Friday, 8th August 2025

The VAC held its 96th meeting on 19 June 2025 at Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide, chaired by Prof Miranda Van Hooff.

Key Items of Discussion

Chair Update

  • The Chair attended several commemorative events, including ANZAC Day, Coral-Balmoral, Aboriginal Veterans’ Service, and Bomber Command.
  • VAC partnered with Veterans SA, Defence Kidz, and Legacy SA/Broken Hill for Veterans’ Families Day at Port Adelaide Football Club on 15 May. A branded SA MFS fire truck will promote awareness across Adelaide for 12 months.
  • Current VAC members had been contacted regarding reappointment extensions to 30 June 2027 and expressed strong support for continuing the current membership into the next term.
  • Mr Bill Denny announced his retirement from VAC and was thanked for his extraordinary contributions.

Ministerial Update

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Joe Szakacs MP visited the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea, laying a wreath at the Australian Memorial and honoring 281 Australians who died in the Korean War. The visit reinforced South Australia’s ties with the Republic of Korea.

Matters Arising

  • Naval Memorial Gardens: VAC supports enhancing the current site as part of a broader “Memorial Precinct.”
  • VAC Strategy: A sub-committee was formed to drive the VAC’s strategic direction, aligned to the Minister’s priorities of wellbeing, transition, recognition and community, and in strong collaboration with Veterans SA’s Strategic Outlook to build a future-focused, empowered veteran community in South Australia.

New Business

Veteran Identification in Housing

Members discussed improving veteran self-identification in SA Housing applications, referencing the Victorian model.

Veterans SA Update

  • Throughout May, Veterans SA conducted regional outreach across the Upper Spencer Gulf, vising Kadina, Pt Pirie, Pt Augusta and Whyalla in partnership with RSL SA and Legacy
  • Planning underway for the 2026 Veterans’ Families Day on 15 May with consultation with other States and Territories looking to adopth 15 May to recognise Veteran Families
  • Attended the national 50th anniversary of Operation Babylift in Canberra
  • Celebrated the recently announced $1 million budget measure to implement the Integrated Industry Partnership Program — programs aimed at supporting veterans into meaningful careers through targeted transition pathways, while also strengthening South Australian industries’ awareness of the value and benefits of employing veterans.

South Australian Business

VHAC Update

  • Nathan Klinge was appointed Chair.
  • Priorities include aged care access, Royal Commission response, and oversight of veteran health services.
  • AVHS has supported 126 veterans since February 2025, with growing demand and integrated data.
  • VHAC will meet at veteran-focused locations across SA to boost engagement.

DVA DC Forum

  • Updates included Aboriginal veteran support, aged care resources, and claims process improvements.
  • Janice Silby, Deputy Commissioner SA will retire on 18 August 2025.

DVA Younger Veterans – Contemporary Needs Forum

Updates included rollout of a new health system and expanded mental health claim eligibility via Clinical Psychologists.

Correspondence & Commemorations

VAC noted correspondence and requested correction to the Far East Strategic Reserve Association’s notes.

Other Business

  • Members highlighted the need for improved access to information about upcoming commemorative events.
  • Order of Australia: Members discussed delays in award determinations.
  • School Zones: Members agreed to revisit zoning issues for families without fixed addresses.
  • Correctional Services Poll: Members will attend an out-of-session meeting to support consultation a new veteran incarceration strategy led by VAC member and Senior Advisor Veteran Services Department of Correctional Services’ Chris Tilley.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the VAC is scheduled for Thursday, 21 August 2025.

To contact the VAC directly regarding South Australian-based veteran issues, please:

  1. Send an email to the VAC inbox: VeteransAdvisoryCouncil@sa.gov.au
  2. Type “For Note” in the subject line, followed by the subject.
  3. Include details of the agenda item in the body of the email.