The Veterans’ Advisory Council (VAC) was established in April 2008 to promote the well-being of South Australian veterans.
The VAC provides advice to the South Australian Government about matters concerning the veteran community. Currently chaired by COL Robert Manton, the Council’s membership is made of individuals from the South Australian veteran community as well as representatives from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.
The VAC is guided by a Terms of Reference which outlines the council’s responsibilities and objectives.
Below you will find a summary of the key outcomes from recent VAC meetings.
Veterans’ Advisory Council – February 2022 Communique
From the Chair The VAC held an out of session meeting on 24th January during which it received the final report of the Torrens Parade Ground/Torrens Training Depot Steering Committee and agreed the VAC priorities for 2022. Torrens Parade Ground/Torrens Training Depot Steering Committee Report Rear Admiral, the Hon Kevin Scarce AC CSC RN (Rtd) provided the draft final [...]
Veterans’ Advisory Council – September 2021 Communique
From the Chair The VAC held its 77th meeting on Thursday 30 September 2021. Key items of discussion included: Veteran strategy for Department of Correctional Services The VAC received a briefing from Mr Chris Tilley (VAC member and Senior Advisor, Veteran Services, Department for Correctional Services) and Mr Darien Shephard-Bayley, Executive Director Offender Development. The VAC noted DCS’s Draft [...]
Torrens Parade Ground Precinct Steering Committee – September Communique
Following discussion at the Premier’s Round Table meeting on 1 July, the Veterans’ Advisory Council (VAC) proposed that the future of the Torrens Training Depot and Parade Ground be revisited. The benefits of a ‘re-imagined Torrens Precinct’ include: providing for a more engaged and better serviced veteran community; opportunities to raise community awareness of the unique nature of the site, [...]
Veterans’ Advisory Council – July 2021 Communique
From the Chair The VAC held its 76th meeting on Thursday 8 July 2021. Key items of discussion included: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide A sub-committee of the Veterans’ Advisory Council (VAC) will meet on Friday 13th August to consider the implications of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide from a South Australian perspective. The [...]
VAC key outcomes – December 2020
The South Australian Veterans Advisory Council (VAC) met for its 73rd meeting on 10 December. It was also the last meeting for 2020. The VAC received a briefing from VAC member and Aboriginal Veterans – South Australia (AVSA) co-chair, Mr Frank Lampard OAM. The VAC noted the need for collaborative approaches to recognise the service of Indigenous veterans both within [...]
VAC key outcomes – 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 [...]
VAC key outcomes – 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 [...]
VAC Key Outcomes – June 2020
A forward focus on strategic long term plans and governance 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 [...]
VAC Key Outcomes – April 2020
A Veterans’ Advisory Council (VAC) meeting was held on Thursday 9 April 2020 via the Zoom online meeting platform. The meeting was chaired by recently appointed VAC Chair, Colonel Susan Neuhaus CSC (Retd). Colonel Susan Neuhaus CSC (Retd) Susan Neuhaus is a distinguished ex-Army officer and highly respected senior surgeon. She has strong networks across Defence, Health, Research, Government [...]
VAC Key Outcomes – February 2020
A Veterans’ Advisory Council (VAC) meeting was held on Thursday 13 February 2020. The meeting was chaired by Major Sally Heidenreich who introduced the new members of the VAC. Commander Alastair Cooper Commander Alastair Cooper joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1988. A Maritime Warfare Officer, he served at sea in HMA Ships Canberra (II), Melbourne (IV) and Fremantle [...]
