Proven Paths to Better Wellbeing

At some point, we can all do with a wellbeing boost. 

You might feel lonely or disconnected. Maybe you feel a lack of purpose, are facing mental health struggles, or caring for someone who is. 

Wherever you’re at, you’re not alone – and there are people and programs that can guide you towards feeling better. 

Real benefits, real understanding  

When you think of wellbeing support, you might not think of things like surfing, working with rescue animals or the adrenaline thrill of off-road racing. 

But these are examples of many programs offering real, measurable benefits to veterans, Defence members and their families. 

RSL Queensland has partnered with several organisations to offer RSL Peer-Led Programs – learning, inspiring and healing experiences that are evidence-based (meaning they offer proven health benefits). 

From respite and connection to active experiences and recovery programs, there’s a Peer-Led Program for everyone.  

Here’s what each one has to offer. 

If you or someone you know needs urgent support, please contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

 

Respite and connection 

Happy Paws Happy Hearts – Defence Families Program 

Brisbane (Dakabin, Wacol) 

Animals truly are good for the soul – and as Happy Paws Happy Hearts’ Defence Families Program shows, they can also do wonders for your relationships. 

Held at two Brisbane locations, this eight-week program is a unique opportunity to help rescue animals, make new friends and bond with your family. 

By learning to train the animals together, you’ll not only help them get adopted; you’ll also learn to strengthen your family’s connectedness, communication skills and self-confidence.  

Open to: 

Current and ex-serving Defence members and their families 

Price: 

Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/happy-paws-happy-hearts

Operation PTSD Support

Gold Coast + wider Queensland / online  

If your partner is facing mental health challenges, looking after your own wellbeing is vital to staying strong for them. 

Open to the partners of current or ex-serving Defence members, Operation PTSD Support allows you to take a much-needed break, share experiences with others like you, and learn more about PTSD and mental health first aid. 

Operation PTSD Support holds partner and carer respite retreats on the Gold Coast, plus regular connection events such as coffee outings, yoga, craft activities and more across Queensland.   

Open to:

Partners and carers of current and ex-serving Defence members 

Price: 

Nominal cost – partially funded by RSL Queensland 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/operation-ptsd-support

Diggers Rest

Sunshine Coast hinterland 

Tucked away in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Diggers Rest offers a peaceful escape for veterans and their families. 

This veteran-run bush retreat is the perfect place to connect with loved ones, make new mates, or simply unwind. You can book one of two comfortable, self-contained cabins available, or you can BYO caravan, tent or swag and camp under the stars.  

There’s a swimming pool, farm animals, children’s play area and cubby house onsite, plus walking trails and working bee programs if you feel like getting active. 

Open to: 

Current and ex-serving Defence members and their families 

Price: 

Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/diggers-rest

Active experiences

Queensland Ballet – Dance for Veterans 

Brisbane (West End) 

Combining fitness, self-expression and social connection, Queensland Ballet’s Dance for Veterans program promotes wellbeing through the power of dance.  

This eight-week program is designed to improve the quality of life for veterans experiencing trauma-related psychological injuries such as PTSD. 

Led by experienced dance teaching artists and drawing on the historical links between ballet and military movement, each session builds skills and confidence while encouraging personal expression. 

Open to:

Current and ex-serving Defence members 

Price: 

Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/queensland-ballet-dance-for-veterans

Dig In Health Co – Paddock to Plate

Sunshine Coast hinterland  

Held in a peaceful bush setting, ‘Paddock to Plate’ is a four-day workshop that’ll feed your appetite, knowledge and wellbeing. 

Run by Dig In Health Co, this hands-on workshop teaches you how to establish your own home garden, grow your own food and how you can better nourish yourself. 

Veteran and dietitian Will Gold will guide you through permaculture principles and clinical nutrition, sharing simple, practical info to help your kitchen garden – and your wellbeing – thrive. 

By the end of the workshop, you’ll be able to design and implement your own sustainable growing systems, and make informed dietary choices. 

Open to:

Current and ex-serving Defence members  

Price: 

Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/dig-in-health

Raemus Rover Off-road Racing

Queensland (various locations) 

Want to get out of your comfort zone? Get into the driver’s seat (or into the crew) with the Raemus Rover Off-Road Racing program. 

With action-packed track days and heart-pumping races, this program is designed to refuel your purpose and connection. Enjoy the rush of driving or navigating, or build your skills in mechanics as part of the pit crew.  

Ideal for those transitioning from Defence or experiencing challenges in civilian life, the Raemus program is more than just an adrenaline thrill. It’s a chance to belong to a supportive team that shares your experiences. 

Open to:

Current and ex-serving Defence members 

Price: 

Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/rsl-raemus-rover-off-road-racing

Waves of Wellness  

Queensland and New South Wales (various locations) 

The Waves of Wellness Surfing Experience (WOWSE) offers mental health therapy with a difference. 

This free, evidence-based program will teach you how to surf, boost your physical fitness and build your mental health literacy and resilience – all in a relaxed, non-clinical environment. 

Run over eight weeks, the program is led by qualified mental health therapists and experienced surfing instructors.  

All skill levels are welcome. 

Open to:

Current and ex-serving Defence members 

Price: 

Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/waves-of-wellness

Recovery and resilience-building

PTSD Resurrected – REBOOT Trauma Recovery  

Queensland (various locations) / online 

Veteran Andy Cullen and his wife Zoe know what it’s like to battle trauma, and triumph. Now, their charity PTSD Resurrected helps others do the same. 

PTSD Resurrected’s REBOOT Trauma Recovery aims to restore hope and purpose to both individuals and families affected by trauma. 

Though strongly supportive, REBOOT isn’t a support group. It’s a three-day course (available face-to-face or online) that teaches practical, long-term solutions to tackle trauma’s root causes.

REBOOT’s facilitators all have lived experience of trauma, ensuring a safe, caring and understanding environment for all taking part. 

Veterans and their partners are encouraged to do the course together.  

Open to:

Current and ex-serving Defence members and their families 

Price: 

Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/ptsd-resurrected

Veterans Care Association – Timor Awakening  

Timor-Leste or Gold Coast

For hundreds of veterans and their partners, healing was a journey that began with Timor Awakening. 

Run by Veterans Care Association, it’s an immersive, multi-day experience in Timor-Leste or on the Gold Coast that promotes renewal and rehabilitation.    

From mentoring to group sessions, physical activity and community engagement, the program is full of inspiring, evidence-based opportunities to nurture your wellbeing, relationships and sense of purpose. 

Timor Awakening is led by veterans with lived experience of mental health issues, so they truly understand what participants are going through and how they can overcome it.  

Open to:

Current and ex-serving Defence members and their partners 

Price: 

Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland and other partners 

Learn more: 

rslqld.org/find-help/timor-awakening  

See also: Waves of Wellness

Book a program near you 

For more info on all RSL Peer-Led Programs, visit rslqld.org/find-help/peer-led-programs. 

You’ll find upcoming program details at the bottom of each program page.