AS uncomfortable as it is for Port Stephens resident Tonia Keyte to share her story publicly, she feels it's important that people hear real stories, from real people. Login or signup to continue reading Ms Keyte is one of the 886 people who have participated in a private session as part of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide , and the author of the thousands of submissions made, a total of 5889. The commission's official closing ceremony takes place today (Wednesday, August 28) and those who attend or tune in will hear from Ms Keyte, and others with lived experience, whose stories have been recorded for sharing.
"As uncomfortable as it might be for me to step out of my comfort zone and actually speak up, and put my name to it ...
it is completely overshadowed by the devastation that I feel, and the magnitude of loss and suffering that's happening in the veteran community," Ms Keyte said. "I need to say it out loud and be a voice for those who can no longer use their voice because they're no longer with us ..
. and keep trying to bring about change. Otherwise, change is never going to happen.
It hasn't happened so far and it's never going to happen if we don't." Her sentiments echo those of Commissioner Peggy Brown, who made similar comments recently about the winding up of the commission. "I'm trying to remain optimistic," Commissioner Brown said.
"Our role is finished, it's really up to the government of the day - and the public and the media, who may deman.