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Feeding veterans’ wellbeing
For Army veteran Mat, this free workshop planted the seed for new skills, new friendships, a new business, and a nourishing new way of life.
Over his 11-year Army career, Mat deployed to the Solomon Islands and served in both the Ordnance and the Aviation Corps, "working on helicopters, Chinooks, Black Hawks, Tigers, stuff like that".
"I had plans of staying in for the rest of my working life, but it wasn't to be."
"I accumulated injuries as the years went on and was medically discharged, so I sort of found myself thinking, ‘What now?’."
It was a few years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, that Mat discovered his new passion for gardening.
"Getting out in the garden and getting my hands in the soil is very therapeutic. It takes my mind off everything else that's going on."
Digging in for health
Mat went on to volunteer at a plant nursery and later enrolled in the Paddock to Plate workshop by Dig In Health Co.
Run for veterans, by a veteran, this four-day workshop teaches the basics of permaculture and clinical nutrition. It's funded through Dream Home Art Union by RSL Queensland, so there’s no cost to participants.
"It’s an intensive course on how to grow good quality food at home. On the final day, we cover all things nutrition, gut health, and how that links to mental health," Dig In Health Co owner and director Will Gold says.
Formerly an RAAF aircraft mechanical engineer, now an accredited dietitian and certified permaculture consultant, Will started the workshops to support veterans’ physical and mental wellbeing.
He teaches participants how to design and create sustainable growing systems at home and make healthy, informed dietary choices.
"We know from research that that’s going to have a beneficial effect on preventing and correcting mental health challenges that veterans often face," Will explains.
The other main goal of Paddock to Plate, Will says, is to help veterans "succeed in their own backyard. With that success comes a sense of pride, and a sense of being able to provide."
Lasting lessons and connections
Paddock to Plate has "had a massive impact" on Mat’s food choices.
"The last day was nutrition-based, which I thought was an excellent way to finish because you're learning about all these foods that you're going to grow, and then you're learning about what they can do for the body," he says.
However, he says the workshop’s biggest highlight has been the connections he’s made.
"I've made lasting friendships with Will and a couple of other people, which is great. It's good to have connections with other veterans post-service." he shares.
Reaping the rewards
Mat enjoyed Paddock to Plate so much that he completed a permaculture design course, building further knowledge and confidence to help his and others’ gardens thrive.
"I've since started my own garden maintenance business, which incorporates some permaculture principles," he says.
"I have a lot of older veteran clients, and it gives me a lot of joy to be able to keep their gardens up to scratch when they sort of can't anymore."
To any veteran with an interest in gardening, Mat says Paddock to Plate is "definitely worthwhile doing. It's had an awesome impact on my life."
Dig In Health Co is an RSL Queensland supported Peer-Led program designed to help veterans living with mental and physical health challenges improve their wellbeing. Peer-led programs like these are funded by Dream Home Art Union and are all thanks to people like you, our supporters.
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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, 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.
How your support changes lives
Since 1956, Dream Home Art Union has been a continual source of fundraising for RSL Queensland. Each ticket sold supports veterans and families across Queensland and nationally through advocacy, employment and wellbeing programs, helping veterans build new beginnings as they transition out of service. In 2025, RSL Queensland delivered a range of impactful services, marked commemorative events and fostered strong member networks that provided practical support to thousands of veterans and their families in real and meaningful ways.
