The program brings past AFL players in to share their experiences and tools that have helped them their own transitions, while also creating a safe and inclusive community for participants to form a new identity and foster a sense of belonging
The Port Adelaide Australian Defence Force (ADF) Veterans Program is back for another year and Veterans SA has announced a $240,000 grant to support the continuation and expansion of the program over the next four years.
The South Australian Government has partnered with Port Adelaide Football Club to help local veterans re-identify their sense of purpose and community connections through a six-week program.
The program is the first of its kind to be run by an AFL club and was established in 2021 by Power Community Limited (PCL) – Port Adelaide Football Club’s not-for-profit charity arm.
Drawing on the similarities between ex-AFL players and former ADF members, the program provides useful tools that participants can use throughout their transition and beyond.
The program delves into themes such as purpose, resilience, community connection, goal setting, relationships and leadership. According to Program Team Leader Will Northeast, this ensures a safe and inclusive environment.
“The growth PCL’s ADF Veterans program has experienced over the last three years is significant, and a strong indicator that there is a real need for meaningful courses of this nature,” he said.
“The program brings past AFL players in to share their experiences and tools that have helped them their own transitions, while also creating a safe and inclusive community for participants to form a new identity and foster a sense of belonging.”
2021 program inaugural participant and now co-facilitator, Ash Muir echoed this sentiment.
“I can confidently say that PCL’s ADF Veterans program changed my life. It gave me a new sense of community, purpose, and identity outside of the service,” Ash said.
“I now work with PCL and co-facilitate the program, and both working and being a part of this community has given me a new lease on life, and a new pathway to focus my energy into. The impact this has had on my life is immeasurable.”
To date, the ADF Veterans Program has reached 133 people with 51 participants successfully completing last year’s program and a waitlist demonstrating the need for a program like this that helps veterans find new purpose and connection.
This year’s intake will be open to more than 80 veterans, an increase of 30 participants, while the additional government support will enable regular events to be held throughout the year and promote long-term connections between veterans and players after the program ends.
“We are so pleased to provide a grant that will allow the program to evolve over the next four years,” said Director for Veterans SA Chantelle Bohan.
“Providing platforms and initiatives like the ADF Veterans Program is key to enabling the often-daunting shift from ADF service to civilian life.”
Applications are now open for the 2024 ADF Veterans Program and veterans are encouraged to register by emailing wnortheast@pafc.com.au. Applications close 24 April 2024.
