On 1 July 2025, Wounded Heroes Australia proudly stood as the official charity partner of the ADM South Australian Defence Summit - a premier event uniting Australia’s top defence leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Held in Adelaide, this summit wasn’t just a gathering of strategic minds - it was a powerful platform for influencing real change in the lives of current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
Representing Wounded Heroes on the ground were Gena, our National Community Engagement Manager, and Sarah, our WA & SA State Manager - both determined to highlight our critical role in veteran crisis support and frontline assistance. Their presence ensured the veteran voice was not only heard but embedded in the heart of national defence conversations.
More Than a Seat at the Table: A Platform to Drive Change
Being chosen as the official charity partner of the summit is not just a recognition of our work - it’s a reflection of our growing influence within the broader defence ecosystem. Wounded Heroes has always been there when others couldn’t be responding within hours to veterans in crisis, providing emergency housing, mental health referrals, and financial aid.
Now, as the designated charity partner for one of the country’s most influential defence forums, we had the opportunity to share those experiences directly with decision-makers, corporate leaders, and policymakers - people who have the power to help us expand our impact even further.
“This partnership gave us a voice in rooms where real decisions are made,” said Gena. “It’s about ensuring the reality on the ground informs policies at the top.”
Humanising the Defence Conversation
Too often, veteran support is talked about in terms of statistics, numbers of discharges, funding gaps, or suicide rates. But behind every number is a story. At the summit, Gena and Sarah made it their mission to share those stories with authenticity and urgency.
One story resonated strongly: a veteran stranded in rural Queensland, living in his car with no way to access services after his registration expired. Wounded Heroes stepped in with an emergency permit and worked with RSL Queensland to secure accommodation. A simple act - yet one that changed a life.
These stories are why we do what we do. And they’re why partnerships like this matter.
Strategic Engagement with Defence and Industry Leaders
The ADM Summit draws high-level attendees from the Department of Defence, Australian Defence Force, state and federal governments, and major defence contractors. As charity partner, Wounded Heroes had direct access to top-tier stakeholders, allowing us to advocate for:
- Faster veteran support pipelines
- Greater collaboration across sectors
- Improved funding for early-intervention services
- National housing and mental health reform for ex-ADF personnel
Sarah reflected on the significance of these conversations: “Being at the summit wasn’t just about visibility - it was about building trust and forming alliances that will result in better outcomes for our veterans.”
A Charity Partner with a Mission and a Message
Throughout the summit, Wounded Heroes' branding, collateral, and impact stories were showcased prominently - from signage and summit programs to speaker acknowledgements. Our team was able to meet with a range of delegates, share key insights from the frontline, and spark discussions on how defence, government, and not-for-profits can work more effectively together.
Our message was clear: Veteran care can’t wait. And it shouldn’t have to.
As charity partner, we also took the opportunity to thank our supporters, volunteers, and corporate allies. Every dollar raised and every partnership formed helps us continue our critical work - often stepping in where no other support exists.
Leading the Way in Veteran Crisis Response
Wounded Heroes operates 24/7, providing fast, practical help when veterans need it most. Our services range from emergency housing and utility payments to food vouchers, mental health referrals, and case management.
What sets us apart is our agility. While many systems require paperwork and waiting periods, Wounded Heroes can provide support within hours - sometimes even minutes.
By aligning with the ADM Defence Summit, we were able to demonstrate to Australia’s defence leadership just how urgent and effective veteran support can and should be.
Future-Focused and Forward-Thinking
Beyond immediate crisis response, Wounded Heroes is building for the future. Our Equine Healing program, for instance, is an innovative therapy option that’s gaining traction nationwide, offering emotional recovery for veterans struggling with trauma.
Through the summit, we connected with individuals and organisations eager to explore collaborative funding, employee veteran transition programs, and technology-enabled support models. These partnerships will be instrumental as we continue to scale our programs and extend our reach especially in underserved regional and rural communities.
Corporate Social Responsibility Meets Community Impact
The summit also highlighted the growing interest among defence contractors and corporate partners in social impact initiatives. Many attendees expressed interest in supporting Wounded Heroes through:
- Payroll giving schemes
- Team volunteering
- Sponsorship of specific programs
- Employment pathways for transitioning veterans
As the official charity partner, we now have a pipeline of new organisations ready to align with our mission and support the men and women who’ve sacrificed so much.
A Stronger Network for a Stronger Future
By the end of the summit, one thing was clear: our presence made a difference.
We left with new allies, expanded networks, and a wave of support that will directly impact veterans across Australia. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many delegates sharing how moved they were by our stories, and how determined they are to be part of the solution.
As Gena summed up, “We’re not here to talk. We’re here to act. And thanks to this partnership, we’ve now got more hands to help us carry the load.”
Final Thoughts
Being named the official charity partner for the 2025 ADM South Australian Defence Summit was both a privilege and a powerful opportunity. It allowed Wounded Heroes to do what we do best - connect, advocate, and mobilise support for the veteran community.
We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built, the stories we’ve shared, and the action we’ve inspired. And we’re more committed than ever to making sure no veteran is left behind.
Join Us in the Mission
Whether you’re in the defence sector, a business leader, or an everyday Australian - you can make a difference. Partner with us. Donate. Spread the word.
Visit www.woundedheroes.org.au to get involved today.
Together, let’s fight for those who fought for us.
