by John Van der Have
Access Consultant (Bio-Building Design Pty Ltd)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disability that develops from experiencing a traumatic event such as a murder, rape, violent assault, kidnap, and so on. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, disturbing thought patterns and distress related to trauma related cues. Trauma survivors often develop depression, anxiety disorders and mood disorders, in addition to PTSD.
PTSD may provoke violent behaviour by the sufferer. A person with PTSD is at higher risk of suicide and intentional self harm.
The main forms of treatment are psychotherapy and medication (anti-depressants). Other therapies may also be appropriate and different groups of sufferers of PTSD will respond differently to specific therapeutic interventions.
Veterans of the armed forces and PTSD
One cohort that experiences higher than average rates of PTSD is veterans of the armed services. Around 22% of military personnel exposed to combat will go on to develop PTSD. A classic case of an ex-soldier with PTSD is the Vietnam veteran John Rambo, played by actor Sylvester Stallone in the film First Blood.
In previous years PTSD was referred to by various terms including battle fatigue, shell shock, neurasthenia or war nerves. The term ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ came into use in the 1970’s, in large part due to the diagnoses of U.S. military veterans of the Vietnam War.
The psychological costs of war are heavy. Veterans in Australia are a third more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans and three times more likely to experience homelessness. [1] The prevalence of PTSD is estimated to be around 12% in Vietnam veterans and 5% in Gulf War veterans. [2]
The correlations between combat and PTSD are undeniable. In a classic analysis following World War One, it was estimated that ‘after thirty-five days of uninterrupted combat, 98% of (mobilised American men) manifested psychiatric disturbances in varying degrees.’ [3]
In addition to veterans, other groups at risk of developing PTSD include police officers, first responders, ambulance personnel, motor collision survivors and health care professionals. According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020–2022, an estimated 11% of Australians experience PTSD in their life, with women being at almost twice the risk of men (14% and 8%, respectively) (ABS 2022). [4]
Programs to assist veterans with PTSD
In the United States, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research has developed the ‘Battlemind’ program. This is a program that helps soldiers develop skills to survive in combat. At the same time it is recognised that these same skills may cause them problems if not adapted when they get back home [5]. One aim of this program is to assist service members avoid or ameliorate PTSD and related problems.
Also in the United States the ‘Wounded Warrior Project’ has been established, offering a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans who have physical or mental disabilities. The related Warrior Care Network is an initiative established in 2016 providing care for veterans experiencing PTSD. Programs offered include group therapy with other veterans to learn coping strategies, such as yoga and meditation.
Again in the United States, ‘Project Odyssey’ is an ‘adventure-based learning program’ that provides veterans from all branches of the armed services an opportunity to work together in group activities and psycho-educational sessions. Through the Project Odyssey program veterans can engage with other veterans with similar interests, such as motorcycle riding or maintenance of antique machinery. Such projects provide veterans with opportunities to network with other veterans and communities across the country.
One provision that will benefit people with PTSD is a proper social support system. This refers to a sense by sufferers that they are cared for, have assistance available from other people, and are part of a supportive network. A social support network provides a sense of belonging. Social support has been linked to many benefits for both physical and mental health. An adequate social support system is a vital aspect in recovery from PTSD.
Social connection and support is beneficial to both serving and ex-military personnel. Social connections between serving personnel are an important moderator of vulnerability to PTSD post-deployment.
Scheyville National Park
Scheyville is located about 40 km north-west of the Sydney CBD. This place has a long history of involvement with the armed services. During World War Two, the 73rd Anti Aircraft Searchlight Company was based at Scheyville. From 1942 the 1st Parachute Battalion was based here, later moving to Canungra in Queensland. In 1965, Scheyville was once again commandeered for military purposes, specifically to house an Officer Training Unit to prepare conscripts for officer roles in the Vietnam War.
During World War Two, two large SSAR (Stran-Steel-Arched-Rib) Huts, with a total floor area of 1800 square metres, were built at Manus Island. After the War they were relocated to Scheyville where they served various purposes. Following their utilisation during the Vietnam War as an Officer Training Unit for National Servicemen, they fell into disuse and were left to deteriorate badly. Some outlying associated buildings were demolished.
In 1996, the site at Scheyville was gazetted a National Park, and has since been under the care of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Scheyville National Park is 920 hectares in area and conserves a large part of the Cumberland Plain Woodland, an ecosystem under threat of urban expansion across the Greater Sydney region. Scheyville National Park has both cultural heritage, as well as natural heritage. Given its long association with the armed services, as well as its setting in a serene natural environment, Scheyville was a logical location for a Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre.
Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre at Scheyville
A few years ago, Government authorities made some of the old, deteriorated buildings at Scheyville available for conservation and adaptation as a Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre. Bio Building Design, Architects and Access Consultants, were appointed to design this project, the aim of which was to benefit former members of the armed services, including those with PTSD.
The brief for this project was developed by people with lived experience – that is, the brief was developed by veterans of the armed forces with personal experience of PTSD. The brief included provision of a facility to accommodate a social support system for veterans with PTSD.
In addition to the provision of a physical base to enable an effective social support network for veterans, other general principles pertaining to enhancement of mental health were also applied in this project.
Scheyville National Park is listed on the State Heritage Register. As such the proposed works were subject to the provisions of the NSW Heritage Act 1979. These provisions imposed an overlay of heritage constraints on all new and altered work. One of the challenges in the design was to balance the requirements of the Access-to-Premises Standards and the Building Code of Australia on the one hand, and the NSW Heritage Act on the other.
Adaptation of the SSAR Huts
During 2023-2024 the two large SSAR Huts at Scheyville were restored and adapted for use as a Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre. The previously existing landscaping within a large central courtyard, which had over many years been allowed to deteriorate, was refreshed. Construction works were completed in late 2024.
The Centre will include a mens’ shed for veterans of the armed services. A military museum will also be based here. Museum fit out was completed in early 2025. The restored facility will additionally be used for meetings, reunions, ceremonies and similar purposes.
Other activities to take place here include restoration of old military hardware. A Centurion tank has recently been housed here, along with other heavy military equipment – objects of relevance and interest to veterans. A fundamental goal in this project was the provision of a facility that would provide a proper social support base for veterans with the disability known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
References
1. Article by Jacq Gallagher: Why this cemetery became my home Sydney Morning Herald 16.08.24.
2. Phoenix Australia – Centre for Post traumatic Mental Health. Specific Populations and Trauma Types: Military and ex-military personnel in Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Post traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post traumatic Stress Disorder. Melbourne: Phoenix Australia; 2020.
3. “World War One – A New Kind of War, Part II”. www.ralphmag.org. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016., From 14 – 18 Understanding the Great War, by Stéphane Audoin-Rouzeau, Annette Becker
4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, website accessed 25.01.25
5. Battlemind – Wikipedia, accessed 27.01.25
Refurbished exterior – Western SSAR Hut
Refurbished interior – Eastern SSAR Hut
Exterior of the refurbished Western SSAR Hut
View of the refurbished courtyard
Centurion tank now housed within the completed project
All photographs by John Van der Have
John Van der Have is the principal of Bio-Building Design Pty Ltd – Architects and Access Consultants, based in the City of Blue Mountains, NSW. He is an accredited member of ACA, and also a member of the Australian Institute of Architects. He has designed several health-related projects.