Why we exist
Over 650,000+ Australian veterans and their families live across the country, many of whom face ongoing challenges related to transition, employment, housing and mental health.
Over 650,000+ Australian veterans and their families live across the country, many of whom face ongoing challenges related to transition, employment, housing and mental health.
Approximately 5,500–6,000 ADF members transition out of service each year, with thousands of partners and children also impacted by the shift to civilian life.
Around 50% of transitioned ADF members report at least one long-term health condition, including physical injuries and chronic illness.
1 in 5 (20%) Australian veterans experience a mental health condition such as PTSD, anxiety or depression - higher than the general population.
Veterans are at significantly higher risk of suicide, with rates notably elevated among younger ex-serving males compared to Australian civilians.
Children in ADF families experience higher levels of emotional and behavioural challenges, often linked to frequent moves, parental absence during deployments, and the stresses of military life.
Our Purpose
The Veteran Crisis & Community Engagement Team is responsible for providing rapid, practical crisis assistance to ADF members, veterans and their families while developing and maintaining an effective community referral network throughout Australia.
It has two equally important functions:
Crisis Response – ensuring individuals and families experiencing immediate hardship receive timely, appropriate and accountable assistance; and
Community Engagement – ensuring organisations supporting veterans and Defence families understand WHA’s capabilities and can access WHA as an additional rapid-response resource when their clients experience an immediate crisis.
We manage crisis presentations received by telephone, referral and walk-in and will work toward WHA’s objective of initiating a first response to eligible crisis presentations within 30 minutes.
We assess immediate needs, determine appropriate assistance within WHA policies and delegations, coordinate practical intervention and facilitate referral to specialist or longer-term services where required.
The purpose is not primarily a long-term case-management position.
Its core purpose is to:
Respond quickly. Stabilise the immediate situation. Connect the person to the next appropriate level of support.
They've had our backs
Now it's time we had theirs
Whether they are facing physical or mental health challenges, their families need support, or they are navigating the transition to civilian life, it is our responsibility to ensure their needs are met.
By accepting that responsibility and giving generously, Australians can find their own ways to serve those who have given everything for our country. We are a stronger, more compassionate nation when we give back to our veterans and their families.
On occasions like ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day, Australians come together to honour the contributions and sacrifices of our brave service men and women. But often, as the ceremonies end and the poppies are put away, the attention to the ongoing challenges faced by our military community fades - and that is when our support is most needed.
Our Philosophy
At Wounded Heroes our philosophy and approach for each presentation is to ask four questions:
- What is happening right now?
- What needs to happen immediately to prevent this situation becoming worse?
- What can Wounded Heroes Australia appropriately do?
- Who needs to become involved next?
We ensure that when an ADF member, veteran or family around Australia reaches a point of immediate crisis, there is a practical pathway to assistance.
RESPOND. STABILISE. CONNECT.
Our Impact Areas
Financial Crisis
Family & Domestic Violence
Homelessness
Help us continue our impact
Every dollar donated helps us transform the lives of serving ADF members, veterans, and their families
Crisis Hotline 1300 532 112
Australia wide, crisis support available 24/7, 365 days a year for current and ex-serving ADF veteran families.
