We’ve seen veterans leave this program with renewed confidence, stronger networks and a clearer sense of identity beyond their service. It’s a fantastic initiative that’s creating lasting, positive change in veterans’ lives
A record 70 South Australian veterans have completed the Port Adelaide Football Club’s 2025 ADF Veterans Program, an innovative initiative that is helping transform lives through the power of sport, connection and a renewed sense of purpose.
The six-week program, which reached capacity within just three weeks of opening, brought together current and former Australian Defence Force members to explore identity, wellbeing and life beyond military service. Since its inception in 2021, more than 270 South Australian veterans have taken part in the lifechanging program.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) veteran Jason Enchong was one of this year’s participants. Following a 15-year career in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, Jason now serves as the Indigenous Liaison Officer at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
Reflecting on his involvement in the Port ADF Veterans Program, Jason said it has helped him reconnect with his identity outside of his uniform.
“This program has provided me with tools and resources, but more importantly a network of people that I can lean on outside the workplace who have walked the walk separating from the military,” he said.
“It’s helped me prove to myself my value as a person outside the uniform.”
Drawing on the shared experiences of high-performance environments – military and elite sport – the program helps veterans rediscover their strengths and build a new sense of belonging.
Participants took part in weekly sessions covering topics such as leadership, physical wellbeing, community connection and personal identity. They also heard from Port Adelaide greats including Travis Boak, Tom Jonas, Brett Ebert and others, who shared their own stories of transition and finding purpose outside professional sport.
Port Adelaide’s Community Programs Team Leader Will Northeast said the program continues to provide a vital support network for veterans navigating the transition from military life.
“By drawing on the similarities from our past players and high-performance coaches, the veterans gain a good insight from those who have been in a similar workplace that is high-performing and highly structured,” he said.
“Our aim is to use the Port Adelaide Football Club logo as a beacon of hope and hopefully by the end of the six-week program, through the club, the members find a new sense of belonging and a place they feel valued and welcomed.”
Veterans SA is a proud supporter of the Port ADF Veterans Program as part of the agency’s commitment to programs that honour the service of our veterans and invest in their future.
“This program is a powerful example of what’s possible when we come together as a community to support our veterans,” Ms Wheeler said.
“We’ve seen veterans leave this program with renewed confidence, stronger networks and a clearer sense of identity beyond their service. It’s a fantastic initiative that’s creating lasting, positive change in veterans’ lives.”
Applications for the 2026 ADF Veterans Program will open early next year.
