Supporting bereaved families one step at a time

The unique nature of military service can have enduring impacts for those who wear the uniform and for the loved ones who stand beside them.

In response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, the Albanese Government is working to better support families through grief and bereavement, in a way that works best for their individual circumstances.

In an Australian first, a workshop for over 30 bereaved family members of veterans who have died by suicide from across Australia will begin today.

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) workshop is based on a decades-old US model, offering an immersive experience in healing and peer support, adapted for the Australian context.

Over four days, families will have an opportunity to come together to reflect on their loss in a meaningful way, with workshops on learning about suicide grief, improving peer support and reducing shame and stigma. This will be complemented by a twilight ceremony at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park and a commemorative service at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at dawn.

By drawing on international expertise through the TAPS program and adapting it for the needs of Australian families, the aim is to build on existing support for veteran families with new programs that may better equip loved ones in their healing journey.

This as example of how the Albanese Government will seek to draw on the successes of US programs, and that of other partner countries, as we continue to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission.

The TAPS workshop is supported by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, Invictus Australia, the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs, and others.

This effort aligns with recommendations of the Royal Commission to improve access to postvention supports for veteran families who have been impacted by suicide by working together with the broader veteran community (Recommendation 76 and 77). It also aligns with the objectives of the joint Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2030.

Reporting note: We respectfully request that any reporting on Defence and veteran suicide reference the support services listed below. We also encourage media to access the resources on the Mindframe website (www.mindframe.org.au) for guidance on safe media reporting, the portrayal of suicide, mental ill-health, alcohol and other drugs. This is a national program managed by Everymind and is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health under the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support program. 

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