Bonsai brings veterans together

A creative wellbeing initiative at Inverloch RSL has helped local veterans and their families find healing, growth and connection, one bonsai tree at a time. 

The Inverloch Sub-branch has hosted a series of bonsai workshops led by local expert Tim Rear­don, known as The Bonsai Fella. The project brought together 12 veterans and family mem­bers to learn the art of bonsai, culminating in a public exhibition. 

The idea for the workshops grew from a per­sonal interest and quickly blossomed into a popular RSL Active activity. ‘Bonsai is a beautiful, reflective experience,’ said Inverloch RSL Secre­tary Lindsay Guerin. ‘It allows you to express your creativity in your own time. It brings peace and reflection over a long period.’ 

The workshops ran for several hours at a time, with follow-up sessions to help participants refine their skills and create new pieces. The program also included equipment to help participants continue their bonsai journey at home. 

The impact on participants was profound. ‘There’s been a marked change in wellbeing and social connection,’ Lindsay said. ‘The friendships and mutual respect that developed, especially with Tim, have been amazing. There’s a new sense of community that’s grown through this program.’ 

A highlight for many was the exhibition at the Inver­loch Community Hub, where participants proudly displayed their creations alongside an art show and natural products display. ‘It was a feeling of great pleas­ure and honour to have our work on display,’ one participant said. ‘To hear visitors say, “You did that?” – it was a real sense of achievement.’ 

The program has sparked interest in future workshops, with plans for beginner and advanced classes. One special project involved bonsai-ing a direct descendant of the Gal­lipoli Lone Pine, which will be installed as a permanent commemorative display in the community hub. 

Lindsay praised a DVA Veteran Wellbeing Grant (VWG) for making the project possible: ‘The program wouldn’t have gotten off the ground without the support of the grant. It gave mem­bers a great sense of pride and belonging, and new shared experiences among veterans and their families.’ 

The Inverloch RSL’s bonsai project is one of many community initiatives supported by DVA’s VWG Program, which recently awarded almost $3 million to 46 initiatives across the country. These grants help ex-service organisations and community groups deliver activities that sup­port the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. 

For more information about the VWG Pro­gram and other grant programs, visit www.dva.gov.au/grants.