Veterans’ Health Week runs from the 16^th to 24^th of October and with more than 720 events that focus on veteran wellbeing taking place across the country until the end of November, this year is set to be the biggest Veterans’ Health Week yet.

The Morrison Government has provided a record $540,000 in funding for Veterans’ Health Week 2021, which will deliver a range of activities that focus on the overall health of veterans and their families.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said veterans in Bonner can get involved in local events happening for Veterans’ Health Week.

“This year’s focus on physical activity offers a fantastic opportunity for veterans to make new connections with other veterans and their families while having some fun in the process,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over the weekend, I had a stand at the Veterans Health Expo at Wynnum RSL and it was great to see the community turn out and the important conversations that took place. The Morrison Government is driving awareness with record funding for this year’s Veteran’s Health Week, with some fantastic events happening in our area during October.”

Local events happening during Veterans Health Week include:

• Bayside Veterans Community Physical Therapy Activity hosted by Manly-Lota RSL Sub Branch: Wednesday 20 October 2pm to 5pm, 184 Melville Terrace, Manly
• Barefoot bowls hosted by Naval Association of Australia-Bayside Sub Section: Friday 23 October 12pm-5pm, Manly Bowls Club, 26 Faine Street, Manly
• Visit to Camp Hill Antiques Centre and Tart Café hosted by North Gold Coast RSL Sub Branch Inc.: Wednesday 27 October 10am to 1:30pm, 545 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill

“I encourage all our local veterans, current serving personnel, and their families in Bonner to check out what events are happening in the area, or online, and put your hand up to participate.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said this year’s theme, Get Moving, will promote physical health and encourage veterans and their families to stay active.

“I’m delighted that this year’s Veterans’ Health Week is the biggest yet, with ex-service organisations and community groups coming together to host more than 720 events around the country,” Minister Gee said.

“Veterans and their families and friends can take part in as many activities as they like and there are plenty of options on offer, so I encourage everyone to check out what’s on and get moving!”

For more information on attending a Veterans’ Health Week event, including a list of activities near you, visit the DVA website dva.gov.au/vhw, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email vhw@dva.gov.au.

VETERANS and their families in Bonner can get socially connected this Veterans’ Health Week, with local events running from Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, November 1 2020.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said almost 400 events across Australia would be run by ex-service organisations and other local veterans’ groups, both in person and virtually, to support their veteran community with creative social activities within their local restrictions.

“There’s a number of local happening in Brisbane and surrounding regions and I encourage our local veteran community to join in and help raise awareness of staying socially connected,” Mr Vasta said.

“Practicing social connection, not just in Veterans’ Health Week, is a great way to embed healthy habits into our weekly routines to help improve our overall mental health and wellbeing.

“Manly-Lota RSL sub-branch will be hosting a BBQ meet and greet this Sunday from 10am-3pm and it’s open to all veterans and their families.

“I commend all of the ex-service organisations and other veteran groups in our community who have organised events for Veterans’ Health Week this year.”

Veterans’ Health Week events being hosted around Australia over the next couple of weeks include physical activity challenges, mental health activities, workshops, skill building opportunities, a record number of online virtual events and lots of chances to make new connections and renew old ones.

For more information on attending a Veterans’ Health Week event, visit the Veterans’ Health Week page on the DVA website.

You can also call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email vhw@dva.gov.au.

Attendees and event organisers must be aware of local state or territory coronavirus restrictions in place and ensure their event is following all coronavirus guidelines.

A full list of events in  can be found on the DVA website.

Manly-Lota RSL sub-branch is located at 184 Melville Tce, Manly

Funding is now available for Ex-Service Organisations and other local community groups to host an event during Veterans’ Health Week this year to encourage veterans and their families to stay connected.

Veterans’ Health Week will be held from 24 October to 1 November 2020 and the theme is Social Connection.

Local community and ex-service organisations can apply for $720 in funding to support their local veteran community with a creative social activity, within their local restrictions.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the funding would help veterans to stay socially connected with their community through innovative event ideas such as meditation or yoga sessions, local catch-ups and creative workshops, all in-person or virtually.

“I encourage local organisations in Bonner to apply and host a Veterans’ Health Week event so we can keep our community spirits high while we face the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Vasta said.

“From fitness challenges to zoom catch-ups or even a COVID Safe catch-up, there’s many ways we can still connect and support each other.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the global coronavirus pandemic had made it difficult for many people to physically see each other and finding ways to socially connect with one another was now more important than ever, particularly for the ex-service community.

“Social connection is one of the most important aspects for your mental health and wellbeing, and as part of Veterans’ Health Week this year we are encouraging those in the ex-service community to remain socially connected, with family, friends and local community,” Mr Chester said.

“This year we invite our local organisations to come up with more innovative ideas for hosting events and create new opportunities to connect, either in person where possible or virtually.”

For more information on Veterans’ Health Week visit the Veterans’ Health Week page on the DVA website.

You can also call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email vhw@dva.gov.au.

Applications for funding close 9 October 2020.

Applicants must be aware of local state or territory Coronavirus restrictions that are in place and ensure their event is following all Coronavirus guidelines.