The work we do here at Veterans SA doesn’t stop with veterans and their families. Particularly in the regions, we have a big focus on connecting with organisations who are involved with the veteran community – in whatever capacity that
Veterans SA recently hit the road with Legacy Club of South Australia and Broken Hill Inc and RSL SA/NT, travelling to the Upper Spencer Gulf region to connect with local veterans and their families.
The Community Connection events were held at local RSL clubs in Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta, providing a welcoming space for local veterans and their families to meet with the organisations and learn more about support services available to them. This included transition assistance, mental health resources, training opportunities and employment pathways.
Chief Executive of Legacy SA & Broken Hill Dan Demaria spoke to the value of partnership with Veterans SA and RSL SA/NT in offering a holistic approach to veteran and family support services.
“The RSL’s role is to look after veterans who served in the Australian Defence Force, Legacy SA takes care of their families, and Veterans SA brings insight into state government support. We work hand in hand to deliver services that are needed,” he said.
Director Veterans SA Bianca Wheeler also highlighted the benefits of the visits, particularly in strengthening support outside the metropolitan area.
“There are a lot of veterans in regional areas, so it’s not only important that they know about us and how we can help them, but that we can make our programs work better for those who do live in the regions,” she said.
“The work we do here at Veterans SA doesn’t stop with veterans and their families. Particularly in the regions, we have a big focus on connecting with organisations who are involved with the veteran community – in whatever capacity that is.”
Veterans SA’s recent outreach activities also included participation in the UniHub Spencer Gulf’s Careers Expos held at Kadina, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla. The events provided a platform to connect with the local community and local employers such as Viterra, SA Police, Local councils, BHP and Local Health Networks.
Regional outreach is a key pillar of Veterans SA’s Strategic Outlook, with the organisation set to broaden its regional outreach activities in 2026. Plans are underway to introduce key initiatives such as the SA Veterans Employer Network and the Career and Business Mentoring programs to more communities. Stay tuned!
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Image: Chris Tilley of Veterans Advisory Group, Heather Willis of Legacy SA and Broken Hill, Bianca Wheeler of Veterans SA, Dan Demaria of Legacy SA and Broken Hill, Shane Pearce of RSL SA/NT and Cherylea Williams of Legacy SA and Broken Hill during their information session working with veterans and their families at the Whyalla RSL.
