In Part 3 of this series of interviews with Eamon Hale, Jeb highlights the barriers in place for getting good ideas across to politicians and outlines some community initiatives helping veterans in Sunbury. Jeb also speaks about the need for a royal commission into veterans suicides and what it's like being brushed-off by politicians with the ubiquitous and insincere #TYFYS.

Former Special Forces Major, Heston Russell speaks to @AVNHQ about the trauma to families of fallen soldiers caused by General Angus Campbell's poor handling of the release of Brereton Report. We also discuss the issues of leadership in the ADF and the impact recent events have on Australia's military capability.

The Victorian Minister for Veterans, Shaun Leane MP, provided an in-depth update on state government initiatives and outlined his vision of Victoria as a destination state for veterans and their families. Minister Leane was generous with his time and discusses many challenges being faced by Australian veterans, including the problems associated with dealing with DVA. There's much more to be done, and the minister flagged the possibility of Veterans' Summit to bring the community together to find lasting solutions to our most challenging issues.

Jeb's inspiring story of overcoming depression and attempted suicides to being an advocate for reforming support for young veterans at a time when they may not realise they need it.

Julie-Ann Finney tells AVN about her experience of broken promises and being pushed aside by a Prime Minister, as well as dealing with politicians who parrot their well-worn lines when confronted with questions about the deaths of current and former ADF personnel. Support the call for a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides by visiting Change.org/VetsWeForget.

Jeb Summers is a young veteran who is encouraging veterans and emergency services personnel to step out of the shadows and be open to seeking and offering help.

Nikki Jamieson, a researcher and expert in veteran suicide prevention, discusses the shortcomings of the Federal Governments proposed ADF commissioner for suicide prevention and why we must have a royal commission instead.

An important discussion with Eamon Hale (VP Hawthorn RSL) about the potential for the RSL to once again play a key role in supporting and advocating for veterans and their families. We also focus on the great work being done at the local level by sub-branches such as Hawthorn, plus we discuss the urgent need for a Royal Commission into veteran suicides.

We discuss the news and interviews of the week including our interview with Jacqui Lambie and our support for the call for a Royal Commission into veteran suicides, regional volunteer-led initiatives with Bill Westhead, and DVA's service dog program with Kevin Picker.