a Kokoda veteran family. How did that shape your life of service?

He was militia, about 20 or so, in the 39th Battalion. They ended up on Kokoda, pretty much undertrained. One of the pictures of him walking back wounded is one of the famous ones that kept coming up.

Dad went fishing one morning with his mates, pre-seatbelt days, and they went head-on into a semi-trailer. I was 13. Mum worked at the Vic Market to keep three kids going. There was no war widow’s pension because he was killed in a car accident, not war-related. Mum never understood that, right up until she was about 92.

On Dad’s side there were four boys, two army, two navy. One navy was killed on HMAS Canberra, his name was Robert. That is where my name comes from. He died on 9 August 1942, on an American ship, buried at sea.

It is a strong link, that family history, being looked after by Legacy, seeing what veterans went through. That is what kept me in this work.

What brought you to Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL, and how do you support Vietnam veterans in Melbourne and beyond?

The club is great. I am a life member of the RSL and have been part of a few sub-branches.

At Camberwell I do a lot of work with members, especially the Vietnam guys, because they come through the hospital and the Kokoda Gym. I worked with them through my job, socialised with them, then connected with previous presidents like Bruce Ruxton and others.

Yesterday I was visiting a Vietnam vet in intensive care. I walked in and a young woman said, “You might remember my grandfather, Keith Rossi.” When Keith was in, I used to drive him home after inpatient stays. There have been a lot of relationships like that over the years. That is what keeps you connected.

How did it feel to be recognised by the Prime Minister?

I knew the celebration was happening, but I had no idea the Prime Minister was coming. I was told two minutes beforehand. Siobhan, who works with me, said she saw my face change. I went from laughing to complete surprise. That was the most emotional I got on the day.

It was great recognition. I am proud of it, but it is terrific for the hospital too, that the Prime Minister now knows a bit more about us at Austin Health and how good the Repat is.

The funny part was they handed me a glass trophy that said “Well Done 60 Years.” I put it on the edge of the table, did my talk, and everyone pushed forward. A Channel 7 journalist knocked the table and it shattered on the floor. I thought it was hilarious. I have got it in my office in pieces.

What does your work as Veteran Liaison Officer at Austin Health involve?

I am a full-time employee and eventually I will be a volunteer. The job is anything and everything to do with vets.

We run meeting rooms, collect history, fundraise, visit blokes in ICU, talk to nursing staff. Sometimes it is small things. If one of our staff sees a patient with an old DVA file number, I will know straight away what era they are from. You pick up those bits over the years. Other times it is helping someone get into Ward 17, or dealing with senior staff or DVA, making sure problems are sorted and our reputation stays strong. It is whatever needs doing.

You’ve supported veterans across generations. What stands out most?

One fellow, Arthur, was a Rat of Tobruk. He went to New Guinea and was shot in the arm and leg. The Japanese went past him, he survived behind their lines. Doctors wanted to amputate his arm but he would not let them. He died at the Repat, arms and legs intact.

He had done some filming too. Earl Francis was his stage name. He appeared in the film Gallipoli. If you watch closely, there is an English officer saluting in front of the pyramids with a tiny moustache—that is him.

There was Army Mary. Recently we treated her son, he is my age. He would sit at the Anzac Day service in the garden with the stained glass behind him. Above him in the picture was his mum. Multi-generational. When I started there were still Second World War veterans, about 1,000 inpatients at one stage. I spoke to a colleague this morning with 40 years’ service. She says, “I love the Repat.” It has got a heart and soul.

You call this work your “hobby.” What keeps you motivated?

I love what I do. New projects keep me interested. The chapel took 25 years. The books we are working on now, probably five years.

I thrive on strategy. I have got lists and pointers everywhere. Anzac Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, people bring good ideas and we use them. It is teamwork.

It is the challenge of getting things done. I do not like rules. I like to get on with the job.

Our approach is simple: do not worry about the money first. If you worry about the money first, that is the end of the job. Worry about it later.

How has veteran mental health support and PTSD support changed over time?

Being in the system so long, you just sort of know. The friendship, the caring, anticipating what is needed.

The physical issues are easier to see. The mental health side, you get a feel for people who are off the boil. We have got Ward 17, probably the best in the country.

The First World War men had to get on with life. PTSD was not recognised. The Second World War was similar. The Vietnam guys helped put it on the map, which makes it more understandable now for Afghanistan, Iraq and recent deployments.

I have also experienced deep loss in my own family. My son took his own life. So I have been through that. I can see when someone is struggling. I am aware of it and I see if we can help. Maybe a lot of it is intuition. I feel if I am thrown into the middle of a situation, I will work my way out of it. Bring it on.

What would you say to younger people considering volunteer veteran support?

If you are considering volunteering, do it. You give, but you receive. The country needs volunteers.

There is concern that people are getting older and we are not sure the younger ones are stepping in. Volunteering is rewarding, you just have to find what suits you.

If you are thinking of joining the services, you are serving your country. There will be challenges, but that is part of it. As a society we need to recognise those who serve and say thank you.

What role do Anzac Day services and cross-generational service play today?

Keeping awareness strong in schools is important. Students laying wreaths at Anzac Day or Remembrance Day matters.

It is also about relationships. Veterans meeting veterans. Older blokes talking with younger ones. Sharing experience without having to explain yourself.

At Heidelberg, where I represent the hospital at the 7am Anzac Day service, sporting clubs and schools lay wreaths. It touches hundreds of people. Camberwell can build on that. Invite people in. Keep the link alive. Make sure the next generation knows this place is here for them.

Support and Resources

Rob openly shares his personal experience to highlight the importance of supporting veterans’ mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, mental health challenges, or the pressures of service, support is available:

• Veterans and Defence Families Counselling Service (VDFCS): 1800 011 046 – confidential counselling for veterans, current ADF members, and their families
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 – crisis support and suicide prevention
• Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au – mental health support for all Australians

Reaching out is a sign of strength, and you are not alone. The RSL and veteran support services are here to help.

Join the Camberwell RSL Family Today

Inspired by Rob’s story? You too can be part of a vibrant, welcoming community that honours the past, supports the present, and builds for the future. Whether you’re looking for connection, camaraderie, or simply a great place to relax — there’s a place for you here.