CHESS MATES

A CAMP SMEAC SERVICE

CHESS MATES, SMEAC’s dedicated chess club, offers a calm, welcoming space where veterans, families, and community members can come together, unwind, and challenge themselves in thoughtful, strategic play.

Who can join? Everyone is welcome—whether you’re a grandmaster, casual hobbyist, or completely new to the game. CHESS MATES invites people of all ages and skill levels to pull up a chair, take a breath, and focus on something that rewards patience, clarity, and calm

Chess is more than just a game. It builds mental agility, encourages critical thinking, and teaches focus and discipline—qualities that support mental wellbeing, particularly for veterans adjusting to post-service life. In a world that often moves too fast, chess invites players to slow down, think ahead, and be present.

CHESS MATES provides a low-pressure, supportive environment designed to reduce stress and promote meaningful social interaction. It’s not about competition—it’s about connection. Around the board, veterans often find common ground, with conversations unfolding naturally as the pieces move. These shared moments offer quiet healing, replacing isolation with camaraderie and restoring a sense of normalcy and purpose.

Beyond the board, CHESS MATES serves as a powerful bridge between veterans and the wider community. Friends, families, and local supporters are encouraged to join, helping to build mutual respect and intergenerational understanding through shared experience.

Like all SMEAC clubs, CHESS MATES plays a valuable role in our mission of Reconnection and Reintegration. It creates structure, promotes inclusion, and brings people together around something timeless and universally engaging—the simple joy of a good game.

SMEAC CLUBS BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Rebuild Camaraderie

Reconnect with like-minded people who understand the veteran experience.

Boost Mental Health

Shared hobbies reduce stress and support emotional well-being.

Learn or Reignite Skills

Try something new or revisit hobbies you once enjoyed.

Create Routine and Purpose

Regular club meets bring structure and momentum to your week.

Give Back and Lead

Use your skills to guide others and build shared success.

Strengthen Community Ties

Clubs welcome veterans and locals, growing lasting friendships.

SMEAC SUPPORT CLUBS

SWARM PATROL

SWARM PATROL, SMEAC’s dedicated beekeeping club, is more than just managing hives—it’s about restoring purpose, building trust, and reconnecting with community through meaningful activity. Veterans, their families, and members of the general public are all welcome to join, creating a unique environment where shared learning and collaboration thrive.

At the heart of Swarm Patrol is SMEAC’s commitment to trust, routine, and shared experience. There is no judgement—just calm, structure, and a common purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned apiarist or a total beginner, every member is supported and valued as part of the hive.

The club directly reflects SMEAC’s structured Engagement Model built on the 4Rs: Reconnection, Rehabilitation, Retraining, and Reintegration. Swarm Patrol enables veterans to reconnect with themselves and others, rehabilitate through peaceful, purposeful work, retrain by developing new skills, and reintegrate alongside supportive peers from all walks of life. It’s a practical, inclusive, and results-driven approach that helps veterans and civilians alike find connection, achievement, and direction.

SMOKING HOT

SMOKING HOT – SMEAC’s Meat Barbequing Club is fired up by a shared love of good food, good mates, and great conversation around the coals.

Who can join Smoking Hot? Veterans and members of the general public—gathering together over sizzling grills to break down barriers and spark connection. The club plays a key role in SMEAC’s fourth R: Reintegration, creating an informal space where camaraderie and community thrive.

More than just barbequing, Smoking Hot brings people together in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Veterans rediscover routine and purpose through preparing meals, sharing techniques, and feeding the crowd—an act of service that’s both grounding and rewarding.

It’s about more than cooking meat. It’s about reigniting pride, confidence, and connection—turning simple barbeques into powerful moments of trust and belonging. The skills learned and friendships forged often open doors to broader support, volunteering, or training pathways.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just curious to flip your first snag, Smoking Hot welcomes all who want to reconnect through the simple, shared joy of outdoor cooking. Every gathering helps fuel SMEAC’s mission—one plate at a time.

ANPHIB FISHING CLUB

AMPHIB – SMEAC’s Fishing Club casts a wide net, bringing together veterans and the community through the quiet power of nature, patience, and shared experience.

Who can join Amphib? Veterans and members of the general public—working side by side with rods in hand, laughter in the air, and stories shared along the banks. It reflects SMEAC’s fourth R: Reintegration, using the peaceful rhythm of fishing to reconnect individuals with community and purpose.

Fishing is more than just catching fish. It’s about slowing down, observing the world, and finding calm in the moment. Amphib gives veterans structure and a goal, without pressure—just mateship, connection, and the fresh air of a new day on the water.

Each outing becomes a chance to reflect, rebuild trust, and create bonds that extend far beyond the shoreline. Whether it’s helping a beginner bait a hook or celebrating a first catch, every moment supports healing and healthy relationships.

Whether you’re an old hand or a first-timer, AMPHIB welcomes all who are seeking connection, calm, and a deeper sense of belonging through the simple joy of fishing.

SMEAC DIGGERS

SMEAC DIGGERS – SMEAC’s Gardening Club is rooted in connection, routine, and purpose. It offers veterans and supporters a chance to get their hands dirty, breathe fresh air, and grow something meaningful—together.

Whether it’s native bush regeneration, permaculture, vegetable plots, or ornamental gardens, DIGGERS brings people together across generations and backgrounds. It’s more than just gardening—it’s healing through nature, structure, and shared goals.

Who can join DIGGERS? Veterans and members of the public alike. DIGGERS supports the fourth pillar of SMEAC’s 4Rs—Reintegrationby creating a calm and inclusive space for veterans to reconnect with the wider community, build friendships, and rediscover purpose.

Through teamwork and seasonal routines, members of DIGGERS gain a sense of ownership and pride. It’s a tangible way to cultivate wellbeing, reduce isolation, and contribute to the ongoing development of Camp SMEAC’s beautiful grounds.

Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just curious, DIGGERS welcomes anyone ready to grow—with others, and within themselves.

WHY DONATE

I REALLY WOULD JUST LIKE TO DONATE

STRAIGHT TO SMEAC MERCH

1. Follow us online

Strength in numbers. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at Camp SMEAC. By engaging with our posts, sharing our message, and inviting others to follow along, you help us grow our reach and connect more veterans with the support they need. Your voice makes a difference—let’s spread the word together.

2. VISIT Camp SMEAC

Located in the heart of the beautiful Sunshine Coast 15 minutes west of Caloundra and an hour north of Brisbane.

SMEAC although currently under construction will be open most days for volunteer support with construction and for  Veteran Related Servicesand support by October.  Keep your eyes out on our socials for a place to join like-minded people.

1. SHARE us online

Help us raise awareness of what SMEAC can provide to Veterans. By sharing our mission, services, and success stories online, you can help connect more veterans to the support they deserve. Every post, tag, and share spreads the word further—letting others know that SMEAC is here, ready to offer a hand up, not a handout. Together, we can make sure no veteran is left behind.

SMEAC

A place for veterans and their families to get help, support & access the services they need.

2315 Steve Irwin Way,

Landsborough, QLD, 4550

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