Will Dwyer with two of his four children Brin (standing) and Paddy. The army veteran runs Phillip Island Veterans and on December 15 is running the group's first event.
A free sausage sizzle for veterans and their families has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 15.
The Veterans Family Sausage Sizzle, previously postponed, will run 12pm-2pm at Erehwon Point and is organised by Cowes' resident Will Dwyer, who cancelled the November event following a death in his family.
Will was in the army from 2019 to 2021 and earlier this year started a Facebook page — Phillip Island Veterans — to connect with other local veterans and build a support network, with the sausage sizzle the first event for the group.
"This is the first organised event, with the focus on families but everyone is welcome. Down the track we will hold more activities like surf days or yoga classes, we're open to suggestions," Will said.
The 40-year-old father-of-four said in the army there were a range of support networks and once veterans leave it can be difficult.
"The army is very community oriented. When you need help, people are there for you, so when I left, the lack of that network was one of the first things I noticed," said Will, whose wife Julia is currently studying to be a speech pathologist.
"The complexities of post service life are unique, especially while trying to raise a young family.
"Being able to connect with those in similar situations to share advice and lived experience can be a great help."
Details on the Phillip Island Veterans Facebook page.
