Our Wellbeing Program over the past few months has offered a mix of hands-on, physical, and creative activities for war widows, defence and veteran families. We have also been exploring new ideas based on feedback from families, aiming to provide something for everyone. From family days at Lollipops Playland to wellbeing walks, yoga, art workshops, and cooking sessions — both online and in-person across NSW and the ACT — these events have given families a chance to take a break, try something different, and connect with others.
Connecting through social activities
Lollipops Playland indoor play session
Earlier this year, defence families gathered at Lollipop’s Playland to kick off the Easter holidays with a morning of indoor play and connection. Kids enjoyed the playground, crafts, and games, while parents were able to relax over coffee and chat with other defence and veteran families. The event was well received and has allowed us to host another day of play at Lollipop’s on 7 July.
Wellbeing walks
The recent months held a series of wellbeing walks across scenic locations of NSW and the ACT, giving defence and veteran families the chance to connect, and enjoy time outdoors.
From the peaceful waters of Yerrabi Pond, Parramatta River, the greenery of Sydney’s Botanical Gardens and the wetlands of Jerrabomberra, each walk offered a relaxed space for conversation and memorable moments in nature. Each walk ended with over coffee or lunch.
Veteran family dinners and cooking
One of our newer activities in recent months, both in person and online, is our veteran family dinners!
In June, war widows and partners of current and former serving members gathered at The Dock in Kingston for an evening of connection. Check out our wellbeing tip on how beneficial connecting over a shared meal is!
Online in May, families joined our Cook & Connect: Veteran Family Dinner. Guided by facilitators from the Social Work and Wellbeing team, participants prepared chipotle tacos together from their own kitchens. We’re looking forward to continuing these shared meals and cooking sessions with July having both a veteran family lunch in person, and an online family dinner.
Relaxing through craft, reflection and sound healing
Sound healing sessions and yoga
In May, participants gathered at Yoga Peace in Parramatta for a morning of Hath and Flow yoga led by Annie. The session concluded with a calming sound bath as the soothing scents of lemongrass filled the studio.
And in June, veteran families in Canberra came together for their first sound healing session at Balanced Yoga in Kingston. Facilitated by Alisha from Isha Bae, the experience used singing bowls and gongs to create peaceful soundscapes that encouraged relaxation.
Watercolour painting, clay crafts and candle making
War widows, defence and veteran families took part in a variety of creative workshops through recent months. Online sessions included clay canvas art and watercolour painting, all participants receiving their art kits in the post to be able to create a work of their own.
In person, families gathered at Kissing Point Cottage for a day of candle making, where hands-on creativity and shared meals created opportunities for relaxed conversation whilst getting crafty making custom candles.
Terrarium making
A couple of months ago, defence and veteran families came together at Solid Rock Defence Ministry for a terrarium workshop. This hands-on activity invited participants to create their own miniature ecosystems using soil, succulents, rocks and pebbles. Attendees were able to get their hands dirty whilst making a terrarium and talking with other defence and veteran families.
Creative writing session
Recently, war widows and families of veterans came together for a morning of creative writing focused on grief. The session invited participants to express their feelings through poetry, including Haiku and free-form styles, creating a safe space for sharing stories and insights.
These activities are just some of the variety of activities available through our Wellbeing Program. If you missed out or are looking for other ways to get involved, stay tuned for upcoming activities designed to support and connect war widows, defence and veteran families of all kinds. Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
