wellbeing - Families of Veterans Guild

War widows walk and lunch Sydney

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 02:16:18 +0000

Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway walk and lunch for war widows

On Friday 25 September 2026, war widows are warmly invited to join our War Widows walk and lunch at Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway! War widows can join this wellbeing activity for a morning of remembrance and connection that takes war widows along the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, with a guided presentation, lunch, and a little friendly trivia.

War widows walk and lunch

Join us at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway for a morning that begins with morning tea, followed by an engaging presentation and guided walk led by one of the walkway’s volunteers. It’s a chance to reflect and remember, while spending time with others who understand.

After the walk, we will gather for lunch together and a fun Guild-themed trivia session. Morning tea and lunch are both included, and there is no cost to attend. This activity is for war widows.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “The walk gave me time to reflect, remember, and feel connected to a community that understands the sacrifices we’ve made.”

Event information

Location: Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, Killoola St, Rhodes Park, Concord West NSW.
Date: Friday 25 September 2026.
Time: 10.30am – 1pm.
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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August wellbeing tips for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:36:24 +0000

Sharing our latest wellbeing tips for war widows, defence and veteran families

Connection is vital when it comes to shaping our wellbeing. It can grow through shared interests, familiar faces at a weekly activity, or a moment of curiosity about what we’re truly feeling. For war widows, defence and veteran families, where life often involves change, movement and the demands of service, finding both community and self-understanding can be especially meaningful. This month’s tips, drawn from our latest Wellbeing Newsletter, explore how connection can be found in your community, and how curiosity, guided by Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart, can open the door to greater self-compassion.

Finding connection in your community

Connection can be found in many places. Whether it is through a hobby you enjoy such as running, yoga, cooking, art, meditation or photography, shared interests can provide a way to meet others and build meaningful connections. Joining a local club, class or community group can help create opportunities for conversation, friendship and support.

For veteran families, social connection can be especially important. Defence life often involves frequent changes, which can make it harder to maintain social connections. Connecting with others who understand the unique defence experience can provide a sense of understanding and support. Community connections can help families feel less isolated during times of transition and change.

Small moments, meaningful impact

Connection does not always have to mean building close friendships. Sometimes it is simply having people to share an activity with, seeing familiar faces each week, or enjoying a conversation over a coffee. These small moments can make a big difference to wellbeing and help strengthen our sense of community. Getting involved can start with one small step, such as attending a local event, joining a group that interests you, volunteering, or trying a new activity. Many people feel nervous when trying something new, but connections often grow gradually through regular participation and shared experiences.

You can join us at one of our upcoming online or in person wellbeing activities and connect with other veteran families. Our activities provide opportunities to share experiences, meet people who understand the unique aspects of military and veteran life, and build connections in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The power of curiosity

It is common for us to quickly judge and criticise our thoughts and feelings. But what if we look at them through a different lens and become curious instead?

In her book, ‘Atlas of the Heart’, Brene Brown says that curiosity is an important part of our need for making meaning. Curiosity is the recognition of gaps in our knowledge and can lead to exploration and learning.

Curiosity invites us to ask ourselves:

How am I feeling?
What is contributing to these feelings?
What do I need right now?
Are there different ways of viewing this situation?

Turning towards curiosity, not criticism

Curiosity encourages us to step back from the situation and observe through another lens. Curiosity is about creating space to consider alternative perspectives and respond with self-compassion, rather than criticism. Curiosity urges us to recognise that our thoughts may be interpretations, rather than concrete facts, and our thoughts can fill in the gaps, make assumptions and predict future outcomes. However, curiosity for many of us means being vulnerable, as it requires us to venture into uncertainty. This exploration can lead to feelings of discomfort or hurt and lead us to turning towards self-protection. Curiosity is a mindfulness practice that requires consistent practice, little by little, so it is okay if this is hard at first.

Brene Brown reminds us that language matters and that the more accurately we name emotions, the better we can respond. For example, using the word “overwhelmed” to describe our feelings, may lead to a different response than using the word “stressed”. Through accurately naming emotions, we can identify what support and action is required.

A simple practice we can use to curiously explore our challenging emotions is asking ourselves, “Is it true?”. When worrying or negative thoughts arise, we can pause and ask ourselves:

“Is this thought completely true?”
“What evidence do I have for and against these thoughts?”
“What would I say to a friend if they were in this situation?”
“What else could be true?”
“Maybe, I don’t have enough information yet.”
“Am I certain, or just assuming?”

By approaching with curiosity and asking exploratory questions, we can slow down, challenge assumptions, and respond with greater self-compassion, which we all deserve. “Curiosity is an act of vulnerability and courage. We need to be brave enough to want to know more.” — Brené Brown

To find out the latest wellbeing tips or find a free wellbeing activity, please subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter.

You can also find all of our wellbeing tips, practical information sheets and guides to support you and your family’s wellbeing, visit our Resource Hub today.

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Monthly sound immersion sessions for Canberra veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:02:18 +0000

Experience sound immersion: free monthly sessions for war widows defence and veteran families

Let sound do the work of slowing you down. This monthly wellbeing activity uses chimes, voice, and singing bowls to guide your body into a deep state of rest. Starting Sunday 20 September 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our monthly sound immersion in Dickson for an hour of calm alongside others who understand defence and veteran family life.

Monthly sound immersion

Join us at Soma Women’s Wellbeing in Dickson for a 60-minute guided sound immersion led by Koko, using chimes, voice, Tibetan singing bowls, and other resonant instruments to bring your body into a deep state of rest and recovery. You will be able to sit or lie down — mats and chairs both work — with your eyes closed if that feels comfortable, while the sound moves through the room.

The session gives your system something different: heart rate and breathing slow, muscle tension releases, and the mental fog that comes from chronic stress starts to lift. Most people leave with a clearer head, better focus for the rest of the day, and noticeably less tension in the shoulders. Tea is included, and there is no cost to attend.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I enjoyed spending time outdoors, exploring somewhere new, getting fresh air and gentle exercise, and connecting with others who understand my lifestyle and experiences.”

Event information

Location: Soma Women’s Wellbeing, 57 Dickson Pl, Dickson ACT.

Dates:
- Sunday 20th September
- Sunday 11th October
- Sunday 8th November
- Sunday 13th December
- Sunday 7th February
- Sunday 14th March
- Sunday 11th April

Times: 2pm – 3pm (arrive at 1.45pm for 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.

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Paint by numbers online for veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 03:55:00 +0000

Relax and create: paint by numbers session for war widows, defence and veteran families

Grab a brush and settle in for a relaxed evening of colour! This online wellbeing activity brings families together over a paint-by-numbers kit, from the comfort of your own home. On Wednesday 23 September 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join our paint by numbers session for a creative night in alongside others who understand defence and veteran family life.

Paint by numbers

Join us online via Zoom for a relaxed evening of painting, guided by two of our social workers. Following the numbers, you’ll create three paint-by-numbers canvases featuring Sicilian scenes and stamp designs and follow along at your own pace. Each household receives one kit to share.

It’s a simple, screen-free way to spend quality time together and connect with other families around the country from the comfort of home. There is no cost to attend, and children are welcome to join in with adult supervision.

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I enjoyed connecting and sharing conversations with others from around the country, spending quality time with my family, and participating in a different activity.”

Event information

Location: Online via Zoom (link will be sent to you).
Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026.
Time: 7pm – 8pm (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.

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Rise Together Initiative 2026

Kelly Taylor — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 07:02:42 +0000

Building career confidence for defence and veteran partners

Applications are now open for the 2026 Rise Together Initiative.

Bringing together our work supporting the careers of defence and veteran partners, we are running the Rise Together Initiative online this year as part of a two-day program. The aim of this initiative is to build the career confidence of defence and veteran partners, directly addressing the negative impacts of defence service on their careers.

Why career confidence matters for veteran families

Families of veterans make unique sacrifices when supporting their loved one, both during and after ADF service. Partners of veterans often balance the many demands of supporting family, relocations and adjustments, deployments and other absence from home, transition out of service and caring roles due to illness or injury.

Career satisfaction is an important element of wellbeing. We acknowledge that veteran families may face barriers in developing and maintaining their career aspirations due to the unique nature of Defence life, increasing their risk of unemployment and underemployment. Defence and veteran partners are three times more likely to be under or unemployed than the general population, and 92% of those affected are women. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage partners of current and former serving ADF members to focus on self-care and expand their careers.

What the 2026 Rise Together Initiative offers

In 2026 the Rise Together Initiative will provide up to 30 defence and veteran partners with the opportunity to undertake personal and professional development over 2 full days online:

Day one, facilitated by psychologists from People Measures: build a learning mindset, understand your values and professional brand, explore career development opportunities, and create a future-focused plan.

Day two, delivered by our qualified social workers: a morning wellbeing session drawing on Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart, presentations on employment, career, study and training pathways, resume and job application support, and an afternoon watercolour session for self-care and creativity.

There is no cost to take part, and every participant receives a wellbeing pack in the post.

Key dates

Rise Together Initiative program: Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September 2026
Applications close: Wednesday 2 September
Applicants notified of outcome: Tuesday 8 September

Applications information

Applications are open to defence and veteran partners and widows. Ex-partners may also be considered. Applications will be reviewed by our CEO Renee Wilson and our Social Work and Wellbeing Manager, Lisa Stephenson.

How to apply

To apply for your place in the two-day program:

Complete the Expression of Interest form here: Expressions of Interest for Rise Together Initiative
Email your current resume to wellbeing@fov.org.au

For any further information about the Rise Together Initiative, please contact Kerrie or Lisa at 02 9267 6577 or wellbeing@fov.org.au

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Wellbeing walk and lunch for Canberra veteran families

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 03:25:41 +0000

Lakeside walk and lunch for war widows, defence and veteran families

Swap the everyday for an easy lakeside walk and a good lunch. This wellbeing activity starts at Canberra Glassworks and follows Lake Burley Griffin at a steady pace. On Friday 4 September 2026, war widows, defence and veteran families can join this wellbeing walk and lunch for fresh air and good company!

Wellbeing walk and lunch

Join us at Canberra Glassworks for a wellbeing walk of about 60 minutes along Lake Burley Griffin. The route is paved and flat, and it’s pram and wheelchair friendly, so everyone can take part comfortably. After the walk, we will head to Brodburger Kingston for lunch together.

Lunch is included, and there is no cost to attend. Just bring yourself and enjoy the company in nature!

Previous attendees to wellbeing activities said “I enjoyed spending time outdoors, exploring somewhere new, getting fresh air and gentle exercise, and connecting with others who understand my lifestyle and experiences.”

Event information

Location: Meet at Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston ACT 2604.
Date: Friday 4 September 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.

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