WOUNDED HEROES AUSTRALIA IS A NATIONAL DEFENCE COMMUNITY ORGANISATION
Wounded Heroes Australia was established 19 years ago to provide grassroots, 24/7 immediate crisis support to ADF, veterans and their families in financial crisis, homelessness or at risk of homelessness around Australia. Our sole charitable purpose is in the prevention of veteran suicide. Our charity, since 2007 has financially supported over 38,000 military families, with 4,223 in 2024 and 5,800 in 2025.
At present, our 24/7 crisis line takes 23-28 calls/day, and our average spend is $1020 on the basic human needs of emergency accomodation, food and fuel. Our service delivery is within 60 mins, once we have identified the veteran/family.
This is our veteran space; then we work with the other organisations thereafter for ongoing support, be that financial, advocacy, medical, psychological, sustainable housing, training and employment.
With over 61.7% of our calls from the Department of Veteran Affairs and Rehab providers seeking our immediate crisis support. We are not government funded for crisis. As at present, there are no grants available, state or federal, for cash. For us, cash is power to enable the immediate, life changing response. The ADF is the only organisation in Australia that does not provide WorkCover, and at present, it is taking between 3-5 years for veterans to receive their pensions/payments and are forced into centrelink.
THIS GAP IS OUR SPACE.
We were created to assist our brave men and women, some with wounds you can see: some with wounds you can't.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Wounded Heroes’ Community engagement is core to our charitable purpose, not a secondary activity.
We actively develop WHA’s referral network throughout Australia and build productive relationships with:
- Ex-Service Organisations and veteran groups;
- Defence and ADF welfare networks;
- veteran and family support organisations;
- homelessness and housing providers;
- FDV organisations;
- emergency relief organisations;
- community welfare organisations;
- health and mental-health services;
- local charities;
- local government and relevant government services;
- employment and rehabilitation providers; and
- other organisations likely to encounter ADF members, veterans or families experiencing crisis.
We actively visit organisations, attend appropriate meetings and forums, explain WHA’s services and establish practical referral pathways.
The core message to stakeholders is:
If you encounter an ADF member, veteran or family experiencing an immediate practical crisis, Wounded Heroes Australia can be an additional rapid-response resource.
Community Presence
Our team represent WHA professionally around Australia and includes:
- attending veteran and community networking events;
- presenting information about WHA services;
- participating in relevant interagency meetings;
- visiting service providers;
- developing collaborative initiatives;
- supporting WHA community activities and events;
- identifying opportunities for collaboration; and
- promoting greater understanding of the needs of veterans and Defence families experiencing crisis.
We are at our best in initiating relationships rather than waiting for organisations to approach WHA.
Records, Data & Reporting
Wounded Heroes Australia ensure accurate and timely recording of:
- crisis presentations;
- client demographics where appropriate;
- presenting issues;
- referral source;
- assistance provided;
- expenditure;
- response time;
- referrals made;
- outcomes;
- follow-up where required; and
- identified service gaps.
All records are maintained in accordance with WHA’s privacy, confidentiality, financial and record-management requirements.
Our managers contribute to regular operational reporting and identify emerging trends affecting veterans and families around Australia.
Particular attention is given to trends involving:
- homelessness;
- housing insecurity;
- FDV;
- financial hardship;
- food insecurity;
- repeat crisis presentations;
- barriers to accessing government or community services;
- gaps in existing service provision; and
- referral patterns.
This information assists WHA with service improvement, funding applications, government engagement and evidence-based advocacy.
Financial Accountability
Our Managers are provided with delegated authority to approve or arrange specified crisis assistance.
All expenditure is :
- directly related to an assessed need;
- comply with WHA eligibility requirements;
- represent reasonable value;
- be appropriately documented;
- include supporting receipts/invoices where required; and
- be capable of subsequent review or audit.
The Manager will immediately escalate any suspected fraud, misuse, conflict of interest or financial irregularity.
Mission
At Wounded Heroes Australia, our mission is to provide comprehensive support to veterans, current members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and their families by offering immediate assistance to address financial, emotional, and personal challenges. We recognise that domestic violence is a profound and distressing issue, and we are dedicated to offering support to those affected by it. Through our 24/7 crisis helpline, we deliver critical resources and guidance during times of need, including specialised assistance for individuals experiencing domestic violence, which remains a prominent concern within the calls we receive.
Our goal is to improve the lives of veterans, ADF personnel, and their families by delivering compassionate, reliable support when it is needed most, ensuring that those facing, financial crisis, suicidal ideations and domestic violence have the help and resources necessary.
VISION
We envision a future where veterans and their families will be supported prior, during and post transition from service so that veterans will no longer turn to suicide as their only option, post service. Thus, resulting in less stigma, increased awareness and reduced instancesof suicide, homelessness, domestic violance and financial crisis, by restoring their dignity.
QLD Local Legend
Our President, Martin Shaw, was recently recognised as a QLD Day Local Legend of the Year by the Queensland Government.
The award celebrates his unwavering commitment to supporting veterans, Defence families, and those in crisis through his leadership at Wounded Heroes Australia.
A well-deserved honour for someone making a real difference in the community.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Our President, Martin Shaw, was honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award last year, recognizing his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication over many years.
This remarkable achievement reflects not only his leadership and vision but also the lasting impact he has made within our organization and the wider community.
Martin’s commitment to excellence and service has set a powerful example, and this award stands as a well-deserved acknowledgment of a career defined by passion, integrity, and meaningful change.
Crisis Hotline 1300 532 112
Australia wide, crisis support available 24/7, 365 days a year for current and ex-serving ADF veteran families.
