Stephen and Mal – who served in the British Army and the Australian Army, respectively – have always been interested in nature. Now, they’re regulars of the Veterans’ Wildlife Studies Program, better known as ‘the zookeeper program’.

Stephen enjoys the program so much that he’s signed up for a fourth term and offered to volunteer at the sanctuary.

“It gives me a sense of fulfillment that I’ve done my little bit for the environment,” he says. “If you get given something, you’ve got to give it back some other way.”

“Currumbin/Palm Beach has one of the most active and efficient veteran programs going of any place I’ve seen or been associated with.”
Stephen agrees.

“I didn’t have anything to do with the military until I came to Australia and joined the RSL. I get a lot of satisfaction from belonging to the Sub-Branch,” he says.

“The things they do for us veterans – there’s always help and support.”

This is an extract of an article by RSL Queensland, reprinted with permission. Read the full story here.