OUR PURPOSE
To support the transition, health and wellneing of all veterans and ther families so that they feel valued and can attain stability in life after service.
*The APPVA definition of veteran includes ADF veterans, first responders who have deployed on peacekeeping operations or were formerly ADF, and any civilian who has deployed on peacekeeping or peacemaking operations such as DFAT members, the Australian Electoral Commission and civilian peace monitors.
Our Point of Difference
In the wake of Australia’s longest war, our veteran and veteran family community faces an urgent need to reform because the existing systems have become irrelevant, and the lack of a unified veteran voice often harms those who need help the most.
The wellbeing of the veteran and veteran family community hinges on our ability to adapt and evolve. We believe it is essential to work as a team of equals, with like-minded organisations committed to making positive changes within the veteran and veteran family community.
For this to be successful we must take the same approach with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Together we must create a culture of collaboration and trust, share information and develop relationships. Sound working relationships result in increased trust and where there is trust, people work together more easily and effectively.
Our promise is to provide an unwavering commitment to all veterans and their families because no veteran or veteran family should ever feel isolated or under represented. Every veteran and their family deserves to feel safe.
our approach
At the heart of our approach is a dedication to trust and open communication. By working together and fostering an environment of mutual respect, we can have a significant impact on the services provided by DVA and the Commonwealth for veterans and their families. Our goal is to create services that are both reliable and continuously improving through teamwork and collaboration.
We recognise that accountability is a critical component of success. We must all take responsibility for our actions and hold each other accountable without becoming defensive or offended. This means being open to constructive criticism and using it to improve our work.
As we strive towards a more unified network of support across the country, we must also be mindful of those who may not have access to information technology. Our commitment to inclusivity means developing a system that is accessible to everyone.
By integrating the services provided by DVA, the Commonwealth, and the states and territories, we can create a comprehensive national network that provides wellbeing, advocacy, and compensation support to all veterans and their families, no matter where they are located.
The Key
The key to this is twofold, veterans, veteran family members and public servants of all ages and both men and women must as equals in an environment of equity to put in place good governance to facilitate the necessary changes in both the veteran community and DVA.
Equality refering to the idea that all individuals should be treated with the same respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances. Equity, on the other hand, focuses on providing resources and support based on an individual’s needs. It recognises that not all individuals start from the same place and that some may require additional help to achieve the same level of success as others.
The practice of appointing older people to positions of responsibility while leaving younger people in junior positions contributes to ageism and limits the potential of younger generations. It is important to recognise that younger people can make significant contributions to a team or organisation and should be given equal opportunities to do so.
Ultimately, by breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity, we can create an environment that values and empowers all individuals, regardless of their age or background, and ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed on the journey to ensure that every veteran and veteran family feels valued and can attain stability in life after service.