SERVICE dogs are an incredible resource, not only for people with a physical impairment, but for those who need companionship after tough experiences.
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Understanding the value of these animals, the Combined Pensioners and Superannuates Association (CPSA) hopes to raise awareness in the wider community with an expo later this week.
The CPSA will partner with the Bathurst RSL Sub Branch to deliver the expo to the community.
The idea for the event came from the secretary of the CPSA, Brian Cowan, who was inspired to spread the word about the dogs after seeing them at Bathurst's Remembrance Day service.
"Brian sowed the seed of commemorating the Anzacs at our April meeting and we got in touch with David [Mills] and it evolved from there," CPSA president John Hollis said.
While the expo is part of the CPSA meeting, it is open to the whole community to attend.
The event will not only promote the Defence Service Dog Program, but also highlight the issue of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
RSL Sub Branch president David Mills said it was something that affected many service personnel, not just the ones who had engaged in armed conflict.
"It doesn't just have to be combat. Some of the veterans that suffer have been on peacekeeping operations; some of the things they have seen are just as bad a combat," he said.
Taking that into account, the CPSA has invited emergency services around Bathurst to attend.
"I feel that with these dogs there might be something that can be done to help these emergency services as well," Mr Cowan said.
At the expo, people will get to hear from Corrective Services trainers about the program and the way inmates at Bathurst Jail are involved in training the dogs.
There will also be an opportunity for attendees to see the skills services dogs have in a live demonstration.
Services such as Lifeline and DefenceCare have also been invited to provide information about how their services can assist in cases of PTSD.
Mr Hollis said the CPSA hoped that the community would attend to find out more about what goes into training these dogs and the impact they can have on someone's life.
"It is a very vibrant and successful program and a great way to trigger with the community what can happen when you put a service dog with a veteran," Mr Hollis said.
The expo will be held at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on Thursday, starting at 10am.
Morning tea will be available for a gold coin donation after the event.