Police Veterans Victoria today held its second Annual General Meeting, with reports from PVV’s Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
PVV’s Chair, John Laird, spoke to the “considerable changes” PVV has undergone over the last 12 months including a change of name, new logo, website and a revised strategic plan that “sets [PVV] on a path for sustained success”.
In the 12 months to 30 June, PVV received more than 250 referrals from veterans and family members.
These referrals include recurrent themes of social isolation, trauma, family breakdown, and grief, which were referred from a variety of sources including Wellbeing Services, social media, other veterans and local police.
“Our membership base continues to grow with more than 3700 now registered with PVV, reflecting a stronger sense of community,” Laird said.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all Board members, past and present, for their contributions over the past 12 months,” Laird said. “I would particularly like to acknowledge Dannye Moloney, who has worked tirelessly in support of police veterans since our inception in 2014 to the organisation it is today.”
Today marks Laird’s final AGM, who will be retiring as Chair and Board member at the next Board in November. Dannye Moloney also retired from the PVV Board at today’s AGM.
“I am confident PVV will continue to grow in relevance and support, and I look forward to seeing its success as I look on from the veteran ranks,” Laird said.
CEO David McGowan also spoke to the key changes PVV has made over the past year, as well as its successes.
PVV this year entered a partnership with Victoria University to undertake a number of projects; the first being a review of the peer support program, something not previously done before.
PVV has 42 trained VPSO’s, with another thirty enlisted and awaiting training. Covid-19 restrictions have impacted PVV’s ability to run courses.
The organisation also led an international benchmarking exercise on support programs for police veterans to identify best practice models.
“What was clear from the exercise was the distinct lack of any structured programs anywhere in Australia and very few internationally,” McGowan said.
“This is an important initiative because it will help build the evidence base we need to obtain government support.”
McGowan also spoke to additional benefits for veterans, accumulated over the last 12 months, including the Veterans benefit program, which has seen 351 subscribers with numbers slowly increasing.
“Unlike the previous program, this one provides meaningful benefits and can be used across many thousands of businesses across Australia,” McGowan said.
Benefits can be redeemed via a linked website (no physical card is issued). PVV continues to host several other exclusive benefits available outside the ambassador program and will continue to develop this over time.
McGowan also thanked the sponsors and supporters of PVV, including Victoria Police, First Move Digital (FMD), R-Co and members of PVV’s Corporate Advisory Committee.
“There is much to be proud of for what we have achieved in the past 12 months, and so much more to look forward to.”
Report here: https://policeveteransvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/PVV-AGM-2021-report.pdf
