When Vietnam War veteran Jeff Swain lost his home to the Victorian bushfires earlier this year, it was the veteran community that helped him find stability and a new place to call home.
Jeff's home in Highlands near Seymour, in Central Northern Victoria, was destroyed by fire on 9 January 2026, leaving Jeff and his loyal dog Geordie homeless in the blink of an eye. When Vasey RSL Care became aware of his situation, the organisation moved quickly, offering Jeff a permanent home at its newly completed Ex-Service Accommodation site in Bundoora.
Completed in late December 2025, the Bundoora development includes 20 new single-storey affordable housing units designed to meet growing demand for secure, long-term housing for veterans. Jeff and Geordie have now settled into one of those homes, marking a fresh start after an incredibly challenging beginning to the year.
For Jeff, the loss was confronting and brought back memories of earlier bushfire threats. During the 2006 Victorian bushfires, his Highlands home narrowly escaped destruction — an experience that never left him.
"Bushfires remind you how quickly everything can change," Mr Swain said. "One moment you're at home, the next you're starting again. What makes the difference is knowing there are people and organisations who step in and help."
Despite losing his home, Jeff remains grounded and optimistic. "At the end of the day, they're just possessions," he said. "Geordie and I are safe, and now we have a secure place to live again. Having stability makes it easier to stay positive and move forward."
Vasey RSL Care Chief Executive Officer Janna Voloshin said providing safe and secure housing in times of crisis is central to the organisation's mission.
"At Vasey RSL Care, we exist to serve those who served," Ms Voloshin said. "When veterans experience hardship — whether through bushfires, housing stress or other crises — our focus is on offering practical support that helps them recover and rebuild."
"Secure housing is fundamental to recovery and wellbeing. We are proud to provide Jeff with a permanent home after such a significant loss, and to ensure he and Geordie have not just a roof over their heads, but a supportive community around them."
Jeff also acknowledged the broader support he received in the immediate aftermath of the fires, with The Highlands Caravan Park providing emergency accommodation, and assistance flowing in from Middle Kinglake Primary School, the Vietnam Veterans Association (Goulburn Valley and Diamond Valley), the Defence Force Welfare Association, RSL Victoria, Seymour RSL, Frankston RSL, Seaford RSL, Box Hill RSL, Kilmore RSL and his own RSL Sub-Branch, Yea-Kinglake.
Now settled into his new home, Jeff says the experience has reinforced his belief in the importance of community and the value of organisations that step up when it matters most.
Vasey RSL Care's Ex-Service Accommodation program provides affordable, secure, long-term housing to veterans and their families across Victoria.
About us:
Vasey RSL Care:
Vasey RSL Care is Australia's leading provider of ex-service accommodation, care and support, providing veteran-specific services to around 1000 ex-service people of all ages each year, and employing over 750 clinical, care support, veteran services staff and volunteers.
Services include rental units (social housing) for over 320 veterans, war widows and partners at eight city and three regional locations; home care provisions for older Australians wishing to remain in their own home; and residential aged care at four locations – Brighton, Brighton East, Bundoora and Frankston South and The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program located in Ivanhoe, Victoria.
