Movement the key to veteran's wellbeing

Serving for nine years in the Australian Army – including a deployment to East Timor – Anna Maria is a strong advocate for women veterans and the positive impact physical activity can have on mental wellbeing. 

“It hasn’t been an easy ride but from my own adversity I have found a gift for writing and speaking about body image and fitness,” she says. 

“Learning from our challenges is an ongoing journey for us all and it can be hard to put our health first. But it is such an important part of improving mental health, quality of life and our wellbeing.” 

Such is her passion for the topic, Anna Maria is hosting a free women veterans workshop for Veterans’ Health Week on Saturday 9 October 2021. 

“I’ve gathered a group of phenomenal industry professionals to help other women veterans to get moving and empower,” the founder of Women Veterans United says. 

“We’ll be talking about the importance of physical activity, body image and tapping into our shared experiences as veterans.” 

Anna Maria is a 2021 RSL Scholarship recipient and says the scholarship meant she could enhance her existing qualifications. 

“The extra training I’ve been able to do because of the scholarship has inspired me and renewed my confidence as a speaker,” she says.

“I want to be able to inspire other veterans and show them what is possible for their health regardless of what they have endured.” 

For more information about the event, please visit https://womenveteransunited.org/veterans-health-week/.