Ex-Service Organisation Directory

4 Aussie Heroes

Established in 2016, the 4 Aussie Heroes Foundation is committed to providing programs for veterans and first responders to support mental wellness, particularly for those struggling with PTSD or other mental health issues as a result of their service. The cornerstone of their programs is the “Triumph over Trauma” 11 day retreat which focusses on providing a range of evidence-based and evidence-informed sessions to support post-traumatic growth. Alongside their wellness programs, 4 Aussie Heroes are also developing their own retreat facility, Camp Courage, which will aim to provide early intervention, professional care, meaningful support, and camaraderie through short term accommodation in a relaxed rural environment.

AUSTRALIAN WAR WIDOWS (QUEENSLAND)

Established in 1947, Australian War Widows (Queensland) Inc. (AWWQ) protects the interests of war widows and provides friendship, understanding and community support services to its members across Queensland. Membership is open to the Department of Veterans' Affairs designated war widows and associate membership for wider community who support AWWQ.

Australian Special Air Service Association

Australian Special Air Service Association (ASASA) is the regimental association of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). It is a legally constituted and incorporated "not for profit" organisation and is a recognised ex-service organisation with the Australian Government, the Australian Defence Force and with the Department of Veterans' Affairs. It is an Australia-wide association with Branches in each State (except for Tasmania), and a Branch in the Australian Capital Territory. The aims of the Association can be summarised as: to provide assistance to past and present members of the SASR; to perpetuate the close bonds of friendship and "esprit de corps" that exists amongst those who served in SASR; to provide support to SASR and preserve its good name and reputation.

Bootstraps

Bootstraps offers leather work classes as a way to relax, network and reconnect. Bootstraps found that focussing on a creative skill in the form of leather work, helps to relieve stress within the body and mind. Hours spent in the leather workshop result in not only a creative out-put but a calmer, physical and mental well-being. To contact, please email info@bootstraps.org.au

Buddy Up Australia

Buddy Up Australia connects Australian current and ex-service personnel to their community through purposeful volunteering, social and physical activities. This includes emergency services and military personnel as well as their immediate families. Whether still serving or transitioning to civilian life, Buddy Up Australia has been created to provide connection and purpose while making a difference in the local community with like-minded people. To contact the Brisbane chapter, please email brisbane@buddyupaustralia.org.au

CAMP GREGORY

Camp Gregory Veterans Retreat is a bush retreat. It is a place for all current & ex-service personnel, Veterans, First Responders and their families to camp, relax or just to get away from it all. The camp on a 40 acre bush block is located a 25 minute drive east of Childers on the banks of the Gregory River. It offers a place to wind down and relax with like minded people. It has a fully equipped camp kitchen, hot and cold showers, flushing toilets, a community hall, bush walking, fishing and crabbing. Members can stay up to two weeks vacancies permitting.

Combat Support Association

Combat Support Association provides:   Transition: Individual advice and sources service for the development of individual Transition Plans.   Representation: Represents on Veterans Issues as part of a networked Ex Service Organisation.   Welfare: Sources veteran and community services to support individual, family or unit welfare needs For more information please email president@combatsupportassociation.org.au  

Currumbin Clinic

Currumbin Clinic provides inpatient and day patient treatment for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and addictive disorders including alcohol or drug misuse. Specific programs for veterans include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Mood and Anxiety and the associated problems of PTSD such as Effective Communication and Mastering Anger.   Set in a private bush surrounds close to Currumbin Beach, Currumbin Clinic is the leading provider of mental health treatment on the Gold Coast and surrounding areas with over 20 years experience.

Defence Community Dogs

Defence Community Dogs provides fully trained Assistance Dogs to Veterans suffering from PTSD and related mental health conditions. The Assistance Dogs are provided at no cost to eligible veterans. Defence Community Dogs is an independent, private Assistance Dog training organisation. Defence Community Dogs provides a fully trained dog and follow up support for you and your dog.