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Veterans Advisory Council

The Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) was established in April 2008 to promote the well-being of South Australian Veterans and to provide advice to the state government about matters concerning the Veteran community.

The VAC is currently chaired by Colonel Susan Neuhaus AM CSC (Ret’d), and comprises 16 members of the veteran community.  To learn more about the current members of the VAC, please click here.

The VAC is guided by a Terms of Reference which outlines the council’s responsibilities and objectives.

Please click on the links below to view a summary of the key outcomes from recent VAC meetings.

8 October 2020

The South Australian Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) met, under Covid-19 precautions for its 72nd meeting on 8 October, at the Vietnam Veterans’ Federation’s Yerbury Centre in Marion. The VAC was briefed by Department of Health and Wellbeing (DHW) representatives on the status of the Veteran Wellbeing Centre currently under construction at the Repat Precinct. DHW representatives updated the VAC and highlighted the continued intention to make the space as accessible as possible to the wider veteran community.

20 August 2020

The South Australian Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) met, under strict Covid-19 precautions, on 20 August at TPI House. The VAC welcomed the Hon Stephen Marshall MP, Premier and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, to the meeting. Premier Marshall reaffirmed his strong and ongoing support for the VAC and the veteran community in South Australia. The role of the VAC is to provide advice to the South Australian government on issues impacting on, and relevant to, those who have served and their families in South Australia. The key item considered at the 71st meeting of the VAC was the South Australian government’s proposal to ‘reactivate’ the Torrens Parade Ground Precinct.

11 June 2020

The South Australian Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) met on 11 June, 2020 to discuss a range of issues impacting on, and relevant to, South Australians who have served and their families. The focus of the meeting was on two strategic matters of importance: a preliminary briefing on the concept masterplan for the Torrens Training Depot; and the employment challenges that exist for those who have left the ADF, and for the families of current and former serving members.

9 April 2020

The meeting was chaired by recently appointed VAC Chair, Colonel Susan Neuhaus CSC (Retd). The VAC received a briefing from Mr Don Spinks AM, Repatriation Commissioner, DVA, on the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Compensation and Rehabilitation for Veterans and the National Commissioner for Defence and Veterans’ Suicide Prevention. The cancellation of Anzac Day services was confirmed. Other items discussed included COVID-19 Response/Veteran Volunteering, Director of Veterans SA Update – start date 20 April 2020, Planning for Veterans Wellbeing Centre, Activities of the Defence Consultative Group and the Torrens Hub Master Plan.

13 February 2020

Welcoming new members Commander Alastair Cooper, Lieutenant Colonel Adam Gower, Ms Jo Hanrahan, Mr Nathan Klinge and Mrs Jan Milham. Briefing from The Princes Trust Australia. Other matters included Ex-Service Organisation Fire Relief Response, Australian Community Housing Association, Homeless Veteran Initiative, South Australia’s Ex-Service Commemorative Calendar 2020, Torrens Hub Master Plan, Upcoming Commemorative Services, Productivity Commission Inquiry into compensation and rehabilitation for veterans and Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study.

5 December 2019

Briefings from the Partners of Veterans' Association, War Widows Guild, LTCOL John Holloway. Matters considered include Productivity Commission, Veterans' Information Day, Federal election commitment - employment support, Torrens Hub master plan, VAC composition 2020, Overwatch Australia, Working Age Veterans' Forum.

10 October 2019

Briefings from Associate Professor Harold Kudler MD and Mr David Wilton (Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation). Matters considered include correspondence received from the Federal Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel and Premier Marshall, Veterans Health Advisory Council update, Veteran Mental Health & Wellbeing STrategy and National Action Plan, VAC 2018-2019 Annual Report, Commonwealth, State and Territory Committee meeting 4 October 2019, Veterans' Ministerial Council meeting 23 August 2019, Torrens Hub master plan, Veterans Information Day 2019.

7 August 2019

The Council welcomes Mrs Cheryl Cates. Considerations include the final report of the Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Compensation and Rehabilitation for Veterans, Veterans Health Advisory Council update, South Australian ageing veterans, 80th Anniversary of Britain, France and Australia's declaration of war on Germany 3 September 2019, Defence Consultative Group update, Disrespectful behaviour at Adelaide Memorial Precinct, Veterans Employment Program website, Commonwealth, State and Territory Committee meeting outcomes, Veterans Ministerial Council meeting outcomes, Torrens Hub master plan, Veterans SA Strategic Plan, Headstone Project, Promotion of services available to veterans.
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