mental health

Enhancing mental health for NSW veterans and their families

Our submission to the Mental Health Commission dedicated to veterans and their families In June 2025 the Mental Health Commission of NSW released a consultation paper to assist in the development of their new Strategy for mental health and wellbeing in NSW. With 26% of Australian veterans calling NSW home and an estimated 246,000 […]

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Advocacy, Contribution, Important UpdatesADF families, advocacy, defence families, defence families support, Families of veterans, family recognition, legislation, mental health, Mental Health Commission, recognition, senate committee, veteran families, veteran support, War Widows, wellbeing defence

September 4, 2025

Support for veteran families: building a better future together

It is hard to know where to start when it comes to advocating on the unmet needs of families. Advocating for the unmet needs of veteran families is both urgent and complex. The current model of care, developed over a century ago in the aftermath of the World Wars, rests on outdated assumptions. Chief among

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Advocacy, Contribution, Important UpdatesADF families, ADF Member Families, advocacy, Australian veterans, defence families, mental health, peer support, veteran community, veteran families, veterans families

July 16, 2025

Reflecting on a year of progress and impact for families of veterans, defence and veteran families.

Advocacy: Reflecting on a year of progress and impact

Over the last 12 months advocacy work has continued to grow as the organisation recommenced Government Relations work, building relationships across all sides of politics to increase the voices and draw attention to the needs of veteran families. Over the course of the year, 33 government relations products were produced including letters, meetings, and presentations,

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July 16, 2025

Strengthening interim Defence and Veterans' Services Commission

Strengthening the Interim Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission

Overview of the Interim Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission In July we met with the interim Defence and Veterans’ Services Commissioner. We heard firsthand about the significant work going into the establishment of the commission and what its remit would be. Key priorities and advocacy We discussed our respective submission to the Senate Inquiry into

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Advocacy, Contribution, Important UpdatesADF families, advocacy, Australian veterans, defence families, mental health, peer support, veteran families, wellbeing defence

July 9, 2025

Online communities benefits. Social connection for defence and veteran families

Social connection online for war widows, defence and veteran families

Online communities to connect war widows, defence and veteran families Are you looking for new ways to connect with your local community? Or have you recently moved and are searching for social connection? Many platforms allow you to explore local in-person or online social groups, whether you’re interested in hobbies, sports, volunteering, or shared experiences.

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Social Work and Wellbeing, Wellbeing tipsADF families, ADF Member Families, Australian War Widows, connecting war widows, defence families, Defence spouse, Family Wellbeing, mental health, Peer Connection, social connection, veteran families, veteran family support, wellbeing, wellbeing defence

April 11, 2025

Self care for defence and veteran families. Watercolour painting

Self care through watercolour for war widows, defence and veteran families

The calming benefits of watercolour painting for war widows, defence and veteran families. Picture yourself sitting on a picnic rug under the shade of a large oak tree. The sun is shining down between the bright green leaves onto your lap. You sit next to an art book, its page blank and waiting, surrounded by

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April 4, 2025

Enhancing mental health for NSW veterans and their families

Support for veteran families: building a better future together

Advocacy: Reflecting on a year of progress and impact

Strengthening the Interim Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission

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