VHA Blog
25 Years of Australian Service in Timor-Leste: A Veteran’s Perspective
On the 20th of September this year, a commemorative service will be held to mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. Hosted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the service will be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra and televised nationally on ABC TV. Australia has
The Battle for Australia: How a Nation Defended Its Shores in WWII
On the first Wednesday of September each year, commemorations are held to recognise close-to-home events of World War II, collectively named the ‘Battle for Australia’. This relatively new day of commemoration was established in 2008 for what previously had been a largely under-recognised part of the global conflict that was
PTSD: Navigating Triggers and Building Resilience
National PTSD Awareness Day, on June 27th, serves as a critical reminder of the mental health challenges faced by many, especially our veterans. PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, affects a significant portion of Australian veterans, with studies showing that around 8.3% of Australian veterans experience PTSD compared to 5.2% of
Supporting veteran wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, and community
With the new year well underway, many of us are looking for new ways to live well and make life a little easier, particularly in challenging economic times. With this in mind, we’re once again running the weekly coffee and chat sessions on Wednesdays at the Veteran Housing Australia Cafe.
5 Simple Fitness Tips to Keep Veterans Active and Healthy
For those who’ve served, fitness has often played a vital role in daily life. Whether through the physical demands of service or the camaraderie of shared activities, maintaining strength and resilience has been part of the routine. However, transitioning to civilian life can sometimes make it more challenging to stay
Recognising the contribution of animals of war
Of all the stories from times of war and conflict, those featuring unsung heroes tend to be the ones that resonate the most. When it comes to unsung heroes there are many people who qualify for the title, however there’s also a very large group who have served diligently and
Stay Vibrant and Healthy During the Colder Months: Essential Tips
We all have a favourite season, yet winter might be the most contentious. Moods change, social interactions feel much harder, and food and lifestyle choices reflect our desires to conserve energy and warmth. Taking care of ourselves becomes essential, and paying attention to a few basic things will help maintain
5 simple strategies to incorporate healthy eating habits into everyday life
We have all heard the message that it is important to ‘eat healthy’ but what does this really mean and how can we eat well in day-to-day life? For many people, eating ‘healthy’ conjures up images of restrictive diets, ‘boring’ food and a focus on nutrients in foods such as
Reinventing a new life for yourself
The early weeks of a brand-new year are brimming with opportunity, expectation, and let’s face it – rapidly shifting goalposts. Many of us come strong out of the gate on January 1st, only to admit defeat just a few days in, while others last the distance and manage real and