The Veterans' & Families' Centre

13/06/2026

The guys at Due South are back at it!

🌿 Wellness & Reconnection Course 🌿
📅 22–26 October 2026
📍 North West Coast, Tasmania

Applications open in July 2026.

Based from our purpose-built Wellness & Reconnection Centre, participants will experience Tasmania’s stunning natural environment while enjoying access to world-class facilities including accommodation, rehabilitation gym, hydrotherapy pool, community hub and our off-grid wilderness retreat.

A unique opportunity to reconnect, recharge and build lasting connections in one of Australia’s most spectacular locations.

Veterans & First Responders Free
5 Days in Tasmania

www.duesouthaus.com.au

11/06/2026

Lest We Forget – Black Hawk Disaster, 12 June 1996

Today we pause to remember the 18 Australian soldiers who lost their lives in the Black Hawk disaster near Townsville on 12 June 1996, and all those who were injured in one of the Australian Defence Force’s darkest peacetime tragedies.

Thirty years may have passed, but for many families, friends, mates and colleagues, the pain of that night has never truly left. The empty seat at the table, the milestones missed, and the memories carried forward remain a daily reminder of the immense sacrifice made by these soldiers and the loved ones they left behind.

We also acknowledge the survivors, first responders, medical teams and those who supported the recovery effort. Many continue to carry the physical and emotional scars of that night.

From all of us at the Veterans’ & Families’ Centre, we extend our deepest respect, support and compassion to every family member, friend and colleague whose life was forever changed by this tragedy. Your loved ones are not forgotten. Their service, sacrifice and legacy continue to live on through the Australian military family and the nation they served.

Today, we stand with you in remembrance, reflection and gratitude.

Lest We Forget. 🌺

11/06/2026

🎖️ Tasmanian Veterans / Current Serving – Don’t Miss Out on Your Wellbeing Vouchers! 🎖️

As we approach the end of the financial year, now is the perfect time to make sure you’ve applied for and redeemed your Veteran Wellbeing Vouchers.

Eligible Tasmanian veterans can receive two $100 vouchers each financial year (a total of $200) to help cover the cost of memberships and participation in approved sporting clubs, gyms and community recreation activities. These vouchers are designed to support your physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection.
(Department of Premier and Cabinet)

Whether it’s joining a gym, participating in a local sporting club, attending fitness classes, or connecting with others through active recreation, this is a fantastic opportunity to invest in your wellbeing.

⏰ Don’t leave it until the last minute! Vouchers must be redeemed before the end of the financial year, with the current program requiring vouchers to be redeemed by 19 June each year. (Concessions Tasmania)

If you’re a veteran living in Tasmania and have a DVA card or can provide evidence of your ADF service, you may be eligible.

At the Veterans’ & Families’ Centre, we know the positive impact that physical activity, connection and community can have on health and wellbeing. If you need assistance navigating the program, please reach out to our team.

https://veterans.tas.gov.au/wellbeing-vouchers

10/06/2026

Did you know you can borrow an eBike from The Veterans’ & Families’ Centre?
We have bikes available from the Centre in Burnie, bikes in Stanley, and Launceston is coming soon.
It’s such a great way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and see a bit more of our beautiful local area.
Whether you’re keen for a relaxed ride along the coast, a little adventure, or just want to try something different, our eBikes are here to help you get moving.

Have a question? Ask us in the comments.

We’d also love to know, where’s your favourite place to ride? Or where would you take one of our eBikes?

https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/borrow-an-ebike/

10/06/2026

Great news for the Tasmanian veteran community!
The Tasmanian Veterans Association website is now live.
You can visit their new website to learn more about the TVA, browse their facilities at Interlaken, check availability, and find information about becoming a member.
A huge congratulations to the TVA and Crafted Pear on the launch of such a valuable resource for veterans, families, and supporters across Tasmania.
Take a look here:
https://www.tva.community/

Four years in the making, delivered in record time and impeccable style by Crafted Pear, a veteran owned business here in Tasmania -

TVA are LIVE.

Link here
https://www.tva.community/

Jump in, have a look, check availability for both our facilities and become a TVA member on line - finally!

Massive kudos to Crafted Pear for the love, care and attention to detail that has been invested in this website, we are so excited and so very, very grateful.

03/06/2026

Repeated flooding issue. The centre is currently closed due to safety concerns. Please contact 0406 429 184

02/06/2026

Kookaburra Kids has two TAS activities coming up in June for Defence Kids.

13 June: Circus Workshop TAS, Hobart
27 June: Day at the Lea TAS, Hobart

Both activities include fun group activities and mental health education.

To refer a young person:
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/get-involved/refer/

Registered families can book here:
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/booking-system/

More details:
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/whats-on/circus-workshop-tas/
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/whats-on/day-at-the-lea-tas/

02/06/2026

Last week we were lucky to have Joe and Dale, Community and Peer Workers from Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling, visit the Centre, along with Paddy the support parrot.

It is always wonderful when Joe comes in to spend time with our community, and we are also very pleased to welcome Dale, who has recently moved to Tasmania.

Open Arms Peers play such an important role in supporting veterans and families. Through their own lived experience, they walk alongside others, helping people feel understood, connected, and supported.

Paddy was also a very special visitor and a lovely reminder of the comfort and connection support animals can bring.

We would love to see your support animals too. Share a photo in the comments if you would like to introduce them. 🦜🐾

01/06/2026

A quick reminder about the Well Beyond Service women’s veteran program, happening 10 to 13 July 2026 in Musselroe Bay.
This fully funded program includes transport from Launceston, accommodation, food, wellness activities, connection, and time with the equine crew.
For more information, please email [email protected]

Well Beyond Service - Women’s Veteran program.
10-13 July 2026, Musselroe Bay, Tasmania.

Supported by the fantastic team at The Veterans’ & Families’ Centre 🙌🏻

🔵 Come join us for a four-day program in the peaceful and picturesque North-East Tasmania. The program provides an opportunity to slow life down, enjoy delicious food, meet great people and interact with our equine crew (no riding) 🐴

🟢 Focusing on wellness beyond our service roles, the program explores fun and functional ways to build relationships and manage stress.

🔵 This fully-funded program is free for participants, departing from and returning to Launceston.

For further information and to secure a limited place around the fireplace.
Please email - [email protected]

29/05/2026

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Parkrun Morning! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Whether you're in Tasmania or on the mainland, there are some incredible Parkrun tracks waiting to be explored. From coastal paths and bushland trails to community parks and riverside routes, Parkrun is a fantastic way to stay active, connect with others and enjoy the outdoors.

If you're a veteran or family member, why not sign up to Team Veteran through Invictus Australia? It is a great way to be part of a supportive community that understands the power of connection, movement and shared experiences.

We also have a limited number of Team Veteran shirts available in selected sizes for veterans and family members who are dedicated Parkrun participants. Once they're gone, they're gone!

See you on the start line! 💚💛
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