War widows, defence and veteran families — join us for fresh air and good company

This wellbeing activity brings a morning outdoors, walking through the gardens, finished with lunch by the harbour. On Friday 17 July 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can come along to our wellbeing walk and lunch for fresh air, easy company and connection through one of Sydneys most popular gardens.

Wellbeing walk and lunch

This 60-minute wellbeing walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney will be followed by lunch and a drink at a cafe. We will meet at 11 am at Piccolo Me, near the Macquarie Street entrance to the gardens — look for the yellow umbrellas. The gardens are easy to reach from Martin Place, Circular Quay, Wynyard, or Town Hall stations.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “It was such a lovely morning getting outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, and connecting with other defence families.”

Event information

• Location: Meet at Piccolo Me, Royal Botanic Gardens, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW.

• Date: Friday 17 July 2026.

• Time: 11am – 1pm.

• 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.

Take a breath with monthly guided meditation for defence and veteran families

Breathwork and meditation sessions

The sessions introduce practical mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation techniques that support wellbeing, emotional regulation, and nervous system balance.  

Attendees will take part in a guided breathing practice followed by a short meditation, while learning foundational mindfulness skills focused on attention, grounding, and present moment awareness. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities have said “It is a safe and supportive opportunity to try something new, connect with others, and take time to breathe, reflect, and focus on personal wellbeing.” 

Event information

• Location: Inner Light Meditation Centre, Stanton House, Level 1, 197 Flinders Street, Townsville. 

• Available dates: 

• • Wed 29 July 2026.
  • Wed 19 August 2026.
  • Wed 23 September 2026.
  • Wed 21 October 2026.
  • Wed 18 November 2026.
  • Wed 16 December 2026.  

• Time: 5.45pm – 7pm.

• 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.

Take a breath with a guided meditation for defence and veteran families

Breathwork and meditation session

This wellbeing activity will feature a 1 hour guided session to support calm, clarity and nervous system regulation.  

This experience combines gentle breathwork and a guided meditation to help participants unwind. No experience necessary. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “The meditation session was a tranquil and inspiring journey, made even more special by the kindness of the team and the joy of connecting with wonderful new people.” 

Event information

• Location: Live and Breathe Yoga, Level 1, 108a Denham Street Townsville QLD.

• Date and Time: Friday 19 June 2026, 12.45pm – 2pm.

• 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.

Paint, plate, repeat at Tipsy Doodle for war widows, defence and veteran families

Paint and dine together

A 1.5 hour guided painting session will be  facilitated by Tipsy Doodle, suitable for all skill levels, with step-by-step instruction and all art materials provided.  

Attendees will create their own artwork to take home and connect with other veteran families. A meal will be provided during the activity. 

Previous wellbeing activity attendees have said “Thank you for organising a space where I can learn new ways of being and make connections with other individuals and families walking a similar path.” 

Event information

• Location: Tipsy Doodle Art Studio, 80 Mather St Garbutt QLD (3rd door).

• Date and Time: Friday 19 June 2026, 5.30pm – 7pm.

• 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.

Lie back and listen: sound immersion for war widows defence and veteran families

Sound immersion and meditation

Families of Veterans Guild invite defence and veteran families to a guided sound immersion and meditation session. Facilitated by Jess of Bodhi Sound Healing, this experience offers a chance to reconnect and reset. No experience needed, just come as you are, lie down, and receive. 

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “The sound immersion session was a wonderful way to unwind, deeply relax, and reconnect with myself.” 

Event information

• Location: The Gypsea Collective, 146 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra QLD. 

• Date and Time: Saturday 20 June 2026, 9.45am – 11am.

• 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.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship wellbeing walk for war widows, defence and veteran families

Wellbeing walk

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to come together for a wellbeing walk at the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour. The walk will end with coffee at a local cafe to continue connecting with peers. 

Please note: Pathways and pavilions in the lower garden are accessible for wheelchairs and prams; however steps and rocky pathways make the upper part of the Garden difficult to access. 

Meet FOV staff at the front entrance of the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

There is no cost for this activity. Your admission to the Chinese Garden of Friendship 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 Chinese Garden of Friendship, Pier Street Cnr Harbour Street, Darling Harbour NSW.

• Date and Time: Friday 12 June 2026, 11am – 1pm.

• 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.