Caroline Kirche - Families of Veterans Guild

Building capability on broken foundations: where are veteran families in this budget?

Caroline Kirche — Wed, 13 May 2026 05:09:03 +0000

This week’s Federal Budget once again failed to commit any funding to supporting Australian veteran families, a community that hasn’t seen a substantive policy update since 1986.

While the Government touts a record $53 billion Defence package, the limited funding flowing into the veteran portfolio is being funnelled into the most inefficient part of the ecosystem: government bureaucracy. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide identified that it is this part of the sector that veteran suicide, yet this budget doubles down on it instead of allocating any funding to the community organisations proven to actually make a tangible difference. While funding is needed to build the future state – funding is needed now in the community.

With the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs also being notably absent from the Cabinet table, this Budget – where veterans and their families are barely mentioned – reflects how low down the priority list we are. The Royal Commission acknowledged that supporting families is a direct investment in Defence capability. A high-tech force cannot be built on the backs of families who are quietly breaking.

The Government may point to the establishment of the new Veteran Wellbeing Agency as a solution, but this group likely won’t be ready to start allocating funding for at least another 12-18 months. And with conflict continuing to brew in the Middle East, we cannot afford to wait. Our modest $5.17 million we requested for trauma-informed crisis support, career development for partners, and our vital War Widows Program was ignored.

While we’re devastated by this result, the Families of Veterans Guild will be working even harder to advocate for our communities’ wellbeing. Because without our support, we will see:

Increased isolation: Vulnerable war widows nationwide will face loneliness without expanded peer-support.
Economic Strain: Veteran partners will remain three times more likely to be under- and unemployed, with less support to reclaim their careers.
Ongoing and widening Mental Health Gaps: Families will continue to struggle through trauma and grief without specialist intervention.

You cannot ask families to sacrifice their stability for national security and then offer nothing in return. We will not stop advocating until every veteran family member is thriving.

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Update on War Widows South Australia

Caroline Kirche — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:58:56 +0000

The Families of Veterans Guild is proud to support South Australia’s war widows and veteran families. Our utmost priority is ensuring their wellbeing by providing the advocacy, connection and social work support programs they deserve and rely on.

Reflecting this, we are very disappointed that South Australian war widows are being used, without their consent, as part of the East Resident’s Group campaign in Rose Park. We have been working diligently to ensure impacted war widows have access to support, but remain concerned about the welfare, wellbeing and safety impact this activity is having on them.

We value our relationship with ACH which provides vital accommodation services to South Australia’s war widows. We recognise this new development is necessary because existing facilities are no longer suitable for the evolving needs of older residents, including the war widows who reside there.

We are pleased that alongside these developments ACH is committed to maintaining the deep connection local war widows have with Rose Park by providing a new purpose-built meeting hall and office at no cost. We are also pleased that the historic Vasey House will be restored as part of the development, honouring the legacy of our founder Ms Jessie Vasey CBE OBE.

Our focus remains on protecting war widows’ wellbeing and ensuring they receive the modern, respectful housing they have earned through their and their veterans’ service.”

We do not own or manage the Rose Park site. Questions specifically relating to the redevelopment of the Rose Park site are best directed to ACH Group.

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Wellbeing walk and lunch at the Canberra Botanic Gardens for war widows, defence and veteran families

Caroline Kirche — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:37:53 +0000

Explore nature and wellbeing with fellow veteran and defence families in Canberra

War widows and families of current and former serving Defence members are invited to join this Canberra wellbeing walk and lunch. The activity begins with a guided tour of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, offering participants the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the gardens, observe local flora, and enjoy the tranquillity of the natural surroundings. Adults and children (with supervision) can take part in this gentle, accessible walk designed to foster connection and shared experiences among veteran families.

Beyond the physical benefits of a gentle walk, this activity supports mental and social wellbeing by encouraging conversation, peer connection, and mindful engagement with nature. Following the tour, attendees can continue connecting over lunch at Pollen Café, creating a relaxed space to reflect, share experiences, and nurture community ties. Supported by DVA’s Veteran Health Week grant, this session combines the pillars of Connect, Move, and Nourish to offer a holistic approach to family wellbeing.

Canberra wellbeing walk: guided tour, lunch, and details

War widows, and defence and veteran families are invited to come together for a 1 hour guided tour of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, offering a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape while connecting with peers in a welcoming environment.

This activity is proudly funded by DVA’s Veteran Health Week grant, Thrive 365: Connect. Move. Nourish., with each pillar reflecting a vital aspect of wellbeing; Connect: fostering social and emotional connection; Move: supporting mobility and physical health; and Nourish: promoting mental and nutritional wellbeing.

Following the guided tour, attendees will continue the experience over lunch at Pollen Café, providing further opportunities to unwind and strengthen community connections.

Those with limited mobility are invited to register their interest for the Flora Explorer open air bus tour. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The bus is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for babies due to seating requirements.

Wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing. This includes but is not limited to; a hat, sunscreen, enclosed shoes that provide effective support to walk a moderate distance. Also, consider wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce the risk of sun exposure and if necessary, wet weather gear which may include a rain jacket.

Paid parking is available at Australian National Botanic Gardens.

There is no cost for this activity. Your wellbeing walk and lunch will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I really appreciate the opportunity to connect with such a supportive group. It was a perfect way to focus on self-care and make meaningful connections with others.”

Event information

Location: Meet at the visitor’s centre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton ACT
Date and Time: Saturday 7 February 2026, 10am – 1pm.
Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 2 February.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is essential, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Online gem art session for veteran families

Caroline Kirche — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:11:39 +0000

Make gem art: online session for war widows, defence and veteran families

This online gem art wellbeing session has been created for war widows and the families of current and former serving Defence members. Veteran families often juggle the emotional and practical demands of defence life, including relocations, deployments, transition out of service and caring responsibilities. This activity provides a welcoming and accessible opportunity for adults and children (with supervision) to participate together from the comfort of home.

Creative activities can play an important role in supporting wellbeing by encouraging mindfulness, relaxation and social connection. For veteran families who may experience isolation or limited peer support due to the unique nature of defence life, this session offers a gentle way to slow down, engage in self-care, and connect with others who share similar lived experiences in a relaxed and supportive online setting.

Gem art session

War widows, defence and veteran Families are invited to come together for a calming and creative evening of online gem art. Facilitated by Social Workers, Gabby and Hayley, the session offers a supportive and relaxed space where participants can connect while learning the simple, mindful process of creating gem art. This hands-on activity encourages focus, relaxation, and self-care, allowing attendees to unwind, enjoy gentle conversation, and engage in a soothing craft that supports wellbeing. All experience levels are welcome, and participants can take the time they need to create at their own pace.

Please note: The gem art is not for children under 3 years as it is a choking hazard. It contains small parts.

There is no cost for this event. Your gem art kit and postage will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to Wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

Location: Online (Zoom link will be emailed to you).
Date and Time: Thursday 5 February 2026, 7pm – 8pm (AEDT)
Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 22 January.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Wellbeing walk and lunch in Sydney for widows, defence and veteran families

Caroline Kirche — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:05:42 +0000

A relaxing outdoor wellbeing activity for war widows, defence and veteran families

This wellbeing walk and lunch in Sydney is for war widows and the families of current and former serving Defence members. Veteran families often navigate the long-term impacts of Defence life, including relocations, deployments, transition out of service and caring responsibilities. This in-person wellbeing activity offers adults and children (with supervision) an opportunity to step away from daily demands and participate in a supportive, family-friendly experience.

Outdoor movement and shared experiences can play an important role in supporting wellbeing and social connection. Held within the Botanical Gardens Sydney, this activity encourages gentle walking, meaningful conversation and time in nature, creating a relaxed setting for veteran families to focus on self-care while connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of Defence life.

Wellbeing walk and lunch

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for a relaxing wellbeing walk in the Botanical Gardens Sydney. This walk will begin and end at Piccolo Me with lunch provided at the end of the walk to continue connecting. We will walk along the harbours edge gazing out across the harbour and over the city. We will spend time exploring the local flora and fauna as we make our way around the gardens.

How to get there:

The Botanical Gardens Sydney are easily accessible from Martin Place, Circular Quay, Wynyard, or Townhall Station’s. Make your way to Piccolo Me Cafe near the entrance to the gardens on Macquarie Street, look for the yellow umbrellas (see image below). We will follow the marked paths through the gardens and around the harbour so that all are able to participate safely.

There is no cost for this activity. Your guided walking tour and lunch will be covered by Families of Veterans Guild.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I just wanted to express my gratitude for being able to connect with such a wonderful group. It was such a great opportunity to do a self-care activity and get to know some of the other attendees at the same time.”

Event information

Location: Meet at Piccolo Me, Botanical Gardens, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000 (Piccolo Me | Botanic Gardens of Sydney)
Date and Time: Friday 6 February 2026, 10am-12pm.
Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 5 February.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is a must, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.au.

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Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) Workshop for War Widows and Veteran Families

Caroline Kirche — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 23:32:28 +0000

A wellbeing activity designed for war widows, defence and veteran families

War widows, defence and veteran families often carry ongoing stress related to defence life — including relocations, deployments, transitions out of service, and caring responsibilities. This online wellbeing activity has been created specifically for families of current and former serving members, providing a supportive space to prioritise self-care, reconnect with the body, and focus on personal wellbeing alongside others who understand the unique challenges of military family life.

Social connection, peer support and accessible self-care opportunities are essential for maintaining wellbeing, particularly for defence and veteran families who may experience isolation or limited support networks. This activity offers a gentle, structured opportunity to pause, reset and build wellbeing skills in a safe and inclusive online environment, while also fostering connection with like-minded peers from across Australia.

What is the Tension/Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) Workshop?

War Widows and Veteran Families are invited to come together online for 3 sessions of Tension/Trauma Release Exercises (TRE). The TRE sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Valerie Johnston-Dugamin and Richmond, the National TRE Coordinator of Australia.

TRE is a gentle, body-based wellbeing practice designed to help release deep muscular tension, calm the nervous system, and support overall emotional and physical balance. By attending all three online sessions, participants acknowledge that TRE is a self-care and wellbeing activity, not a therapeutic or clinical treatment, and that they will engage at their own pace, listening to their body’s limits and needs.

Participants accept that the workshop is intended to help them learn new skills and strategies to support their wellbeing, including techniques for recognising and releasing tension held in the body, while also encouraging the development of an intentional, ongoing self-care practice. Participants understand that participation is voluntary, they may pause or stop at any time, and they are responsible for ensuring their physical environment is safe and suitable for movement during the sessions.

Bookings are for all 3 sessions. Please only commit if you can attend the full program.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Thank you for organising the activity, it was a wonderful experience for our family to connect and have fun together.”

Event information

Location: Online via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent to you).
Date and Time: Tuesdays 10, 17, 24 February 2026 – 7pm – 8.15pm (AEDT)
Registrations: Open NOW. Registrations close 31 January.
Cost: FREE for families of veterans.

Registration is essential, places are limited. Register below or call us on 02 9267 6577. For more information, please email wellbeing@fov.org.a

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