$3.5 million for veteran-led wellbeing projects
Tuesday, 28 July 2026 The Hon Matt Keogh MP Minister for Veterans' Affairs Minister for Defence Personnel The Albanese government is investing a further $3.5 million into a diverse range of grassroots wellbeing programs to support veterans and families of veterans. The investment will support some 65 community-based programs across the country, offering everything from ballet lessons to social connection and homelessness support.
Delivered through the successful Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program, the investment will fund ex-service organisations to help veterans and families of veterans with a broad range of supports to address trauma, build family resilience and strengthen community connection. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh announced the latest funding round alongside Legacy Western Australia, which will receive $200,000 for its 'Legacy Connect' program, an integrated wellbeing initiative that supports veteran families through family-focused activities, a trusted digital resources hub and SafeTALK suicide-alertness training.
The program aims to strengthen social connection, improve mental wellbeing and help families access support earlier, building a stronger and more connected veteran community across Western Australia. Applications for the next round will open later this year. For more information about the Veteran Wellbeing Grants Program, visit www.dva.gov.au/VWG List of Recipients RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Agnes Water 1770 Sub-Branch This project is to hold a Veterans Family Day with stand up paddle boarding lessons, located at the foreshore of 1770 inlet, Agnes Water QLD.
RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Seaforth Sub-Branch The project is to install a defibrillator at the Seaforth Community Facility. RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Seaforth Sub-Branch Inc in consortium with RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Marian Sub-Branch and St Helens Sub-Branch This project is to deliver a 3-way bowls competition between neighbouring remote and regional RSL Sub-Branches - Digger's Bowls Competition.
The Yoga Partnership Ltd in consortium with Returned and Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Gympie Sub-Branch Inc This project is to deliver free weekly trauma informed yoga classes for veterans and their families at The Gympie Veterans Centre. RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Kilcoy Sub-Branch The project is to provide seven veteran wellbeing social trips in the Morayfield area and Southeast Queensland.
RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Greenbank Sub-Branch The project is to purchase new tools and shelving for the Greenbank RSL Sub-Branch Men's Shed. RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Gaythorne Sub-Branch This project is to tint windows and replace curtains in the Gaythorne RSL function room. RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Holland Park Mt Gravatt This project is to replace ageing kitchen equipment at the Holland Park Mt Gravatt RSL Sub-Branch.
RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Sunshine Coast and Regional District Branch Inc in consortium with RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Beerwah and District Sub-Branch This project is to upgrade facilities and security at Beerwah & District RSL Sub-Branch. RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Greenbank Sub-Branch The project is to purchase a vehicle for Greenbank RSL Men's Shed to safely transport veterans, equipment and materials for Shed activities.
RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Mackay Sub-Branch This project is to deliver infrastructure upgrades to the Mackay RSL outdoor areas and grounds for the benefit of the Mackay veteran community. RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Murgon Sub-Branch Inc This project is to purchase a Kia Carnival Hybrid vehicle for the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch to provide free transport for essential medical appointments and social activities.
RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Beenleigh and District Sub-Branch Inc This project is to purchase a new Transport Assistance vehicle for the benefit of veterans and members of affiliated service organisations. RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Gordonvale Sub-Branch This project is to supply and install new air conditioning units at RSL Hall in Cairns. RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Redlands Sub-Branch Inc This project is to replace the leaking asbestos roof at the Redlands RSL Sub-Branch Headquarters RSL of Australia (QLD Branch) Dalby Sub-Branch Inc This project is to purchase a 22-seat bus to use for transporting veterans and their families in the Dalby region.
$135,000.00 Gallipoli Medical Research Ltd This project is to deliver a pilot dance program "Dance for Veterans" and subsequent digitisation of a dance-based health intervention specifically tailored for veteran families and caregivers. $151,994.37 Women Veterans Network Australia Inc This project is to provide the WVNA Women Veterans Wellbeing and Connection Program.
$195,240.00 Veteran Support Force Ltd This project is to contribute to the cost of constructing a new set of transportable obstacle structures for the 2026 Veteran Games National Series. $200,000.00 RSL LifeCare Limited This project is to hold two Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub Indigenous Engagement Workshops to provide an opportunity for local Indigenous veterans and promote the role of First Nations people in the local community.
RSL of Australia (NSW Branch) Gloucester Sub-Branch The project is for a bus trip from Gloucester to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Darling Harbour, Maritime Museum, Naval ships, gold mine and BBQ near Gloucester. Castle Hill and District RSL Sub-Branch This project is to expand existing art workshops delivered by Castle Hill & District Sub-Branch. Legacy Club Services This project is to purchase a defibrillator and facilitate the 'HEART' Project (Health, Emotional wellbeing, Acceptance, Resilience, Togetherness) in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie suburbs.
RSL of Australia (NSW Branch) Sussex Inlet Sub-Branch Ltd This project is the refurbishment of Sussex Inlet RSL Sub-Branch Memorial Hall bathrooms to improve amenity and accessibility for veterans their families and the local community. RSL of Australia (NSW Branch) Springwood Sub-Branch This project is to purchase lawn moving and gardening equipment and establish a lawn mowing and gardening service, delivered by volunteers for elderly veterans and veterans living with mobility issues in the Blue Mountains, NSW area.
RSL LifeCare Limited This project is to purchase musical equipment for the Queanbeyan Chapter of the Canberra Veterans Music Group. Coffs Harbour Legacy Welfare Fund The project is to deliver art therapy programs for veterans, partners and families in the Coffs Harbour region at Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens. NSW Spanish and Latin American Association for Social Assistance Inc in consortium with Maroubra RSL Sub-Branch This project is to deliver a community-based veteran wellbeing initiative using recorded oral history storytelling and facilitated community screenings.
RSL of Australia (NSW Branch) Wauchope Sub-Branch This project is to deliver day and weekend retreats for veteran and their families at Wauchope RSL Sub-Branch. RSL LifeCare Limited This project is to deliver a new 12-month wellbeing program as part of the existing Homes for Heroes (H4H) program. This includes purchase of a new transport vehicle to improve wellbeing and social connection for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness by enabling access to activities, services and appointments, and community engagement.
Australian War Widows NSW Ltd This project is to improve veteran family support through system modernisation. RSL LifeCare Limited This project is to expand the Spur Equine Program Wellness and Engagement, contribute to the purchase of a Landcruiser Wagon and delivery of regional clinics located in Scone and Coonabarabran NSW. Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Australia Limited in consortium with RSL of Australia NSW Branch The project is to deliver a Guitars for Vets program for 50-65 Veterans at Concord Repatriation General Hospital.
The project will also be delivered online and in participants' communities. Kinfish Ltd This project is to purchase a 6-meter aluminium boat to expand water-based wellbeing activities for veterans in the Hunter, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie region. Pro Patria Centre Ltd This project is to provide a holistic program called Grow, Nourish, Thrive Building Resilience and Capacity.
RSL of Australia (VIC Branch) Woodend Sub-Branch Inc This project is to deliver certified First Aid and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training to Veterans and families. Keilor East RSL Sub-Branch Inc This project is to provide more comfortable seating for veterans and families at the Keilor RSL Sub-Branch and provide bus transportation for outings. Red cliffs Irymple RSL Sub-Branch This project is to purchase and install new split system heating and cooling units in the Red Cliffs RSL Hall.
RSL of Australia (VIC Branch) Waverley Sub-Branch Inc This project is to enhance the RSL's current Balance and Mobility program and partner with the Monash Men's Shed to deliver veteran activities, located in Glen Waverley VIC. Wodonga RSL Sub-Branch Building Patriotic Fund This project is to purchase a barbeque trailer, to be used for events supported by the Wodonga RSL.
Goorambat Veterans' Retreat Inc This project is to purchase and install a greenspace irrigation system at Goorambat Veterans Retreat in regional Victoria to maintain safe, green and accessible outdoor areas year-round. Red cliffs Irymple RSL Sub-Branch This project is to install a new commercial grade dishwasher in the existing kitchen at the Red Cliffs RSL Hall for the benefit of volunteer veterans.
Veterans Motorcycle Corporation Australia - 22 Platoon Inc This project is to create a dedicated website, build a community trailer, and establish a small production setup to better support Australian veterans and their families. Hawthorn RSL Sub-Branch Inc This project is to upgrade an existing kitchen facility at the Hawthorn RSL Sub-Branch. Guide Dogs Victoria in consortium with Soldier On Ltd This project is to hold 10 sessions of 'Paws for Purpose Dog-Assisted Peer Wellbeing for Veterans' at Guide Dogs Victorias Kew campus.
Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) Limited This project is to deliver the ANVAMs Veteran Arts Open Studio program. RSL of Australia (VIC Branch) Dandenong Cranbourne Sub-Branch Inc This project is to establish a new veteran community centre called Southeast Veteran and Families Community Hub. $126,120.00 RSL of Australia (TAS Branch) Wynyard Sub-Branch Inc This project is to purchase chesterfield seating and a pool table to promote veteran activity and wellbeing within the Wynyard RSL Sub-Branch TAS located in the Branch's historic military library.
RSL of Australia (SA Branch) Henley and Grange Sub-Branch Inc This project is to upgrade the Henley and Grange RSL clubroom to create a safer, more accessible and flexible space for increasing membership. RSL of Australia (SA Branch) Macclesfield Sub-Branch Inc This project is to refurbish an area of the Macclesfield RSL, South Australia, to create a comfortable and safe space for veteran and families wellbeing and welfare.
Riding for the Disabled Association SA Inc in consortium with Defence Force Welfare Association SA This project is to create a pilot program, Solid Ground - An equine-supported program improving the wellbeing of veterans at RDASA O'Halloran Hill Centre. Resolute Ready Ltd This project is to provide Phase 2 of the Digital Education Backpack and Resolute Ready App (DEBP2) for veteran families with children.
$180,000.00 This project is to replace dated equipment (fridge and oven) in the kitchen of the Wagin RSL, WA. Navy Clearance Diver Foundation Limited This project is to provide a mentoring program for transitioning Navy clearance divers, to be provided in Perth WA, Sydney NSW and Brisbane QLD. RSL of Australia (WA Branch) Inc This project is to upgrade/replace furniture in the welfare advocate office and the hall at the Armadale RSL Sub-Branch.
RSL of Australia (WA Branch) Inc This project is to provide a series of 6 trivia nights for veterans and families to be held at the Anzac Club, Perth WA and involving 50 participants per session (total 300 persons). RSL of Australia (WA Branch) Inc This project is to facilitate a Veteran and Defence Family Wellbeing Day to be held at Adventure World in Bibra Lake.
Bicton Palmyra RSL Sub-Branch This project is to develop the Bicton-Fremantle RSL Community Garden and Family Play Space for Veteran Wellbeing. The Resilience Shield Pty Ltd in consortium with RSL Western Australia Branch This project is to deliver a series of Building Resilient Kids - Family and Veterans Wellbeing Camps. $173,564.48 The Legacy Club of Western Australia Incorporated This project is to deliver 'Legacy Connect' an integrated wellbeing program for veterans' families that combines activity-based Support, a Digital Hub and Peer Support - SafeTALK.
In-person activities delivered from Legacy's Busselton Camp. $200,000.00 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association Indigenous Corporation This project is to deliver an Indigenous-led wellbeing and social connection project for 25 to 40 First Nations veterans. RSL of Australia (ACT Branch) Woden Valley Sub-Branch Inc This project is to establish a dedicated, accessible space to deliver inclusive wellbeing and social connection activities for veterans and their families.
Trojan's Trek Foundation Limited This project is to deliver a Trojans Trek Wilderness Wellbeing Program. $132,375.75 Trojan's Trek Foundation Limited This project is to hold Trojan's Trek - classroom based treks, veteran wellbeing pilot through Veteran Wellbeing Hubs in NSW operated by RSL LifeCare NSW. $195,826.00 Media contact Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485 [email protected] Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 Open Arms website Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072 Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 Defence Health Portal Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608