Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling
Free, confidential counselling and support for veterans, current ADF members, and their families. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you or someone you know needs support, this page lists the key Australian services available to veterans, current serving members, and their families.
It's not exhaustive, but it covers the ones that matter most. I'll update it as things change.
Mental Health and Crisis Support
ADF All-hours Support Line
Confidential telephone support for current ADF members, any time of day or night.
DVA - Mental Health Support
The Department of Veterans' Affairs funds a range of mental health services, including free psychological treatment for eligible veterans without needing a referral or a diagnosed condition.
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
Beyond Blue
Support for anxiety and depression, including a dedicated veteran line.
Suicide Call Back Service
Free professional telephone and online counselling. Available 24/7.
Safe Zone
An anonymous and confidential support service specifically for veterans, serving members, and families. No referral needed.
Veteran Mindfulness Australia
Mindfulness-based programs designed specifically for veterans, including yoga, meditation, art, dance, and photography, both in-person and online. Focused on mental clarity, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing for ex-serving members.
Financial and Legal Assistance
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
DVA is the primary point of contact for compensation claims, pensions, rehabilitation, and healthcare entitlements.
Important - legislation change from 1 July 2026: The Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and the DRCA are closing to new compensation claims. From 1 July 2026, all new claims will be assessed under the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA). If you are already receiving entitlements, existing payments continue unchanged under strong grandparenting provisions. If you have a pending claim, seek advice now.
DVA Advocacy Register
Free, trained advocates who can help you understand your entitlements and support you through the claims process at no cost.
Veterans' Review Board (VRB)
If your DVA claim has been rejected or you're unhappy with the decision, the VRB provides an independent review process.
KSC Claims / KSC Law
Veteran-founded and led, established by former RAAF members, KSC assists veterans through every stage of the DVA claims process including initial liability, permanent impairment, reassessments, and appeals. KSC Law also provides legal advice on DVA-related matters including wills, estates, and enduring powers of attorney. Commercial service, fees apply.
AVAC Services
Veteran-owned and operated advocacy service specialising in end-to-end DVA claims support, including liability, compensation, and incapacity claims, with a trauma-informed approach. AVAC holds DVA-accredited advocates and works with both veterans and clinicians navigating DVA administrative processes. Commercial service, fees apply.
AusCivilian / VetComp
Independent services that assist veterans to understand and prepare compensation claims. These are not government bodies, so review their terms carefully, but some veterans find them useful for navigating complex claims.
Centenary of Anzac Centre
Free case guidance and support for veterans, available Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm AEST.
Community and Peer Support
RSL Australia
The RSL network operates sub-branches across the country offering welfare support, advocacy, and community connection for veterans and their families.
Mates4Mates
A veterans' charity offering clinical services, peer support, and social connection for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families impacted by service. Operates from centres in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, with outreach services nationally.
Soldier On
A not-for-profit delivering holistic support services including health and wellbeing, employment, and social programs for current and former ADF personnel and their families.
Legacy Australia
Legacy supports the families of veterans who have given their lives or health in service to Australia, including spouses, widows, and dependent children.
Defence Families of Australia (DFA)
An independent advisory body representing the interests of ADF families to government.
Veterans' and Families' Hubs
Government-funded local hubs offering a central access point to wellbeing support, health services, advocacy, employment, housing advice, and social connection. Find your nearest hub via the DVA website.
Employment and Transition
Veteran Employment Program (VEP)
A DVA-run program connecting veterans with employers who understand and value military experience. Includes job-matching, skills workshops, and a Core Skills Identifier tool to translate ADF experience into civilian language. Over 350 employer partners nationally.
VetPaths - APS Pathway
A six-month supported transition program for veterans entering the Australian Public Service, including formal learning, career mentoring, and wellbeing activities.
Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Scheme (VVRS)
DVA-funded vocational rehabilitation for eligible veterans, including training, education, and support to re-enter the workforce after a service-related injury or illness.
Soldier On - Employment Programs
Soldier On's employment arm provides career coaching, employer engagement, and industry training to help veterans translate their skills into civilian careers.
Transition Employment Portal (TEP) - Working Spirit / RSL WA
A free national platform matching veterans, ADF families, and emergency service personnel with employers who actively seek to hire them. Veterans create a profile and are matched with job opportunities across Australia. Also open to veterans' family members and emergency responders.
With You With Me (WYWM)
Helps veterans translate military skills into tech careers through structured digital skills training and employer placement.
Last updated: April 2026. If you spot an outdated link or a service I've missed, feel free to get in touch.