A national initiative supporting defence families and war widows
In early June, twelve women from across Australia gathered in Sydney for a five-day leadership and career confidence workshop — the final stage of our Rise Together Initiative. Designed for defence and veteran partners, including war widows, the program focused on building confidence, strengthening leadership skills, and fostering meaningful connection among women with shared lived experience.
This marks a milestone moment in a journey that began with a legacy.
From one woman’s gift to a national program
Rise Together officially launched at Parliament House in March 2025, supported by Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women, and funded through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program. But the seeds of this initiative were sown years earlier.
Over the past three years, one war widow privately funded six veteran partners to take part in the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) program. Her motivation was simple but profound: to offer others the opportunity she never had. Her act of generosity became the foundation for Rise Together: a national program that this year supported twelve more women to step into their strengths and shape their futures.
Leadership development for defence and veteran families
The WILD program equips participants with practical skills in personal leadership, resilience, communication, and purpose-driven decision-making. Through this proven framework, the Rise Together cohort was invited to reconnect with their strengths, reflect on their journey, and set a path for what comes next — both professionally and personally.
The group was made up of war widows, current serving partners, and veteran spouses from every state and territory. For many, this was their first time stepping away from the demands of caring for others to focus on their own growth.
As one participant shared:
“This reminded me that I still have things to offer. That I’m more than what I’ve sacrificed.”
Safe spaces and strong connections
Feedback from the workshop highlighted the quality of facilitation, the warmth of peer support, and the respectful, inclusive environment. Participants appreciated the space to connect with like-minded women, share challenges openly, and be part of something that recognised and valued their experiences.
Beyond individual development, the initiative offered something deeper: recognition of the unique challenges faced by defence and veteran families, including career disruption, frequent relocations, and the often invisible emotional labour of supporting someone who serves.
A legacy that continues
At its heart, Rise Together is a story of one generation of women supporting the next. What began with the generosity and vision of one woman has now grown into has now grown into a national program creating real, lasting impact.
As these twelve women return to their homes, workplaces and communities, they carry with them new skills, confidence, and connections — and the knowledge that they’re not alone.
