MoU a landmark support for Australian Defence Force and veterans

Charles Sturt University will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pro Patria Centre (PPC) Wagga Wagga to bolster initiatives to enhance the quality of life of veterans, first responders and their families.

• Charles Sturt University will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pro Patria Centre (PPC) in Wagga Wagga to bolster support for veterans, first responders and their families
• The MoU supports recommendations within the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide handed down on Monday 9 September
• The landmark collaboration represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical health and wellbeing needs of contemporary veterans
• The MoU will focus on initiatives to enhance veterans' quality of life

Charles Sturt University will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pro Patria Centre (PPC) Wagga Wagga to bolster initiatives to enhance the quality of life of veterans, first responders and their families.

This will directly support recommendations within the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Representatives from Charles Sturt and PPC will meet at 10am on Thursday 3 October at the PPC for the signing ceremony to officially recognise this landmark collaboration.

The MoU also speaks to the tragic number of deaths by suicide among members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), recently outlined within a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report outlined there were 1,677 certified deaths by suicide by ADF members between 1997 and 2021.

Under the new MoU, Charles Sturt and the PPC will collaborate on the following:

• Develop education programs specifically tailored to the needs of veteran and Australian Defence Force (ADF) students, to support them when transitioning into higher education.
• Research on veteran health and wellbeing, focussing on post-transition experiences in Australian veterans, especially those in regional and rural areas.
• Sharing best practices in veteran support, including mental health counselling and career guidance.
• Raising awareness and understandingof veteran experiences within the University and the wider public, to foster a more supportive community for veterans in the Riverina region.

Charles Sturt Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and HealthProfessor Megan Smith said the MoU represented a powerful commitment to making a meaningful impact within the veteran community, particularly within the Riverina.

"The findings within the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report send a damning message to all Australians that we need to do better when it comes to supporting those who keep our country safe," Professor Smith said.

"A focus area of the MoU to share best practices to support veterans' mental health supports Recommendation 2 within the Report, which calls for improved outcomes and access to support recruits in ab initio (from the beginning) training, to build resilience and embed help-seeking behaviours."

Professor Smith said Charles Sturt and the PPC could also play a crucial role in supporting the purpose of Recommendation 80 within the Report, which calls for 'The Department of Veterans' Affairs to take responsibility for supporting members to transition out of the Australian Defence Force.'

"The MoU's development of educational programs tailored to the needs of veteran and ADF students to support them when transitioning into higher education will provide supported pathways when exiting the ADF," Professor Smith said.

Pro Patria Board Member Ms Jacqui Van de Velde said the strategic partnership between Charles Sturt University and the PPC brings together resources and expertise to offer unparalleled support, education, and opportunities for veterans.

"Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country," Ms Van de Velde said.

"The collaboration between Charles Sturt University and the Pro Patria Centre marks a new chapter in veteran support services, ensuring that veterans and their families receive the recognition, care, and opportunities they deserve."

The MoU signing will be attended by senior University leaders, community leaders, and dignitaries including the former Veterans' Affairs Minister and former Assistant Defence Minister, The Hon. Michael McCormack, MP, Federal Member for Riverina.

Professor Smith noted the significance of the collaboration in addressing the critical health and well-being needs of contemporary veterans.

"This MoU has already received support from leaders across various sectors which highlights the importance of the work ahead - both for our region, and country," Professor Smith said.

Media Note:

For more information, to attend or to arrange an interview, contact Jessica Mclaughlin at Charles Sturt Media on 0430 510 538 or via [email protected]

PHOTO: Mr David Bardos and Professor Megan Smith from Charles Sturt University with Pro Patria Board Member Ms Jacqui Van de Velde.

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