A snapshot of Veterans’ Health Week 2024

The annual program created by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), raises awareness around improving the health and wellbeing of veterans and current serving Australian Defence Force members, their families and carers. 

The theme for Veterans’ Health Week this year is Keep Connected – focusing on the importance of individuals embracing social connectedness and how it contributes to good health and wellbeing amongst veterans and their families. 

RSL Queensland Sub Branches across the state will host more than 100 events to mark the week, with veterans and their families encouraged to participate in a variety of free, enjoyable and engaging activities happening near them. 

Here’s just a sample of what’s happening across Queensland: 

• The Sunshine Coast Veterans’ Market (back for a third year)
• Social sports like barefoot bowls, golf and group exercise   
• Family games and trivia 
• Presentations and information sessions by health professionals
• Local outings to farms and musicals 
• Off-road racing and a darts competition 
• Breakfast, morning tea and lunches
• Yoga, paddle boarding and sailing
• Pizza nights and BBQs 
• Wellness expos and challenges
• Cooking, baking and gardening classes 

Veterans’ Health Week holds great importance within our network of Sub Branches, with members noticing the impact and opportunity these events create for veterans and their families to gather, have fun and learn more about boosting their wellness.  

We spoke to a few RSL Sub Branches to find out what Veterans’ Health Week means to them. 

Harlaxton RSL Sub Branch is teaming up with Northies Toowoomba, Invictus Australia and Toowoomba Defence Families Support Association this year to provide three different events across the week, including a gaming afternoon with Veteran Gaming Australia, face painting, lawn bowls and activities as well as a community barbecue.  

“It means so much for our Sub Branch to hold an event which connects the veteran community, as well as being able to connect with other organisations supporting veterans on the Darling Downs,” Tim McCrorey, Harlaxton RSL Sub Branch President says.  

This year, Cairns RSL Sub Branch will be holding a number Veterans’ Health Week events throughout the month of October, aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. With the help of generous local partnerships, their activities will focus on connection, fitness, and mental health with events such as a healthy breakfast, wellbeing trivia, a golf tournament and wellness challenges.  

For Graeme Kelly, Board Director of Cairns RSL Sub Branch he says Veterans' Health Week is “an opportunity to shine a light more specifically on veteran mental health, something he believes can easily fall by the wayside too often.”  

Rollingstone RSL Sub Branch will also participate in Veterans’ Health Week, hosting an event over two days focusing on wellness, mindfulness and education. There will also be a community dinner and Veterans’ Retreat at a nearby farm. 

“We have not previously engaged in such activities for Veterans’ Health Week, however with the energy of our new Committee members and support from the local community, we are extremely pleased to do so and expect our activities to be inclusive for everyone which is what the week is all about,” Ewan Cameron, President of Rollingstone RSL Sub Branch says. 

To see what’s happening near you, visit Veterans’ Health Week or check out the RSL Sub Branch events on our What’s On page.  

*Please note: Some event details may change or have restricted access and limited numbers.