An expansion of its successful annual guest speaker program has paid dividends for the Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network.


In recent years the Network has sponsored such speakers as the Unbreakable Farmer Warren Davies with sessions tailored to school groups and the general public.


These continued in 2025 but with the addition of a presentation exclusively for First Responders.


The opportunity to hear a powerful message about mental health from visiting war veteran Nathan Bolton was taken up by over 20 First Responders in Millicent.


There was a strong representation at the Millicent RSL Hall from local police, CFS and health sector personnel as well as service veterans.


Mr Bolton is a dedicated advocate for mental health, leveraging his personal journey to offer impactful support and guidance to others.


Now aged 37, Mr Bolton faced many challenges after leaving the Australian Defence Force.


In his early 20s, he served two tours of duty to Afghanistan as a Special Operations Engineer serving with the Australian Special Forces.


His primary responsibility involved detecting and neutralising improvised explosives devices which affected his mental well-being.
​Following his tours, Mr Bolton confronted the profound effects of his experiences, battling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depression.


In his talks, Mr Bolton candidly spoke of his harrowing times on the front line in Afghanistan.


Among the challenges faced after his army service was frequently changing jobs and overuse of alcohol.


One of the ways Mr Bolton found to improve his mental health was to restore and race three-wheeled motorbikes.


He stressed the importance of maintaining support networks of friends and family.


To those people dealing with persons with mental health challenges, Mr Bolton recommended that listening was essential.


Following his presentation to the public session, Mr Bolton accepted questions.


He was quizzed about his family relationships and the reception from the public as a returning Afghanistan veteran.


One Millicent resident said he and his wife attended the public session and it was an amazing evening listening to Nathan’s story.


“It was such a powerful message,” he said.


“I go through dark times on and off and I left feeling better about myself.”


Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network chairman Rick Errington was also full of praise for Mr Bolton.


“It was an absolute privilege to meet Nathan in person and have him visit our town of Millicent to share his remarkable story of courage and determination,” Mr Errington said.


“His presentation has left me changed for the better, and served to increase my enthusiasm in helping those in the community who need it.


“The Network remains dedicated in bringing guest speakers to the Wattle Range Council area as often as possible, and reducing the stigma attached to seeking help about mental health.”


Mr Bolton was accompanied from his Adelaide home by his partner and their infant son.


Meanwhile, the Wattle Range Suicide Prevention Network will have its annual fundraising event at the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre on July 4.


The usual quiz night arrangements will apply such as BYO drinks and nibbles along with tables of 10.


As before, two visiting quizmasters from Melbourne will provide the brain teasers.