Good mental health the name of the game

In a show of support for sailors, officers and Transit Security Element personnel, video game packs have been donated to Navy by Veteran Gaming Australia (VGA) to help alleviate stress levels and aid crew camaraderie.

The eight gaming packs – containing either a Nintendo Switch OLED or Switch 2 console, three games, controllers and cables – were distributed to each of Navy’s patrol boats.

CO HMAS Cape Hawke LCDR Harrison Ingham said he was grateful for the pack which has already boosted morale for his crew.

“It’s a very generous and kind offer that was entirely unexpected but completely appreciated beyond what words can describe,” he said.

The investment is shared between the 30 people on board the boat.

“We’ve already seen a huge demand for Super Smash Bros. There’s a friendly rivalry between myself and the most junior member of transit security element.

“It’s a good laugh for the rest of the crew too but, unbearably, I’m the one who usually gets destroyed,” CO Ingham joked.

As a nationwide organisation, VGA hosts social and competitive gaming nights like Dungeons & Dragons and Warhammer, both in person and online.

Founder and CEO of VGA Samuel Harris worked with patrol boat CHAP Simon Edds to get the packs to the crews.

“A big thank you to Chaplain Edds for helping get these new Navy hubs off the ground and for the ongoing support he provides to our serving members,” Mr Harris said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing this hub grow and become a great place for the crew to connect, have fun and enjoy on breaks.

“Most Australians can’t imagine being inside a floating metal workplace for weeks on end with no respite, so we hope these gaming packs can help with emotional wellbeing at the end of a long day,” he said.

The idea came to CHAP Edds after he attended an information session at Robertson Barracks in Darwin.

“The session touched on the organisation’s aim to reduce isolation and loneliness in the veteran community, and it was the starting point for a conversation with VGA,” CHAP Edds said.

“This collaboration has the potential to positively impact the seagoing experience and wellbeing of nearly 500 patrol boat crew members.

“Life at sea does mean time away from family and home, so having a safe space where the crew can have fun, relax and spend time with mates is imperative.”