The ACT Government has funded seven local organisations to deliver projects that support veterans' wellbeing through healthy living and social connection. Recipients of the 2025-26 ACT Veterans Grant Program provide positive initiatives ranging from pottery classes and social gatherings to sports and aquatic therapy.
Minister for Seniors and Veterans Affairs, Suzanne Orr MLA, said the grants are an important way to recognise and support veterans and their families in Canberra.
"Veterans and their families make a significant contribution to Australia. The ACT Veterans Grant Program is all about supporting their health and wellbeing, and fostering community and social connection," Minister Orr said.
Recipients of the 2025-26 Veterans Grant Program include:
× Water Wombats Disability Services
Aquatic Therapy for Veterans program: a free, trauma-informed hydrotherapy initiative designed for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who are not currently supported by DVA or Defence programs. Delivered in collaboration with Open Arms, the program combines physical rehabilitation with mental health and social work support in a culturally safe, veteran-focused environment.
× Soldier On
Pottery for Psychosocial Health & Wellbeing: sessions will provide a safe, trauma-informed space to learn art through mediums such as hand clay sculpting, wheel pottery throwing, and functional ceramics while practising mindfulness and building peer community networks in the ACT.
× The Legacy Club of Canberra
The 2026 Canberra Legacy Anzac Concert isa free live musical performance by the Band of the Royal Military College Duntroon, Sing Australia choir, and local and interstate choral and instrumental artists for veterans' families and their carers supported by Canberra Legacy.
× Australian International Military Games (Invictus Australia)
Two-day mountain bike program for serving Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, and their families aged 14 and over. The program will provide participants with practical skills, safety techniques, and confidence to ride on varied terrain. The workshop aims to promote physical wellbeing, resilience, and social connection through shared outdoor activity, supporting the mental and physical health of veterans and their families.
× Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation ACT Incorporated
The Veterans Well-being Activities Program is a series of events over a 12-month period, including coach trips, family fun days, monthly social outgoings, and writers group meetings. The program aims to reduce social isolation, enhance social engagement, and improve the lifestyle of its members, families and the Defence community in the ACT.
× Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen & Women Association
The ACT TPI Veteran & Family Inclusion Program will deliver bus trip outings for members to provide social interaction and wellbeing. The aim is to enhance their mental outlook, improve resilience and foster connections in the community.
× Campbell Primary School P&C Association
A Welcome Back BBQ & Colour Run for the Campbell Primary School community. This free, family-focused event aims to welcome new and existing veteran and Defence families, strengthen social connections, and promote healthy, active participation within the school community.
"Thank you to the many local organisations in our community that are providing support, care and connection to our veteran community," Minister Orr said.
"The ACT Government is proud to support these important and innovative projects."
Quotes attributable to Carol Jennings, founder of Water Wombats:
"This funding enables Water Wombats to deliver a trauma-informed aquatic therapy program designed specifically for veterans living with visible and invisible injuries. Aquatic therapy offers a powerful environment to reduce pain, rebuild physical capacity, and support mental health in a way that feels safe and empowering. We are proud to extend our unique aquatic allied health model to those who have served, creating a space where veterans can restore strength, confidence, and connection.
Quotes attributable to Debbie Dimmock, State Manager Veteran Engagement ACT & NSW, Invictus Australia:
"Invictus Australia is deeply appreciative of the ACT Government's support through the Veterans Grant Program. This funding enables us to offer adaptive sports opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible to veterans. Our two-day mountain bike program, equipped with adaptive e-bikes, allows veterans to safely participate alongside peers with similar experiences. We've received feedback from participants who have discovered new hobbies, built meaningful connections, and found an activity they can enjoy year-round without exacerbating existing injuries."
Quotes attributable to Paul Singer, CEO of Soldier On:
"This funding will make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families across the ACT. Soldier On's Pottery for Psychosocial Health & Wellbeing program offers more than creative expression – it creates a safe space for connection and renewed confidence. Through shared experience and hands-on learning, participants can strengthen social bonds and their mental wellbeing. We are deeply grateful for this support, which allows us to continue walking alongside veterans and their families."
Quotes attributable to Chris Appleton, President of the Legacy Club of Canberra:
"The 2026 Legacy Anzac Concert will allow more than three hundred members of veterans' families to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music, dance and good company at no cost. Most importantly, for the many widows who will attend, it's an opportunity to meet others who have shared similar life experiences, to connect and to enjoy each other's company."
Quotes attributable to Pat McCabe, President of the ACT TPI Association:
"This funding will play a crucial role in helping us provide meaningful trips for veterans, especially those who are isolated and in need of connection and support. These trips will offer a unique opportunity for veterans to build camaraderie, create lasting memories, and, most importantly, feel part of a community that cares."
