It was a privilege to join colleagues from across Australia to discuss how governments together with the sector can lead the way in delivering coordinated and forward-thinking support for veterans, emergency services and policing personnel
South Australia’s veteran community has made a big impact on the national stage, taking home several honours at the recent Veterans Emergency Services & Police Industry Institute of Australia (VESPIIA) Awards.
Held in Perth on 3 October as part of the inaugural VESPIIA Future Frontlines Conference 2025, the event brought together leaders and professionals from the veteran, emergency services, and policing sectors to celebrate excellence, share insights and drive innovation.
Out of 17 award categories, South Australian recipients claimed seven awards – highlighting the state’s growing national leadership in delivering impactful, evidence-based support for veterans and their families.
The South Australian winners were:
- Dr Henry Bowen, MESHA – Academic of the Year
- Amanda Tarrant, Flinders University’s Open Door Initiative – Research Piece of the Year
- MESHA – Organisation of the Year
- APOD – Transition Program of the Year
- Resolute Ready – Digital Education Backpack – Impact on a Shoestring
- Chris Tilley, Department for Correctional Services SA – Impact through Creativity
- Resolute Ready – Minister’s Award for Excellence – Team
As well as presenting the Impact through Creativity Award, Veterans SA Director Bianca Wheeler participated in a panel alongside interstate counterparts to share insights on cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
Ms Wheeler highlighted how states and territories can lead the way in creating coordinated, innovative and practical programs to help veterans and the first responder community thrive.
“It was a privilege to join colleagues from across Australia to discuss how governments together with the sector can lead the way in delivering coordinated and forward-thinking support for veterans, emergency services and policing personnel,” Ms Wheeler said.
“Strong cross-jurisdictional collaboration is essential to developing innovative, evidence-based programs that set the national benchmark for service delivery.”
“It was also an extremely successful and proud night for South Australian researchers, organisations and programs, demonstrating our state’s leadership and commitment to driving positive outcomes for service personnel and their families.”
The VESPIIA Future Frontlines Conference 2025 provided a platform to explore sector challenges and shape the future of support for those who serve. Key discussions included reforms following the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, strategies to improve first responder wellbeing and resilience, and opportunities to support allied forces through initiatives like AUKUS.
