Veterans Health Week

Now in its 11th year, the week is a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)-led program that focuses on key areas of health and wellbeing in the veteran community and includes community-run events.

Veterans and Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester said mental health was a complex but crucial area for veterans, current serving personnel and their families.

“This year there are more than 270 registered events across Australia for veterans, current serving personnel and their families to attend,” Mr Chester said.

“There are a range of events on offer including golf days, group walking events, presentations about mental wellness, workshops to help with stress management and other social events.

“The events are a great way to connect with your local ex-service and community organisations and to learn more about DVA programs and initiatives.”

The Australian Government is supporting the mental health of veterans by providing more than $175 000 in funding to ex-service and community organisations to host events across Australia that will raise awareness of mental wellness.

“The government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and this includes mental health,” Mr Chester said.

“We invest more than $230 million annually to a range of programs and initiatives as part of a more than $11 billion investment towards veterans and their families,” Mr Chester said.

“I encourage all veterans and their families to engage in local Veterans’ Health Week events and for all Australians to support the veteran community by raising awareness of mental wellness.”

● Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling, provides support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.

Free and confidential help is available 24/7. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 1800 011 046 or 61 8 8241 4546) or visit www.OpenArms.gov.au● For more information, resources and to find events near you, visit www.dva.gov.au/vhw