Army’s annual Wounded, Injured and Ill Digger Forum in Canberra

Soldiers and their families met with Army’s senior leaders, Defence and government healthcare providers at the 2017 Chief of Army Wounded, Injured and Ill Digger Forum in Canberra this week.

CAPTION: Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus Campbell speaks with Warrant Office Class 2 Simon Marshall, Adelaide University Regiment, and Sergeant Andrew Wright, 6th Aviation Regiment, at the 2017 Chief of Army Wounded, Injured and Ill Digger Forum in Canberra. Photo by Corporal Mark Doran.

Participants at the annual forum shared their experiences of being or working with wounded, injured and ill soldiers and discussed the theme An Army Philosophy of Wellbeing: From Enlistment, Through Injury to Transition and Beyond.

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus Campbell said the forum reflected Army’s ongoing commitment to supporting soldiers who have become wounded, injured or ill in the service of their nation.

“This forum is an opportunity for Army to listen and learn from our people through their journey of rehabilitation, recovery, return to work or transition out of service,” Lieutenant General Campbell said.

“One of my enduring priorities as the Chief of Army is to assist our people through an integrated system.

“Over the past decade we’ve been on a profound journey and have come a long way, implementing a range of new initiatives to support wounded, injured and ill soldiers and their families.”

Lieutenant General Campbell said this year’s forum encouraged stronger collaboration between Defence and other government service providers.

“We know that the system in place is complex, and with the amount of initiatives available, it can be quite daunting for members and their families.

“It’s important we ensure there is an ongoing conversation between serving members, their families and the wide range of support organisations so we can continue to address gaps in coordination at all levels and develop and improve the integrated systems we have in place.

“Previous forums have assisted the Army and our supporting external stakeholders to address unique issues related to operational and non-operational injuries, mental health, rehabilitation, transition and returning to the workplace,” he said.

The forum is part of the Army’s Support to Wounded, Injured and Ill Program which was established in 2008 to meet the needs of an increasing number of wounded, injured or ill personnel resulting from operational deployments in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Activities such as the forum contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of Army’s support for members and their families.

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