I am constantly assailed by negative feelings. They are a part of what might be termed a daily affliction I have to bear.

I try hard to keep my feelings of disquiet to myself but within myself feel concerned and apprehensive every day about looming catastrophes. I feel that we are in Australia and especially in Darwin are sitting ducks should any overseas conflict come our way.

Our defence forces are hopelessly unprepared for conflict. Our resources are at an all-time low, both in terms of material and personal assets.

Defence needs have been left to wallow for years, indeed decades. We are so far behind the eightball by comparison with other countries that our situation is grim. I think that our leaders have lightly sailed along thinking the conflict would be something that never comes our way. The way things are shaping up in the world, nothing could be further from the truth.

Yes, I feel anxiety and it’s there all the time. I keep it bottled, but never a day goes past without anxiety besetting me about just how short our future may be.

These uncertainties assail me during the day and even at night through my dreams.