180 participants attended an online Community Town Hall that provided veterans and the families of veterans with an update about the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency (the Agency).
The Agency is being established in response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and is intended to improve navigation, coordination and connection across the wellbeing system. The Agency will commence operations from 1 July 2026.
From day one, veterans and the families of veterans will be able to access support through a new website, service directory and helpline, with three levels of support planned: self-navigation, guided navigation and more tailored coordination for people with more complex needs. The Agency will provide support for people transitioning out of Defence, with a strong focus on prevention and early intervention, making it easier for serving ADF members, veterans and families to find trusted information, practical help and to access support when needed.
During the Town Hall it was emphasised that the Agency will not replace existing DVA services such as providing access to treatment, compensation, rehabilitation, or income support, and it is not intended to duplicate specialist services or act as an emergency response service but will direct people to urgent support if it is needed. Instead, the Agency will provide a simpler front door to support wellbeing by helping to connect people to the right services, at the right time.
In the first 12 months of operation, the Agency will focus on expanding wellbeing resources, building out the service directory, refining referral pathways and strengthening links with other Commonwealth and state and territory entities, Veterans and Families’ Hubs and other community support.
If you missed the Town Hall a video recording is available:
A highlight of the Town Hall was the high level of engagement from participants. We are still reviewing the questions received and will share a summary of questions and answers on the DVA website soon. More updates about the Agency will be provided ahead of its July launch, including another online Town Hall in June.
More information is available on the DVA website New wellbeing agency to open 1 July 2026 | Department of Veterans' Affairs