Funding applications now open for Veterans’ Health Week 2022

Ex-service organisations and community groups can now apply for funding to help host events promoting healthy eating as part of this year’s Veterans’ Health Week.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said hosting or participating in a Veterans’ Health Week event is a fantastic way to support veterans and families locally, raise awareness of particular health concerns that veterans may face and promote better health and wellbeing through healthy lifestyle choices.

“Veterans’ Health Week is an annual program run by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to get the veteran community moving, eating and living well, and this year’s theme is focusing on eating well,” Minister Keogh said.

“Eat Well aims to promote healthy eating habits and improved nutrition knowledge for veterans and families. Eating a balanced and healthy diet can contribute to all areas of an individual’s health including physical, mental and social health, improving overall quality of life.”

This year’s Veterans’ Health Week will be held from 1-9 October, and event organisers are now invited to apply for $720 in funding to help host their event.

“Some ideas of events could include a community picnic, a guided tour of a local supermarket or farmer’s market, hosting a cooking challenge or starting a community garden to grow fresh produce,” Minister Keogh said.

“A healthy diet looks different for everyone and events like these, combined with guidance from the Australian Dietary Guidelines, can help veterans and families improve their health literacy and wellbeing in a relaxed, fun community setting.”

Veterans’ Health Week event organisers are encouraged to get creative in creating fun and accessible events promoting the Eat Well message in their communities.

Applications for the $720 Veterans’ Health Week funding will be open until 19 September 2022.

Visit Veterans’ Health Week on the DVA website for further information and to apply for funding.

A calendar of events and activities for each state will be published on the DVA website in the lead up to Veterans’ Health Week.

Authorised by The Hon Matt Keogh MP

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608