Father of five with a family history of service.
Updated 11 Feb 2024 (first published Feb 2024)
Meet Josh Pratt, who is our dedicated hero for VIP Heroes Draw 10. Originally from Victoria, Josh enlisted in infantry in the Australian Army in 2001. Encouraged by his grandfather, who had served in the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force), Josh joined the Defence Force when he was just 17 years old.
The Pratt family has a very proud history of service dating all the way back to Josh’s great grandfather, who served in Gallipoli. During his time in service, Josh was deployed to Timor-Leste on a United Nations peacekeeping mission. He was medically discharged in 2006 and now lives in Townsville with his wife, Amanda, and their five daughters.
At the time when I discharged, I didn’t realise how bad my injuries were. And as the years went on, it just kept getting worse and worse.
“I’d be popping pills, pills and pills just to get to work. Then the pain was taking a toll on all the kids and the wife because I would get home from work, and I could barely walk.”
Physical and financial pressures grew
By his mid-twenties, Josh’s back pain grew progressively worse. He would come home from work and collapse at the front door, unable to move. Everyday life became unmanageable and he had to be heavily medicated just to get through the day.
“In terms of normal activities, I couldn’t mow the yard or if I did, I’d then be bedridden for two days.”
After a multitude of costly appointments with several specialists, Josh was finally diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. He had previously dislocated both shoulders, sustained multiple ankle injuries and developed arthritis in his ankles, knees and back.
The chronic pain was starting to affect him mentally, and he could no longer work, putting the family under financial pressure. Josh and Amanda decided to move to Townsville in the hopes that the warmer climate would relieve some of the pain.
When we got to Townsville, we had nothing. We were in a hole, both emotionally, financially, mentally. Just everything was down in the gutter.
Finding support and the road to recovery
A friend of the family had recommended that they contact the Mates4Mates Family Recovery Centre in Townsville, which supports both current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force, as well as their families.
Originally seeking help for physical rehabilitation, RSL Queensland Advocate Brett Armstrong, could see the family was also struggling in other areas. He was able to offer financial support to help the family on the road to recovery.
Support like that from the RSL Queensland and Mates4Mates is amazing. I think especially Mates4Mates have had a big impact on us. When you go through financial stress, injuries, mental health whatever it is, there is someone there for everything.
“I’m still on plenty of medication, however Mates4Mates with Lauren, the exercise physiologist, has been great. She’s given me stretches that I do every day to try and relieve some of the pain. But it won’t go, it’s going to be there forever.”
Through Mates4Mates, Josh started to receive both physical and mental support for his chronic back pain. The Centre also provides services to keep the whole family active, including yoga, after school activities, kids’ boot camps, and even art classes.
“Even though I can’t do a lot of physical activities, it’s more the movement and keeping active that helps with recovery. Keeping a healthy mind helps with the pain as well.”
Through his time with Mates4Mates, Josh has also become aware of other people facing similar challenges and has become a strong supporter of the services. Together with his wife Amanda, Josh is regularly donating his time by volunteering at the Centre café.
“The amount of help down there is phenomenal. All you need to do is ask and you’d be surprised with what they can do.”
Thank you to all the supporters of RSL Art Union. All the funding that goes towards RSL QLD and all the support services helps both veterans and families. If you need help and you’re an ex-serviceman or woman, you can get assistance if you need it.
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How your support changes lives
Our regular supporters are so important for RSL Queensland to provide much-needed help to veterans and families. The money raised helps deliver a range of impactful services and programs to help in real and meaningful ways. In 2023, 20% more veterans and families were supported by RSL Queensland’s services than the previous year, including:
Frequently asked questions
Funds raised through Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) allows RSL Queensland to provide practical support, assistance, advice and camaraderie to current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families across Queensland and nationally.
RSL Queensland’s mission is to provide care, commemoration and camaraderie to enable veterans and families to live with dignity and respect.
For example, in 2023, RSL Queensland supported 8,411 veterans and their families with their services, found jobs for 285 veterans and their partners, and helped 202 individuals into safe, permanent housing.
You can read about our services and stories at dreamhomeartunion.com.au/about/impact.
Life always has its ups and downs. But as a veteran, or the partner of a veteran, you don’t have to face them on your own.
Whether you're looking for employment, scholarships, wellness programs, or assistance with DVA claims, RSL Queensland has free programs, and people at the ready, to help you achieve your life goals.
To learn more and get assistance, visit www.rslqld.org or call 134 RSL.
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Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) draws are held at ANZAC House, 283 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006 or as specified in the Terms and Conditions for each draw. Draw results will be published online, on Facebook and Instagram.
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Due to the often residential location and popularity of our prize homes, Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) has not been permitted by regional councils to conduct open homes because of the disruption to the local community.
Our prize homes might be closed to public viewing, but you can explore them in just as much detail online, any time you like! Visit our Prize page to access draw brochures, photos, videos, floor plans and virtual tours. All addresses are listed on our prize pages, so why not take a drive past and explore the neighbourhood. Dream Home Art Union (the new name of RSL Art Union) will continue to assess opportunities to re-open prize homes to the public into the future.