Media Release

South Australian veteran-focused programs, researchers and organisations have been recognised on the national stage at the Veterans Emergency Services & Police Industry Institute of Australia (VESPIIA) Awards.

Held on Friday 3 October in Perth as part of the inaugural VESPIIA Future Frontlines Conference 2025, the event brought together leaders, professionals and organisations from the veterans, emergency services and policing sectors to connect, collaborate and drive meaningful change.

The VESPIIA Awards for Excellence celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and organisations across the veteran, emergency services and policing sectors.

Out of 17 award categories, South Australians claimed seven, highlighting the state’s growing national leadership – through research, innovative programs and community-driven initiatives – in shaping the way support is delivered and improving the lives of service personnel and their families.

South Australian winners at the VESPIIA Awards were:

• Dr Henry Bowen, Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA) – Academic of the Year, recognised for research advancing veteran and family wellbeing.
• Amanda Tarrant, Flinders University Open Door Initiative – Violence on the Homefront – Research Piece of the Year, highlighting family and domestic violence experienced by partners of military personnel.
• MESHA – Organisation of the Year, acknowledged for leadership, innovation, and sector-wide collaboration.
• APOD – Financial Wellbeing & Employment Support – Transition Program of the Year, supporting veterans and families to achieve financial stability and meaningful careers beyond service.
• Resolute Ready – Digital Education Backpack – Impact on a Shoestring, demonstrating how innovative solutions can create significant outcomes with limited resources.
• Chris Tilley, Department for Correctional Services SA – Veterans Program – Impact through Creativity, a special VESPIIA Board Award recognising creative and innovative approaches to supporting positive veteran outcomes.
• Resolute Ready – Minister’s Award for Excellence – Team, celebrating extraordinary collaboration and impact across the sector.

The VESPIIA conference provides a platform for sharing knowledge, exploring challenges and shaping the future of support for those who serve and their families.

Key discussions covered a broad range of topics, including the impact of reforms following the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, how lessons from the Defence sector can enhance first responder wellbeing and resilience, and how organisations can support allied forces, including through initiatives like AUKUS.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Joe Szakacs MP
South Australians should be proud of the impact our researchers, organisations and programs are having across our veterans’ and first responder community.

These awards reflect the innovation, dedication and expertise South Australians bring to veteran and first responder support – from research shaping policy to programs providing life-changing outcomes for service personnel and their families.

By working closely across sectors and sharing insights, we can ensure that support for those who serve – and their families – is not only responsive, but exemplary, empowering communities to thrive.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Correctional Services and Emergency Services Rhiannon Pearce MP
I particularly want to acknowledge the Department for Correctional Services Veterans Program, which shows the power of creative thinking in supporting oftenoverlooked veterans.

This initiative demonstrates how our public sector can innovate to provide tailored and dignified support, setting a benchmark nationally for others to follow.

Quotes attributable to Bianca Wheeler, Director, Veterans SA
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.

Strong cross-jurisdictional collaboration is essential to developing innovative, evidence-based programs that set the national benchmark for service delivery.