Welcome to 2020!
This year is already shaping up to be another busy year for Veterans SA and the veteran community in South Australia. Late last year, the Veterans SA team developed our strategic plan and from this we have compiled a list of goals and areas that the agency will be focusing on this year.
These goals include some projects that we have been working on for a while and will continue to work on throughout 2020, as well as some new initiatives that have been developed based on valuable feedback from the veteran community in 2019.
Our goals for 2020 include:
- To continue our ongoing engagement with contemporary veterans and other key stakeholders by working closely with key individuals and ex-service organisations in South Australia.
- Continue advocating for veterans at local, state and federal levels.
- Further promotion of veteran organisations, their programs, initiatives and achievements.
- Delivery of the 2020 Working Age Veterans Forum to engage and gain feedback from working-age veterans in areas such as employment and transition.
- Delivery of 75th Anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day on and around 15 August 2020.
- Further development of employment and transition strategies for veterans and their families.
- Continuing a strong partnership with Operation K9.
- Attendance at scheduled Defence Transition Seminars in South Australia to raise awareness of the unique services and employment opportunities available post-service in our state.
- Further funding to community projects across urban and regional South Australia.
- Support the establishment of the Veteran Wellbeing Centre at the former Repat site.
- Assist in the development of a masterplan for the Torrens Parade Ground/Veteran Hub
- Regional outreach visits
In addition to the overall agency goals, the Partnerships Hub will also have a busy year as the team continues to provide effective outreach services throughout 2020. We are also excited to continue plans and negotiations with Burnside City Council that will allow for the establishment of activities for veterans and their families at the council’s new Community Shed at Conyngham St, Glenside. The Veterans SA team will continue to work towards better promotion of the Partnerships Hub as a safe and useful place for veterans, their families and ex-service organisations to utilise and receive/provide support.
No doubt new projects and goals will develop throughout the year, and the team will continue to adapt to accommodate these additional opportunities to create positive outcomes for the veteran community.
The agency will continue to work closely with the Veterans’ Advisory Council (VAC) and share the progress of outcomes that come from VAC meetings and initiatives. Together with the VAC, we will also continue to advise and update The Premier on the veteran community and the support required.
The team and I look forward to keeping the community updated on our progress throughout the year via our website, e-News and social media platforms. If at any time you would like to provide feedback to the agency, please contact us at veteranssa@sa.gov.au. We welcome constructive feedback from the community that will assist us in providing the best support and services to veterans and their families in South Australia.
I wish you a safe and prosperous 2020.
Chantelle Bohan
Acting Director, Veterans SA
