Empowering the lives of Australia’s Heroes

Since 2012, Young Veterans has set out to enrich the lives of Australian veterans by connecting them with their communities through active and social events.

Young Veterans was born from a necessity of support that wasn’t available. This support is one that inspires Veterans to think outside the box of what is possible, re-engage with civilian society and participate in positive events that challenge and rehabilitate.

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EVENTS

Young Veterans aims bring those who are isolated back connecting with others and engaging with society. Young Veterans isn’t necessarily about reminiscing about service times or who has ‘done what’, it is about moving forward, re-engaging and inspiring young veterans that we can achieve and succeed beyond our time in service.

So far a snapshot of events run by Young Veterans is; 4WD, camping, fishing, stand up paddle boarding, surfing, yoga, power lifting, ten pin bowling, swimming with the whales, walking, coffee catch ups, rock climbing, off-road racing teams and the list goes on.

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COMMUNITY & SUPPORT

There is a sense of family within Defence which is lost when a member is medically discharged or chooses to transition to civilian employment.

Young Veterans was set up as a community hub, to provide an outlet and opportunity to gather and share a common bond.

We connect our members with services that they may not know about such as employment programs, housing assistance, help with Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims, allied health providers, financial help and access to mental health support.

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AWARENESS

One of the primary focuses of the Young Veterans Team is to raise the profile of younger veterans’ plight via nationally promoted activities.

Through a coordinated action plan, Young Veterans offers the modern-day veteran a meaningful, sustainable and purposeful support.

Join us as we bring national attention to the needs and issues plauging our veteran servicemembers.

Whether You’re a Veteran or a Civilian, You Have a Role to Play

Young Veterans is 100% volunteer run and operated. We’re passionate about what we do and how we do it. We pride ourselves on proposing ideas and following through.

Attend an Event

Find a local event to attend today.
Young Veterans is inclusive for everyone.

ATTEND A LOCAL EVENT

Donate

Donations make our programs possible.
Your support saves Australian lives.

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Volunteer

Young Veterans is always on the look out
for supporters looking to lend a hand.

VOLUNTEER TODAY

Hear from some Young Veterans

“I arrived at a Young Veterans meet up and sat in the car for awhile unable to get out. When I saw the group of people with the flag I was nervous but forced myself out of the car. Now I look back it was the best decision I’ve made since getting out of the Navy. I feel like I have some mates again, something to do and I’ve joined the gym and train with the guys. It’s helped me start again.”

Scott, 38

”My wife pestered me to come to a meet up and whilst I didn’t think I’d enjoy it I actually met a few blokes I’d served with and they were having similar issues to me, I thought I was the only one. Just that information has helped me recover.”

Jim, 30

”I had heard about Young Veterans but didn’t know much about it. I arrived with my kids and everyone was happy to help me out with them. I was able to go out for a surf without worrying about my kids which was unexpected and I had a great time chatting about my DVA claims as I didn’t know how to get started.”

Sarah, 35

”I thought I wasn’t a ‘real veteran’ because I hadn’t gone overseas. I didn’t think I belonged anywhere, I wouldn’t attend ANZAC Day even though I did 12 years service. I felt I didn’t have enough medals and I hadn’t done enough. Young Veterans has given me the confidence to be proud of my service. I will attend ANZAC Day for the first time since serving and stand tall this year. ”

Matt, 40

“I hadn’t left the house much, didn’t feel like anyone understood what I was going through. I attended one event and at least have made connections on Facebook, I get out and go fishing with some of the guys and that’s been the thing that has gotten me through the last few months.”

Sam, 29

”When I came with my husband and kids to Young Veterans we were on the verge of homelessness. With credit cards we couldn’t pay and both in and out of sick leave with injuries. I had no idea we could put in claims with DVA. Young Veterans had advocates on the ground who spoke to me and took the time to have ongoing meetings about our financial situation. I can’t even begin to describe how life changing Young Veterans have been for us.”

Samantha, 33

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