Homebase for the Veteran Community in Townsville

Gerry Garard a National Service 2nd Lieutenant, Vietnam Veteran, who spent most of his working life in corporate management, and his dual Olympic Gold Medallist and Taxation Consultant wife Renita, decided that they wished to do voluntary work in the demographic of mental health sufferers (particularly PTSD) who were suffering and struggling as a result of their service to our great Nation.

Advocates Online emerged from challenges faced by individuals in navigating the labyrinth of overlapping and complex legislation and equally complex claims processes. Our Board of Directors come from various sections of the veteran community and have worked within the veteran sector for a long time as change leaders. Commencing in early 2020, we dedicated ourselves to building a network of highly qualified, medically trained and supervised claims advocates, para-legal consultants and highly specialised administrators. They are complemented by a growing community of veteran friendly and informed medical practitioners and legal and financial specialists who we can refer to and rely on.

Our Agri Veterans Program helps veterans find stable, rewarding roles that match their existing skills and abilities. Many of the skills our veterans have learned during their service are an ideal fit for agriculture roles. Meanwhile, veterans who are easing back into civilian life find the wide-open plains and community spirit of regional Australia a soothing change of pace.

The Alliance represents a significant number (over three million) members of Australia's Defence Family on national advocacy and representative matters to the Australian Federal Parliament and political parties. The Alliance objective is to provide a stronger voice on issues impacting the conditions and wellbeing of currently serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families to the Australian Government, Parliament and all Australians.

The Australian Families of the Military Research and Support Foundation (AFOM) is a Foundation set up by past and current serving Australian Military Personnel and their families. Its mission is to advance the health and wellbeing of partners and families of past and current serving Australian Military Personnel. It aims to become the foremost organisation in Australia that: promotes, coordinates and funds research not encumbered by political and/or Departmental outcomes; and provides support for and advocates for the needs of partners and families of past and current Australian Military personnel.

The Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association (APPVA) is a not-for-profit veterans organisation that provides for comfort and assistance with welfare and entitlements for ADF Veterans and Peacekeepers, including their families. The APPVA achieves this by a number of approaches, but particularly with assistance through the Safety Rehabilitation & Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA – aka “COMCARE); The Veteran’s Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA); and The Military Rehabilitation & Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). Other assistance through welfare is also provided on as needed basis.

As non-traditional students, ex Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have a lot to add to classroom discussions and can offer unique perspectives. Yet, these differences can also be quite challenging. ASVA would like to help student veterans overcome these challenges by establishing ASVA chapters at universities throughout Australia to provide a peer network for veterans on campus. Interacting with other like-minded students on a daily basis will help student veterans regain that sense of camaraderie they had in the ADF. These built-in networks will greatly assist student veterans during the soldier to student transitioning process and will help mentor/motivate student veterans throughout their degrees.

Independent news and opinion on issues that impact the Australian veteran community.

The Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust is a national independent charity helping the children and grandchildren of Australian veterans to a better future through education. Each year we provide up to 80 scholarships for students commencing, or already commenced, their studies at an Australian University, TAFE or registered training organisation. Our scholarships are generously funded by the Australian government, ex-service organisations and private donors.

Bravery Trust provides financial support to veterans, current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, and their families, who have suffered injury or illness as a result of their service and are experiencing financial hardship.

Buddy Up Australia offers a way for people who have served their country, either domestically or overseas, to connect with like-minded people and feel that sense of purpose again. That’s through physical fitness and volunteering for worthwhile projects.
Founded in Perth, our goal is to run chapters Australia-wide which meet the needs of serving and ex-serving personnel just like us (police, fire, ambulance and military). Let’s keep our buddies in the well zone.

Provides financial help, education support and housing assistance.

Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the official body appointed by the government to represent the views of Defence Families. Its aim is to inform government and Defence on the needs of the family. Its goal is to ensure quality of life for all Defence families by providing a recognised forum for their views and by reporting, making recommendations and influencing policy that directly affects families. In turn, this enhances the capability of the Australian Defence Force. DFA consults with Defence’s own support agencies, like the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) and the National Welfare Coordination Centre (NWCC), but acts only as an advocate, not as a support provider.

We exist simply to foster the best interests and welfare of all members of the Australian Defence Force and their families in any matter likely to affect them during or after their period of service.

The DIGGERS Military Motorcycle Club is not a 1% club, but an organisation for Regular, Reserve and Ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force - Army, Navy, Air Force as well as members of all Commonwealth Forces. Members who engage in regular meets and who encompass the spirit of riding motorcycles whilst having the comradeship that develops from military service and the MC Brotherhood Bond.

As part of the Veteran community, we understand what it is like to have left the armed services and then be faced with a legal issue. Getting legal help can be too hard, or too expensive. It can leave you feeling overwhelmed or helpless. Duty First Legal Service is here to make you feel helped, not helpless. We are a not-for-profit legal service which means that our fees are significantly lower than the industry standard. We care about you and your family and the outcome of your legal issue. We are an independent, not for profit legal service, which is only for those who have served in the Australian armed services including the Army, Navy or Airforce or those who are left behind after the veteran has passed away. Whether you are looking for one-off legal advice or need us to guide you through a difficult legal issue, we are here to help.