Connecting out and about through wellbeing activities
Our Wellbeing Program continues to offer a variety of activities for war widows, defence and veteran families, creating spaces for connection, creativity, and care. We aim to balance beloved repeated activities with new experiences based on community feedback, ensuring there’s something for everyone. In recent months, families have gathered online and in person for social, physical and outdoor adventures to get out for the day and connect with other defence and veteran families alike.
In this post, we cover activities that we hosted in the recent months that encouraged defence and veteran families to get out and about with activities for the family or just for themselves. Spring has ended with summer now following, allowing a variety of outdoorsy activities to take place in future weeks and early 2026. Don’t miss a thing by subscribing to our Wellbeing Newsletter to be notified for upcoming activities in your area.
Family movie afternoon
During the school holidays, defence and veteran families gathered at the National Film and Sound Archive for a relaxed family movie afternoon featuring The Secret Garden. The activity provided quality time together to socialise, then to pause and relax with a movie. Children and parents alike enjoyed the timeless story as well as the joy of simply being present with one another, reminders that social outings can have reduced conversation, the presence of each other considerably social in itself.
Wellbeing walks
In November, families came together for a wellbeing walk at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Surrounded by peaceful natural beauty, participants enjoyed the chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and have conversations with a complimentary view. The walk was followed by a lunch at Brodburger and Capital Brewing Co., where conversations continued over a filling lunch.
In September, families gathered for a wellbeing walk through the vibrant displays of Canberra’s iconic Floriade festival. The colourful blooms provided a stunning backdrop for a walk, surrounding participants in a sea of flowers to compliment the current season of spring. After the walk, attendees enjoyed complimentary coffee at the Floriade Café with the view over the garden.
Jazz@theHouse picnic
October held a new activity where war widows, defence and veteran families gathered in the gardens of Government House in Sydney for an afternoon of jazz and a picnic at the monthly Jazz@theHouse event. As jazz classics played by the Royal Australian Navy Band filled the air, so too did conversation and connection. Attendees enjoyed guided tours of the historic house, took in the stunning harbour views, shared a light picnic lunch together and got to have some friendly chatter with the Governor of NSW. The activity offered a beautiful blend of music, history, and community, creating a space for reflection, joy, and togetherness.
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!
