Centralised support for veterans and their families

Defence has welcomed the launch of the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency on July 1, marking an important step in strengthening support for veterans and families of veterans.

CAPTION: The recently launched Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency will strengthen support for veterans and families of veterans, and will provide access to support services for ADF members transitioning to civilian life. Story by Hannah Donald. Photo by Rohan Thomson.

The agency was a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Its purpose is to make it easier for veterans and families of veterans to access the support they need across government and community services. 

The agency will serve as a central point of access through a dedicated website, a national wellbeing service directory and a helpline, making it easier for veterans and families of veterans to find the wellbeing support they need.

Chief of Personnel Lieutenant General Natasha Fox said the agency supported Defence’s commitment to the wellbeing of its people and their families throughout their service and beyond. 

“Defence is working with DVA [Department of Veterans’ Affairs] to provide support for our people and their families to serve well, live well and age well, throughout their service and beyond their service,” Lieutenant General Fox said.

“The agency will make it easier to access the right care and services at the right time, ensuring veterans and families of veterans are better connected to the support they need to maintain their wellbeing.”

Defence, through the Joint Transition Authority, supports all members of the ADF and their families to prepare for and complete transfer or separation from the ADF.

The agency will provide members with access to wellbeing support and services to support their transition to civilian life, and will complement existing support provided by Defence and DVA.

The agency will also facilitate the Transition for Meaningful Engagement and Personalised Career and Employment Program. 

Lieutenant General Fox said a strong partnership between Defence, DVA and the agency would be critical to delivering better outcomes.

“Defence remains responsible for preparing our people to leave the ADF, and we are working closely with the agency to ensure there is continuity of care as our people transition to life beyond service,” she said.

Defence will continue to support the agency as it expands its capability over time, ensuring reforms improve systems, strengthen accountability and enhance access to wellbeing services.

For current serving ADF personnel and their families, Defence’s dedicated support branch, Defence Member and Family Support, remains the first point of contact through the helpline.

Defence’s Joint Transition Authority will also continue to provide guidance to separating personnel. 

Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency

Defence Member and Family Helpline – 1800 624 608

Joint Transition Support – Contacts 

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