9 Sep 2026

Members of Veteran Care Australia – Vasey RSL Care, RAAFA WA and RSL Care SA – travelled to Canberra to meet with our elected representatives at the highest level. Veterans Sean and Wade spoke directly with Ministers about their personal stories of resilience, determination and courage, leaving a lasting impression on everyone they met.

This was a valuable opportunity to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh, Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness Josh Burns, and Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae, as well as a number of other MPs and Ministers, to discuss the housing and support needs of Australia’s veteran community.

At a special roundtable Sean and Wade shared their experiences of life after service, the unique challenges many ex-service people face when transitioning to civilian life, and the obstacles they have overcome after experiencing difficult times. Most importantly, they spoke about rebuilding their lives, finding purpose, and what inspires them today.

Sean and Wade have both spent time at the V Centre in Ivanhoe undertaking the Veteran Empowerment Program and both speak very highly about the positive impact this had on them, giving them the opportunity and support to tackle the challenges they faced.

Their honesty and strength resonated with those in the room and there was a shared sense of admiration for the challenges they have faced and the courage they have shown in forging a path forward.

By bringing lived experience to the conversation, Sean and Wade helped highlight the importance of practical housing and support solutions that empower veterans to thrive long after their service has ended.

We thank them for their generosity, courage and willingness to share their stories.

Minister Keogh listens to Wade (right) and Sean talk about their experiences.

The Round Table gave veterans Wade and Sean the opportunity to speak directly to our law makers about the experiences of veterans.

Minister Richard Marles (centre), Minister Sam Rae (4 from left), MP Josh Burns (far right) with veterans Wade, Sean and Adam, and members of Veteran Care Australia (VCA).

Veteran and Vasey RSL Care employee, Adam, talks at the Round Table.

Veteran Wade addresses the Round Table

Minister Sam Rae with members of the VCA

Minister Keogh addresses the Round Table.