SoldierOn.org.au
Inside this edition:
/SoldierOnAustralia
Veteran Employment
@SoldierOnAust
National Fundraising Ball
Winter 2017
Surf Therapy
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Contents Regular Items 5 15 17 20
Soldier On Update Activities updates Fundraising heroes Our corporate partners
Feature Stories 7
Industry CEOs gather to highlight veteran employment
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National Fundraising Ball
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2017 UNSW Young Alumni Award Soldier On's Veteran and Family Support Program Myths and facts about seeking help from a psychologist
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SOLDIER ON  Winter 2017
Soldier On Get in touch Ph: 1300 620 380 Email: info@soldieron.org.au
About Us Soldier On is a national not-for-profit focused on helping veterans and their families build successful futures. Our mission is to achieve the best reintegrated generation of serving and ex-serving defence personnel in Australia’s history. We believe the best way to achieve this is by offering a range of support, services, resources and opportunities to veterans and their families, including: §§ Employment Support Services – Soldier On has Veteran and Family Support Officers working in our centres that specialise in helping veterans and their families forge new career paths after leaving the military. These services help veterans leverage existing skillsets for civilian employment, identify gaps in their skillsets and identify appropriate training, education and career development opportunities. §§ Mental Health Support – Soldier On provides evidence based psychological treatment to veterans who have been affected by their service, as well as their family members, including partners, children, parents and siblings. Our psychologists can address a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma and stress related issues and pain and injury adjustment concerns, as well as relationship and family counselling. We have psychologists available in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Currumbin and Perth. §§ Social Connected Activities and Programs – We offer a range of wellbeing activities and programs to encourage veterans and their families to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones and the wider community. Some of these activities include regular coffee catch ups, yoga and art classes, Surf Therapy Program, golf days, sailing days and more. To support Soldier On, please head to our website at SOLDIERON.ORG.AU
Advertising Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser. Countrywide Austral adheres to stringent ethical advertising practices and any advertising inquiries should be directed to:
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Level 2, 310 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000 GPO Box 2466, Melbourne VIC 3001 Ph: 03 9937 0200 Fax: 03 9937 0201 Email: admin@cwaustral.com.au Web: www.cwaustral.com.au
Soldier On Update Soldier On recently celebrated its 5th anniversary. It has been a time to reflect on our achievements and our growth as an organisation. In the beginning, we were focused on raising awareness of veteran's issues, and we have grown to an organisation that is now a professional service delivery provider. The needs of the veteran community have remained the core of what we do. We are so proud of where we have come in such a short period and it’s important to share our story.
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n April 24, 2012, in a tent pitched on the burned-down grounds of the Canberra Services Club, Soldier On was officially launched. In attendance was former Chief of Army, LTGEN Peter Leahy AC (Ret’d), who today is the Chairman of our board, as well as federal politician, Mike Kelly, and several current and former serving Defence Force Members. Media was present and keen to learn more about Soldier On and why we wanted to raise awareness of the experiences of our contemporary veterans. Soldier On was featured on several news programs including ABC mornings and The Project. In the first couple of years, Soldier On was instrumental in raising community and political awareness of the needs of our modern veterans and families. We became trusted by government, veterans, families and the Australian community to provide advice and support, and we were paramount in bringing about legislative changes for the betterment of the veteran community. During this time philanthropists, corporate supporters, community fundraisers and donors rallied behind us. This financial support allowed Soldier On to grow. Just two years after first launching, we opened Reintegration and Recovery Centres in Sydney and Canberra. That same year – 2014 – we hired our first, part-time psychologist and started delivering vital mental health services to veterans and their families. During the following 12 months, Soldier On expanded our service delivery pathways. We started focusing on helping veterans build successful futures by offering more social activities, education and job placement opportunities. This was also the year we started asking: How can we better support veterans and families as they transition from the Defence Force into the community? And how do we make the changes needed to ensure we were delivering on these needs? 2016 saw Soldier On’s biggest year of change and growth. With Reintegration and Recovery Centres in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth, as well as offices in Currumbin and Adelaide, we hired an additional six psychologists across the country. In addition, we brought on a new team of experts to help veterans successfully
transition from the Defence Force into the community through the delivery of employment support services. Our Veteran and Family Support Program was launched in late November 2016 and includes our Veteran Employment Initiative. The aim of this initiative is to educate industry and provide greater opportunities for veterans and spouses to secure employment post transition from the ADF. Importantly, our support program continues to offer social connected activities and programs and mental health support for veterans and their families. Together, all of these services provide a holistic approach to the support we offer. We are now half way through 2017 and it is proving to be another big year. We have a new office opened in Newcastle and will soon open another in Albury, allowing us to reach out to more individuals in the regional community. In just five short years, we are providing on-the-ground support to veterans and families; focusing on employment and education support, mental health support and social connected activities and programs. These support services help veterans and their families overcome impacts from their service and build successful futures. We must thank all our generous community and corporate supporters, ambassadors and advocates who have assist Soldier On to grow so rapidly in such a short period. Without the support of the greater community, we would not be where we are today and we only look forward to working with you all into the future.
John Bale, CEO Helping our wounded warriors
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Industry CEOs gather to highlight
veteran
employment On the 25th May 2017, global advisory firm KPMG and Soldier On hosted an Industry Gala Dinner in Sydney to highlight veteran employment.
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n attendance were representatives from KPMG, Grumman Australia, Fujitsu Australia, Fairfax Media, Westpac, Lockheed Martin, PwC, Rheinmetall, Visy, Blackwoods, and other leading organisations. Hosted by Soldier On Ambassador Samantha Armytage, with keynote speaker The Hon. John Howard OM, AC, the purpose of the dinner was to highlight the remarkable skillsets and experiences of our contemporary veterans, and encourage industry leaders to create employment opportunities for them. In the past 6 months, we have been contacted by more than 520 veterans and/ or family members inquiring about our employment support services, and we have helped more than 60 of them secure jobs. We hope to work with many more organisations and many more veterans and families over the coming weeks, months and years to help them build successful futures post service to Australia. If you are an organisation who would like to provide employment for veterans and families, email pledge@soldieron.org.au
“Thanking veterans for their service is bigger than a bumper sticker. Help us find great work for the people who committed themselves to keeping us safe. Australia’s veterans will overwhelmingly succeed in any business or volunteering role they take on.”
If you are a veteran or family member who would like to access our employment support services, please email your name, contact details and location to veteranemployment@soldieron.org.au.
John Bale, Soldier On CEO & Co-Founder p From top John Howard, Samantha Armytage and John Bale.
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National Fundraising Ball We have the pleasure to announce the 2017 Soldier On National Fundraising Ball.
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e already have a spectacular schedule, with key note speeches, MC Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann plus an array of fundraising prizes.
Last year, our amazing corporate supporters and guests helped us raise over $300,000, which goes directly to supporting our National Reintegration and Recovery Centres. This money helps us fund vital support services, including psychology sessions, social connected activities and employment support services for veterans and families. With valued supporters like you, in the last six months we have started providing over 470 veterans and family members our employment support services. Tickets on sale now! Visit soldieron.org.au to purchase!
2017 UNSW Young Alumni Award Recently, Soldier On CEO and Co-Founder, John Bale, was the joint recipient of the 2017 UNSW Young Alumni Award.
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he award recognises graduates of the University of New South Wales who have achieved distinction in their field of endeavour.
John received this award for co-founding Soldier On. This amazing recognition for the incredible amount of work John has achieved in just five years. u Right Alumni Award Winners. Image Credit: UNSW2017.
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Soldier On's Veteran and Family Support Program At Soldier On, we continue to adapt to meet the needs of veterans and families. This means providing services for the entire family, in areas that truly support connection with the greater community, whether participants are still serving or have separated from service.
Our staff When you contact or drop in to one of our centres, you will be met by one of our friendly Veteran and Family Support Officers or Corporate Support Officers. They can talk you through all the services that are available at each centre. Together you can decide how you would like to engage with the Soldier On community and what support you would like to access.
Social Connection Services
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n order to do so, Soldier On is focused on three key areas: Social Connectedness, Employment and Education Support, and Psychological Support. Whether our participants need to access services in one or all of these areas, our staff are here to help veterans and their families connect with others and to build successful futures. Veterans and their families are welcome at any of our centres across the country and can engage with staff on the ground to find out more about our services. We can also provide many of our services remotely, via phone and online resources. In the twelve months since we have been operating as a professional service delivery organisation for veterans and their families we have: Delivered 250% more counselling services for veterans and their families (from 300 sessions in 2015/2016 to over 850 in 2016/2017) Been contacted by over 500 veterans or their family members about potential employment opportunities with 74% of applicants securing a job Expanded our service delivery footprint with Reintegration Centres in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and offices in Albury, Adelaide, Currumbin and Newcastle.
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SOLDIER ON Winter 2017
One of the key aims at Soldier On is to provide veterans and their families with the opportunity to connect with others who understand the nature of service. Many of the regular activities across the country include:
Coffee Catch Ups – A great way to meet your local
Soldier On team, our amazing volunteers and veterans and families. Coffee catch ups are held on a regular basis at our centres, at regional cafes and through the support of other organisations. Your state based Soldier On team will be able to let you know where your closest coffee catch up is being held.
Classes – Many of our centres hold regular classes including art, writing and music. We encourage participants at all levels of experience to get involved. For many, this is a fantastic way to express themselves in creative ways and enables interactions with others.
Physical Activities – Looking after your body is
important and many of our centres offer regular physical activities such as yoga, sailing, cycling and golf.
Sports Recovery Programs – Soldier On’s sports
recovery program focuses on developing partnerships and implementing pilot programs with several of Australia’s national sporting organisations, corporate supporters and international partners. Programs run throughout the year for sports such as surfing, rowing, golf, cycling and tennis.
Employment and educational support Many of our Veteran and Family Support Officers specialise in employment, education and vocational support. Our services are aimed at complimenting those that are available through Defence and DVA and offer lifelong support for ex-servicemen and women and their families. Our staff can help to identifying pathways into employment, translate skills, further develop resumes, navigate the job market and support individuals through the application process. Through our support to the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Initiative, we are engaged directly with industry and developing flexible recruiting models and programs, such as internships, work placements and training for employment models. For those who may not be ready to return to paid employment, we are developing volunteer programs that enable you to remain engaged, learn new skills and support ongoing recovery. Most importantly, Soldier On will continue to provide all of this support regardless of how long you have been out of service.
Psychological Services Along with dedicated staff to support your transition into a civilian lifestyle and assist with your physical and psychological recovery, Soldier On employs psychologists throughout our centres. Psychological support can be a vital component of recovery, and for the support of the family. Professional advice and sessions with a psychologist have been demonstrated to assist in coping with the effects of service including those related to psychological or physical injuries, and adjustment during periods of transition. With specific experience in supporting those who have served, our psychologists provide sessions free of charge for veterans and their families. Services can be provided to individuals (both adult and adolescents), couples and families.
Funding and governance Soldier On does not currently receive any government funding and relies on community, corporate and philanthropic donors to deliver our services at no cost to veterans and their families. Funds are allocated across the organisation and nation according to identified need to ensure equity, access and sustainability. The majority of our paid staff are delivering services and programs directly to veterans and families, while 100% of our staff are directly involved with the veteran community through our various activities and events across the country.
“I’m so grateful for the great experiences Soldier On has given me to turn my life around.”
As a growing organisation, we partner with like-minded organisations wherever possible to deliver services to veterans and their families in a timely, efficient and effective manner. The Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC), has endorsed Soldier On, demonstrating that the organisation has and continues to meet ACNC governance standards and is a transparent organisation. Soldier On is governed by an Independent Board of Directors who receive no remuneration or expenses from the organisation. Soldier On Chairman, former Chief of Army LTGEN Peter Leahy AC (Ret’d) and seven other independent Directors ensure the organisation is always operating in the best interests of veterans and their families. The Board determines how resources are allocated within the organisation, including the funding of services, programs and staff salaries.
Contact Us
If you would like to know more about Soldier On, or the activities and services available in your area, please contact Soldier On HQ or your state centre.
Phone: 1300 620 380 HQ: info@soldieron.org.au ACT: act@soldieron.org.au NSW: nsw@soldieron.org.au
VIC: vic@soldieron.org.au SA: sa@soldieron.org.au QLD: qld@soldieron.org.au WA and NT: wa@soldieron.org.au
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Myths & Facts about seeking help from a Psychologist 12
SOLDIER ON  Winter 2017
Although awareness about mental health issues is increasing within society, stigma about seeking help and going to see a Psychologist still remains. This can act as a barrier to people reaching out for support when they may need it the most. This can be especially true for the military population. For serving and ex-serving members, there
Asking for help is a sign of weakness Fact: Seeking help when you are struggling can be a
very difficult thing to do. You may fear that you are weak because you are not able to just “get over it” or “move on” or worry that others will judge you. This may have been something you have heard from others or you may have even been encouraged to “suck it up and get on with the job”. Whilst there might have been times when that was necessary, avoiding or denying your worries or problems will only make them worse in the long run. Acknowledging your struggles and reaching out for help takes a lot of strength and determination. Seeking help means you are taking action and challenging the way you are currently experiencing life.
Therapy is only for people with “serious” issues or mental illness Fact: You do not need a diagnosed psychological disorder may be additional concerns about repercussions if they did identify that they needed help. In this article, we take a look at some of the myths about what it means to see a Psychologist, and how they might be getting in the way of people accessing support and preventing them from living a more full and happy life.
to see a Psychologist. There are many reasons people seek help including learning how to cope with a diagnosis, relationships, stress, grief and loss, adjustment issues and responses to trauma.
Seeing a Psychologist is no different to talking to friends or family Fact: Whilst support from friends and family is very
important, seeing a Psychologist is different for a number of reasons. Psychologists have years of training and practice on how to work with a range of cognitive, emotional, behavioural and relational issues. As registered health professionals, they are also held to a strict code of ethics about how they should behave. Seeing a Psychologist is all about you, whereas talking to friends and family is more of a back and forth, discussing each other’s issues. In a session with a Psychologist, people are less likely to censor themselves or sugar coat their issues because the Psychologist has a more neutral position. Also, when you talk to a Psychologist, what you discuss is confidential, which means the Psychologist is not able to disclose your information to others without your consent or knowledge (with a few exceptions). Helping our wounded warriors
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Therapy is too expensive Fact: In lots of cases, therapy can be very expensive.
However, Psychologists at Soldier On provide their services with no out-of-pocket expenses to clients. Another service that provides free counselling to veterans and their families is the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) which provide services Australia wide. Other programs to assist with making access to Psychologists more affordable include the non-liability white card through DVA and the Better Access to Mental Health initiative funded through Medicare. Both allow you to access a Psychologist through a referral provided by your GP.
Seeing a Psychologist will ruin my career Fact: A common barrier to seeking help, especially for
those still serving in the ADF, is that they are concerned that acknowledging that they need assistance will mean that their career is over, or they will be penalised for doing so. While it may be necessary for some members to be medically downgraded as a result of their presenting issues, this is not always the case. There is also good evidence which shows that accessing psychological services as soon as possible leads to better outcomes and might reduce the impacts of any mental health difficulties on your work.
Therapy is all about discussing my childhood Fact: There are a range of different therapeutic
approaches provided by Psychologists. Depending on why are you seeing a Psychologist, the Psychologist will tailor their approach to be right for you. For some, that will mean exploring past relationships with family, friends and partners and how these might be impacting them currently. Other approaches will be more focused on what is happening for you in the present and learning new coping skills and strategies. When you see a Psychologist, they should talk to you about your needs and how best to customise sessions to suit your unique personal situation.
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SOLDIER ON Winter 2017
If you are considering seeking help, please contact one of the Psychologists at Soldier On by either telephoning your closest Soldier On Centre or via email on psychology@soldieron.org.au during business hours, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can contact VVCS through their national contact line on 1800 011 046, at any time of the day or night.
Activities Update
Surf Therapy
p Above Image Credit: 18Seconds Magazine.
The final surf camp was held at the Surfing Australia High Performance Centre at Casurina Beach recently. As usual, this was a great success, and a perfect opportunity for a group of veterans to come together, bond, and rehabilitate using the power of the water. While the weather for this final camp was a little rainy, it was still a great weekend. Soldier On looks forward to continuing our partnership with Surfing Australia and nudie juices when summer arrives again. “This camp introduced me to people with a common background in Defence coupled with a love for their chosen sport. 99% of surf time is spent as an individual, however the group activity provided an entirely new experience out in the water.” Helping our wounded warriors
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iFLY Indoor Skydiving A group of veterans and their families from NSW recently visited iFLY Downunder in for an awesome indoor skydiving experience. “I have never been skydiving before. The challenge of doing something different, and doing an activity that takes me outside my comfort zone with other veterans is so vital to maintaining my mental, physical, and social wellbeing.” Social connection activities, like a night at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, provide an opportunity for veterans and families to come together to reconnect with themselves, others, and the community. They are a chance to build a supportive social network, promote good mental health, and find a new sense of purpose and belonging after their service to our nation. Thanks to iFLY Downunder for having us!
Hydrotherapy and PT Sessions Veterans in Queensland have been enjoying hydrotherapy and PT Sessions at Palm Beach Aquatic Centre and Health Club. Sports recovery activities are a great outlet for veterans and families to improve both their physical and mental health and meet other like-minded individuals.
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SOLDIER ON Winter 2017
St Kilda Guard of Honour Soldier On Victoria had the pleasure to host almost 200 veterans and their families at the St Kilda Anzac Round Clash against Geelong at the MCG. 40 participants had the chance to form a Guard of Honour for the Saints, and the niece of Gregory Sher, for who our Melbourne centre is named after, was lucky enough to toss the coin for the captains. There was also the chance for veterans and their families to watch and meet players from the ADF and St Kilda women’s teams before the main game. Soldier On would like to thank St Kilda Football Club for the opportunity and their continued support to help raise awareness of veteran’s issues and the work of Soldier On.
To find out more about activities going on in your state and to get involved contact:
ACT – act@soldieron.org.au NSW – nsw@soldieron.org.au VIC – vic@soldieron.org.au SA – sa@soldieron.org.au WA/NT - wa@soldieron.org.au QLD – qld@soldieron.org.au
Fundraising heroes
Pollie Pedal From April 2nd to April 10 th, Soldier On was the charity beneficiary of the Pollie Pedal Bike Ride. An annual, bipartisan event hosted by The Hon Tony Abbott MP, the 2017 Pollie Pedal raised over $400,000, which Soldier On will use towards developing our facilities in NSW. We are incredibly grateful for all those who showed their support. As part of the ride, Soldier On sent a team of 7 veteran riders to participate alongside a number of corporate sponsors and politicians who regularly take part in the ride year after year. It was a great chance for these veterans to share their stories one-on-one with the community, corporate sponsors and politicians, allowing them to learn more and understand the challenges they have faced since leaving the Defence Force. We are proud of the team of riders as they were great ambassadors for Soldier On while on the road.
Anzac Day Primary Schools Pack Soldier On developed an Anzac Day Primary Schools Pack to assist primary school teachers across Australia to share the stories of our modern-day veterans alongside the more traditional stories of our veterans from the First and Second World Wars. We were overwhelmed by the response, with nearly 650 schools signing up for the pack. This means close to 21,000 students around Australia learning about and supporting our modern-day veterans and their families. We are proud of many of the students who held a fundraiser for us and helped to raise over $30,000!
Pubs and Clubs Soldier On asked Pubs and Clubs across Australia to place a Soldier On donation bucket on their bar or counter for Anzac Day. Nearly 700 buckets were placed in over 300 establishments around the country. Thanks to the generous donations of everyday Australians, close to $40 000 was raised to support our modern-day veterans and their families. Helping our wounded warriors
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Jessica Love Jess is one of our Veteran and Family Ambassadors, and has been busy writing a new children’s book. Her first book, Soon, explores the emotions young children may experience when a parent or loved one is away for a long time, like an overseas deployment. The sequel, Sometimes, talks about the experiences of children when their parent comes home and begins to re-integrate into the family. Written and illustrated by Jess, and published thanks to the support of Defence Health, these books are a beautiful read for both children and adults. Jess kindly donates a portion of the proceeds from her books to Soldier On. Buy your copy at Echo Books now!
Camryn Jordans 17-year-old Camryn Jordans describes herself as a typical ‘Army Brat.’ Both her parents served in the Army, with her dad deploying to East Timor twice. Proud of her military history, Camryn wanted to write a song for her Dad. The Stars in Your Eyes tells the story of reconnection between father and daughter after serving overseas, as well as the emotional impact of PTSD on the children of military families. Camryn found that her song connected emotionally with the people she played it to, and that they would ask if there was any way they could support those who had been affected. So, Camryn decided to use her song to support Soldier On. Camryn donates 100% of the profits from The Stars in Your Eyes to Soldier On. This is incredible, and we are grateful for her amazing support! You can listen to and buy her song on iTunes.
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SOLDIER ON Winter 2017
Want to Support our
Modern Veterans? Regular Giving
There are approximately 210 people who participate in our regular giving program. Over the year, they have donated a combined total of $50,000. For just $5 a week, you can lend a helping hand to modern-day veterans and their families. Your commitment will help us provide more services across the country. Sign up at donation.giveeasy.org/soldier-on.
Workplace Giving Kokoda Trail Fundraisers We have amazing community fundraisers who undertake all sorts of activities to raise money for Soldier On. The Kokoda Trail is a popular choice, particularly around Anzac Day, and this year has been no exception. We would like to give a big thank you to all of those who have challenged themselves to walk the trail and raise money to support our modern-veterans and their families. Some highlights are:
Kokoda Challenge Back to Back Hayward Pool Products Australia Managing Director Tony Sharpe and Cooke Industries Managing Director Cliff Cooke completed the Kokoda Trail back to back to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Kokoda Trail Campaign. A massive 192km return journey, Tony and Cliff raised an incredible $17300 for Soldier On!
Kokoda Trek in Memory of Chappy Karen Chapman and her brother Ben had always talked about doing the Kokoda Trek together, but had never got around to planning it. Unfortunately Ben, a long-serving member of the RAAF, died by suicide after a long battle with PTSD and depression at only 38 years old. To honour the memory of her brother, Karen decided to do the Kokoda Trek this Anzac Day while raising money for Soldier On. Karen raised over $9200, which is an incredible tribute to her brother. We are extremely grateful for Karen’s support!
Soldier On has over 14 companies who have registered with our workplace giving program, including the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Soldier On is grateful for the support from employees of these organisations, and encourages other workplaces to get involved.
Bequest For information on how to leave a bequest to Soldier On in your will, contact us.
Fundraise You can fundraise for Soldier On by holding a fundraiser or participating in an event. You can host a BBQ, a dinner or trivia night or a theme day, or participate in an obstacle course, fun run or bike ride. The only limit is your motivation and imagination. Contact us to find out how.
For more information visit our website, or email fundraise@soldieron.org.au
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Our Corporate Partners Soldier On are grateful for the support of so many Corporate partners and sponsors. Please see below for the organisations that provide vital funding that keeps Solder On and its support alive.
Principal Partners
Ernest Heine Family Foundation Principal In-Kind Partners
Major Partners
In Kind Supporters
Strategic Partner
Legal Partner
RPS Group
ACT Fitness Partner
Champions
Associates
Jamieson Foley Gerald Slaven Hewlett Packard AUS.
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SOLDIER ON  Winter 2017
Ainslie Group Clubs ACT Elgas
GoodGuys Canberra Lockheed Martin
Free counselling sessions provided by Soldier On Soldier On recognises a veteran’s time in the Defence Force doesn’t just impact him or her; it can impact the whole family. Whether you are the parent, wife, husband, sibling or child of a veteran, you may feel the need to speak to one of our psychologists. Soldier On offers a range of psychology services for veterans and families, including individual counselling for adults and adolescents, as well as couples and families counselling. Our psychological treatment is evidence-based, and can address a range of mental health concerns, including trauma and stressrelated issues, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, pain, and injury adjustment concerns. Contact psychology@soldieron.org. au for more information or to book an appointment in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Currumbin or Perth.
SoldierOn.org.au
/SoldierOnAustralia
@SoldierOnAust
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