These awards reflect the dedication, compassion and collaborative spirit found across South Australia’s veteran community.
South Australia has achieved an outstanding result at the 2026 VESPIIA Awards for Excellence, with local organisations, programs and individuals recognised across five national award categories.
Announced last week, the awards celebrate best practice, strong outcomes and outstanding contributions across the veteran, emergency services and police support sector.
From improving outcomes for veterans in the justice system, to supporting Defence children and helping veterans find connection and purpose after service, this year’s South Australian winners demonstrate what can be achieved through compassion, innovation and genuine collaboration.
South Australia received 13 nominations across 7 categories, recognising the work of Veterans SA, Port Adelaide Football Club’s Power Community, Australian Partners of Defence (APOD), Defence Kidz, Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), Resolute Ready, Babcock, and contributors to the SA Veterans Court collaboration.
Veterans Advisory Council Chair Associate Professor Miranda Van Hooff was also nominated for Academic of the Year.
The South Australian winners were:
- Transition Program of the Year: Port Adelaide Football Club ADF Veterans Program (Power Community Limited)
- Best Strategic Partnership: Defence Kidz, SA Corrections, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Courts Administration Authority
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program of the Year: Defence Kidz and SA Corrections for the SA Veterans Court pilot
- Organisation of the Year: Defence Kidz
- Staffer of the Year: Wesley Woulleman, APOD
Veterans SA Director Bianca Wheeler congratulated the winners on their national success.
“These awards reflect the dedication, compassion and collaborative spirit found across South Australia’s veteran community,” Ms Wheeler said.
“Each winner is delivering practical support that responds to real needs, and their national recognition is something our whole state can be proud of.”
The Port Adelaide Football Club ADF Veterans Program was celebrated for combining employment, community connection and football culture to help veterans build confidence and find their footing after service.
Port Adelaide Football Club Community Programs Team Leader Will Northeast said the award recognised the impact the program continues to have on veterans and their families.
“We are incredibly grateful to be recognised as Transition Program of the Year at the VESPIIA Awards for Excellence. Since 2021, more than 330 veterans have participated in our program, and we thank each and every one of them for their involvement and the connections they have built with one another along the way,” said Mr Northeast.
“None of this would be possible without our past players who give their time, open up about their own journeys, and show veterans that they are not alone in what they are feeling.”
“A special thank you to Veterans SA for their ongoing support and belief in what we are building together. We look forward to continuing to grow this program and delivering meaningful support to even more veterans across South Australia,” he said.
The SA Veterans Court pilot was recognised for its work supporting veterans through the justice system, while Wesley Woulleman received national recognition for the warmth, sensitivity and dedication he brings to supporting veterans and their families through his work with APOD.
Defence Kidz achieved standout success, recognised for its involvement in the SA Veterans Court pilot initiative, its cross-agency partnership supporting vulnerable young people and families, and for its broader work placing the experiences of children from Defence families at the centre of its service delivery.
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Defence Kidz Hayley Boswell said the recognition highlighted the value of collaboration across the sector.
“For an entirely volunteer-led charity, being named Organisation of the Year is incredibly special,” said Ms Boswell.
“The Veterans Court awards celebrate what can happen when people come together with the courage and commitment to create change.”
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for representing South Australia with distinction and creating meaningful, lasting change across the veteran community.
Photo: Port Adelaide Football Club ADF Veterans Program team
