Forging the way for females in the Navy

As a cook in the Royal Australian Navy, Sandie Beaumont travelled the world and forged life-long friendships while proudly serving her country. Sandie’s connection to Defence first started in 1989 when she joined the Navy, and during her time in service she was one of the first 20 females on board the HMAS Success, and the only female cook.

While at times it was tough being the only female in the galley, Sandie embraced the challenge while enjoying the camaraderie that the Navy provided. In 1992 Sandie participated in the RIMPAC exercises along with five other nations. “We got to visit Hawaii, San Diego, and even a trip down to Mexico. One time when we were ashore there was a statue built by the Royal Australian Navy back in 78’ and we got to repaint it, just the little things like that were really great,” Sandie recalls fondly.

After finishing up her time in the Navy in 1995, Sandie struggled transitioning into civilian life.

"I did find it a bit hard, having the camaraderie of all those people around you supporting you like brothers and sisters. To suddenly being on your own without that stability."

Adjusting to a completely different life

Sandie had hit a low point and eventually returned home to Brisbane to live with her mum and dad. An old friend from the Navy recognised the struggles Sandie had been dealing with, and suggested she join Mates4Mates.

An initiative of RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates provides a way forward for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel, and their families, impacted by service. Over 11,000 veterans and their families to date have benefited from the physical rehabilitation and mental health services, skills and wellbeing programs, and social connection activities that Mates4Mates provides.

"Before reaching out to Mates4Mates I was a bit lost, I was unable to work at the time and didn’t really know what direction to go."

Turning things around for the better

After doing a bit of initial research, Sandie made an appointment at one of their centres. “It’s the best thing that I did,” she says smiling.

During her first appointment with Mates4Mates, Sandie was introduced to Stacey, who asked her what type of services she wanted to use. “I told Stacey I was looking for a social connection because, I was feeling a bit isolated.” Since joining Mates4Mates, Sandie has participated in a range of social activities such as Ambrose Golf Days, a Story Bridge climb, painting classes, and regular coffee catch ups just to name a few. In addition to this, Sandie has utilised exercise physiology services offered by Mates4Mates and still joins in weekly yoga classes.

"The exercise physiology helped with my mental health, and a few issues and injuries that I had. The yoga was actually fantastic."

Sandie feels like she has come full circle since joining Mates4Mates, after losing the camaraderie when she left the Navy. Now she has so much support around her, not just from her family and friends, but also the new friends she’s made through Mates4Mates. “I feel like I’m more confident. It’s helped me get that connection back, that sense of belonging.”

“I’d like to say to the supporters of the Dream Home Art Union a very big thank you. I even thank the people who sell the tickets at the supermarkets,” Sandie says smiling again.

"Thank you very much, because some of the programs offered by RSL Queensland have really helped me. Like the Veteran Homelessness program and now Mates4Mates. If it wasn’t for that, I don’t know where I’d be.