veteran community - Families of Veterans Guild

Monthly cook & connect: veteran family dinner online

Kelly Taylor — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:55:01 +0000

Join our monthly online family dinner for war widows, defence and veteran families

Pull up a chair at one of our most loved wellbeing activities — our monthly cook and connect: veteran family dinner. Running on Thursday evenings from July to November 2026, cook along with other families across Australia from your own kitchen, share a meal, and enjoy some good conversation over Zoom. You are free to join us for any months dinner or all five!

Cook & connect: veteran family dinner online

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to get together and join our social work team over Zoom to cook, chat, and enjoy a meal together from home. Each registered household will receive a $20 Coles gift card to help with ingredients, and a Mingle all-natural seasoning sachet that makes cooking simple. Each recipe is designed to feed four people (with leftovers for smaller households).

Registrations open six weeks before each session and close two weeks before. Please register once per household for each session you are attending.

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).
Dates:

- Thursday 30 July 2026
- Thursday 27 August 2026
- Thursday 24 September 2026
- Thursday 29 October 2026
- Thursday 26 November 2026

Times: 5.30pm – 6.30pm (AEST/AEDT)

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.

Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

Indemnity waiver

By registering and participating in the virtual Veteran Family Dinner hosted by Families of Veterans Guild, at any location in Australia or virtually, I, the registered participant, hereby acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions;

Assumption of Risk: I understand that participating in cooking activities involve certain inherent risks, including but not limited to; cuts, burns, slips, falls, allergic reactions, and other risks associated with cooking activities, knives, heat, and other dangerous tools. I personally assume these risks when participating in this activity.

Medical Condition: I certify that I am physically fit and able to participate in the cooking activity. I agree to inform the facilitator of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions that may affect my ability to safely participate.

Release of Liability: I hereby release and discharge Australian War Widows NSW Ltd (trading as Families of Veterans Guild), its facilitators, employees, directors, members or managers from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me or any property belonging to me while participating in the cooking class.

The post Monthly cook & connect: veteran family dinner online first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

New Veterans’ Legislation

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:06:05 +0000

The new Veterans’ Legislation will come into effect from 1 July 2026. There are no changes to existing compensation payments or services. Veterans and widowed partners do not need to take any action for their payments and services provided by DVA to continue.

The improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) will recognise medical conditions which were previously accepted under the Defence Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (DRCA) and the Veteran Entitlement Act (VEA). There is no need for any veteran or widowed partner already in the system to re-establish any form of liability for accepted conditions or service-related deaths.

New provisions make it easier for widows

The new Act includes additions which we class as an absolute advocacy win for many in our community. From 1 July 2026, the definition of a service injury will change, removing the requirement to show that a medical event that occurs on duty, such as a heart attack or stroke, was a result of the member’s service. Making the claim pathway for such deaths simpler.

Secondly, from 1 July 2026, serving members will be covered for the impacts of any unintended consequences of medical treatment provided while a member is in the ADF. This includes pre-existing conditions or preventative treatment where injuries or deaths arise from that treatment. This means that were a death of injury occurs as a result of medical treatment provided by Defence, the claims pathway is again simplified.

Both changes are significant wins for the many widow partners who have experienced difficulties in establishing liability for deaths that have arisen because of a medical event on duty, or deaths that result from medical treatment.

These were the very issues that we raised throughout the veteran’s legislation consultation and are very pleased to see them now included in the enhanced MRCA going forward.

Enhancements to existing support

From 1 July 2026, several additional changes made to the MRCA will have a positive impact on widowed partners and veteran families. These include:

Additional compensation payments available for the children of severely injured veterans.

Posthumous permanent impairment payments will be made available to widowed partners where claims were outstanding at the time of a veteran’s death.

The Repatriation Commission will be able to direct particularly vulnerable veterans to receive financial advice before receiving a lump sum permanent impairment payment.

All Gold Card holders will be eligible to claim a travel reimbursement amount of $0.68/km when a private vehicle is used for travel to approved treatment. An increase of $0.24/km from the VEA entitlement. Additionally, 50km round trip minimum distance requirements will also be removed ensuring that more veterans and their families can be reimbursed for travel costs relating to their service-related conditions.

VEA veterans having difficulties managing their domestic and personal care tasks due to service-related conditions will become eligible to apply for Household Services and Attendant Care for the first time.

Children of severely injured DRCA veterans will become eligible for the Education and Training Scheme.

Veteran funeral expenses for all service-related deaths occurring on or after 1 of July 2026 will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $14,990.

Partners of veterans who meet the requirements of a wholly dependent partner under the MRCA will be entitled to compensation and a Gold Card.

There will also be additional flexibility introduced allowing wholly dependent partner compensation payments to be turned into an age based lump-sum for claims made after 1 July 2026.

We appreciate this is all very technical and there are a number of changes that are coming online from 1 July.

We are pleased to see the movement and the greater support provided to the widowed partners and the veterans and their families already in the compensation system, however as many know we are keen to see a lot more veteran families included in the compensation system and will continue to advocate in that regard. We also continue to advocate for terminology change — Wholly Dependant Partner remains a terribly offensive choice of words to refer to widowed partners, many of whom are women.

As the new Act comes into effect it’s really important that we keep the information flowing between DVA and our community, and are looking forward to hosting a series of webinars to help you all get across the information and the additional support that is coming online.

While there is a lot of change coming into effect soon, a reminder: there are no changes to existing compensation payments or services, and you do not need to take any action to continue to receive payments and services from DVA.

As always, we are here to help, please give us call. You can also always contact DVA directly to discuss your circumstances; they can be contacted on 1800 383 372 or you can email them at generalenquiries@dva.gov.au.

The post New Veterans’ Legislation first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Monthly meditation sessions for Townsville veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:23:03 +0000

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

Take a breath and book in for our monthly meditation sessions at Inner Light Meditation Centre in Townsville, running from July through to December 2026. This wellbeing activity is made for defence and veteran families to enjoy, so come along to to any session or all of them — whatever fits your schedule.

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.

The post Monthly meditation sessions for Townsville veteran families first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Online Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) workshop for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:43:03 +0000

Tension and Trauma Release Exercises for war widows, defence and veteran families

Take part in our online Tension and Trauma Release Exercise (TRE) workshop, running across three Wednesday evenings starting 5 August 2026. Attendance at all three sessions is required to complete the program. This wellbeing activity will teach you practical ways to release tension and support your wellbeing from home, anywhere across Australia!

Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) workshop

War widows, defence and veteran families are invited to join Richmond, the National TRE Coordinator of Australia, for a three-week online program of Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE). Running on Wednesdays 5, 12, and 19 August, Richmond will guide participants with a gentle, body-based practice designed to help release deep muscular tension, calm the nervous system, and support overall emotional and physical balance.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “These sessions became a powerful tool for releasing tension, reducing stress, and helping me feel supported, relaxed, and connected with others.”

Event information

Location: Online via Zoom (link will be sent to you).
Date: Wednesday 5, 12, 19 August 2026 (attendance at all three sessions is required).
Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm (AEST).
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.

Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

Waiver:

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.

This is a 3 week program.

The post Online Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) workshop for veteran families first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Sound immersion session for Adelaide veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 29 May 2026 04:23:37 +0000

Experience sound immersion: free session for defence and veteran families

Unwind and recharge at our upcoming sound immersion at Yoga Spirit Studios in Torrensville on Friday 26 June 2026. This wellbeing activity is designed exclusively for defence and veteran families, so they can press pause on the week and enjoy a calm, restorative space.

Sound immersion session

This 90min sound immersion uses a blend of gongs, singing bowls, chimes, drums, flute, and vocal toning to guide you into a meditative state that supports stress reduction, improved wellbeing, and deep rest.

No experience needed, simply come along and relax in a comfortable position.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “Immersed in soothing soundscapes and new connections, I found myself losing track of time in a space that felt both tranquil and warmly welcoming.”

Event information

Location: Yoga Spirit Studios, 194 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville SA.
Date and Time: Friday 26 June 2026, 4.30pm – 6pm (arrival at 4:15pm to set up).
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 post Sound immersion session for Adelaide veteran families first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Clay art and morning tea for Adelaide veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 29 May 2026 03:38:17 +0000

Morning tea over crafts: clay art for war widows, defence and veteran families

Get hands-on at our clay art and morning tea on Saturday 27 June 2026 in Rose Park. This crafty wellbeing activity allows you to spend a relaxed Saturday morning making something with your hands and sharing a cuppa with others war widows, defence and veteran families.

Clay art and morning tea

Facilitated by social workers Lisa and Gabby, attendees will create multiple 3D clay creations using soft air dry clay and fill up a wooden box to display them in. All materials are provided and you will take home your creation. As the clay colours may stain, please wear clothing you’re comfortable getting messy in.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I really enjoyed the chance to connect with others, try something creative, and step away for a little bit, while sharing simple, meaningful moments together.”

Event information

Location: 141 Fullarton Road Rose Park SA.
Date and Time: Saturday 27 June 2026, 10am-11:30am.
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 post Clay art and morning tea for Adelaide veteran families first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.