Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency

18/08/2026

Wellbeing isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. Sometimes all you need is someone to point you in the right direction.

For more info visit our website ⬇️

18/08/2026

Applications for the 2026 Long Tan Bursary are officially open!

For many recipients, the bursary represents more than financial assistance; it's a tangible acknowledgement of their family's service and sacrifice during the Vietnam War, and it connects them to a broader community of veteran families and mentors through the AVCAT - Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust.

Today, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, and acknowledge all who served during the Vietnam War, and the families who supported them.

Lest we forget.

Visit the link in the comments for info on eligibility and how to apply. ⬇️

17/08/2026

GMR is proud to welcome the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, RSL Australia, RSL Queensland, Legacy Brisbane and Greenslopes Private Hospital as Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research (FGMR) to champion the power of sport in improving the health and wellbeing of current and former serving military personnel.

These organisations will work alongside our current Friends of GMR, creating an unprecedented alliance between Australia's leading veteran organisations and peak sporting bodies to support veterans through research, advocacy and community connection.

GMR CEO Miriam Kent GAICD Kent said bringing together Australia's most respected veteran organisations marked a significant milestone for the initiative.

"We all believe that sport can provide the sense of community, physical wellbeing and purpose that many veterans lose when transitioning out of the military," Miriam said.

"Having some of Australia's leading veteran organisations and supporters united behind this initiative means we can build the evidence base for the role sport plays in wellbeing, take this important work to a national audience, and ultimately reach and support more veterans and their families.”

Gallipoli Medical Research will formally launch Friends of GMR nationally tomorrow and announce its three-year research roadmap to deliver tangible and practical tools to support veteran participation in, and engagement with, sport.

👉 Read more: https://www.gallipoliresearch.com.au/australias-largest-veteran-organisations-unite-behind-new-national-veteran-sport-initiative

14/08/2026

Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs deliver integrated support to:

- Current and former serving ADF members
- Reservists
- Families of veterans
- Carers of veterans.

While the specific services delivered in or via Hubs vary, lead organisations take a ‘no wrong door approach’ and endeavour to provide or connect veterans and families of veterans to services that best support their needs.

For more info on Hubs visit the link in the comments ⬇️

12/08/2026

For many military families, sport can provide routine, connection and a sense of stability, especially during times of change.

Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for state and territory sport voucher programs to help with registration, uniforms, equipment or activity fees.

Sprint to the comments for more info on eligibility ⬇️

10/08/2026

📆Mark your calendar if you haven't already; every Australian household is required to complete the census tomorrow night!

Census data is used to inform targeted support services and improve long-term outcomes for veterans and their families.

That’s why every answer matters in the 2026 Census.

Learn more at https://info.census.abs.gov.au/about/census-stories/census-data-informs-policy-and-programs-families-living-veterans

07/08/2026

“It has profoundly changed how I navigate my community, do things and be a participant in my life where I wasn’t before”

Life changed for the better for Army Veteran Fiona when Assistance Dog Hedwig and his wet nose arrived in her life.

Hedwig’s presence and training help Fiona manage the symptoms of her PTSD and anxiety – which, for those who live with these know they often present in daily life.

A gentle nudge, or bringing her one of his toys is a small, impactful gesture which helps Fiona mentally emotionally regulate when she needs it.

In the two years since, Fiona describes the impact as life-changing.

We’re highlighting Fiona and Hedwig coming together through Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program, in acknowledgement of Assistance Dog Week.

To read more about Fiona and Hedwig, her books and the program, visit: dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/the-transformative-impact-of-psychiatric-assistance-dogs

05/08/2026

I’m really looking forward to this one.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sitting down for a virtual conversation with three legends - Emily Pyke, Chrstine Gilchrist, and Daniel Stevens.

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is hearing the different ways veterans and families of veterans figure out what comes next.

Because, unfortunately, life’s next chapter rarely comes with clear instructions.

Sometimes it starts with a job application. Sometimes it’s an idea scribbled down on a napkin. And sometimes it starts with someone thinking “surely there’s a better way to do this.”

I suspect tomorrow’s conversation will include a bit of all the above.

Emily, Christine and Daniel were recognised as the winner and finalists in the Veteran and/or Partner Entrepreneur of the Year category at the 2025 Prime Minister's National Veteran Employment Awards, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about the stories behind their success.

If you’d like to listen in, ask questions, and hear some good chat about starting something from scratch – I’ve popped the link to register in the comments.

04/08/2026

Connection doesn’t happen by accident. It grows in the spaces we create for each other.

This is about encouraging each other to maintain connections, and a recently announced Defence Australia program makes that easier for ADF veterans.

The Defence Common Access Card (DCAC) allows veterans who are transitioning from military service to stay connected to their Defence community for longer by providing continued access to Defence bases for up to two years after leaving the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The first veteran DCAC recipient under the program, David Humphry (centre-right), who spent 50 years in the ADF said the program helps ‘keep those connections going and provides a sense of continuity during what can otherwise be a significant life adjustment.’

Read the full article in the comments ⬇️

04/08/2026

Having good oral health affects much more than just your teeth 🦷🪥

It supports physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence, social connection, and overall quality of life, don't ignore it!