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We’re super proud to announce that we have launched our partnership with Wellways!
Wellways is a leading Carer Gateway organisation offering free practical and emotional support to all carers, whether formally recognised or not.
They provide tailored plans, counselling, peer connection, respite, skills programs, and help navigating complex systems, recognising that caring is not defined by paperwork, but rather by the love, commitment, and time you give to someone who needs you.
Indeed, of the many findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, one area stood out that has been known by military families for decades – the legislative exclusion of parents and other family members (who aren’t a partner or children) from receiving support from Defence and Department of Veteran Affairs.
As a result, Wellways has taken the initiative to support those parents and other carers who fall outside the current system of support from Defence and DVA.
This September and October we will kick off with a local launch and then deliver two different and powerful programs across Brisbane, Toowoomba and Hervey Bay in QLD, and Katoomba in NSW as well as online.
See below for information about our upcoming local area launch events, Mental Health First Aid and CPODs Immersion programs.
LAUNCH EVENTS
Toowoomba
Caring for Veterans: Mental health, trauma and the role of carers - Toowoomba
Join Kevin Humphreys DSC — veteran, helicopter pilot, mental health advocate, and author, as he shares his journey through PTSD, recovery, and life after service. This practical session offers insights into the veteran experience, strategies for carers, and ways to stay well while supporting someone you love.
Monday, 1 September
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM AEST
15-17 Kitchener Street East Toowoomba, QLD 4350
Hervey Bay
Caring for Veterans: Mental health, trauma and the role of carers - Hervey Bay
Join Kevin Humphreys DSC — veteran, helicopter pilot, mental health advocate, and author, as he shares his journey through PTSD, recovery, and life after service. This practical session offers insights into the veteran experience, strategies for carers, and ways to stay well while supporting someone you love.
Friday, 5 September
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM AEST
Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Inc
Katoomba
Caring for Veterans:Mental health, trauma and the role of carers- Katoomba
Join Kevin Humphreys DSC — veteran, helicopter pilot, mental health advocate, and author, as he shares his journey through PTSD, recovery, and life after service. This practical session offers insights into the veteran experience, strategies for carers, and ways to stay well while supporting someone you love.
Friday, 12 September
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM AEST
Level 1/7-9 Gang Gang St
PROGRAMS
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Standard Mental Health First Aid
A two-day, evidence-based course that equips you to recognise the signs of common mental health problems, respond in a crisis, and guide someone towards professional help. It’s just like physical first aid, but for the mind. You’ll walk away with practical, ready-to-use skills and a nationally recognised MHFA certificate.
Brisbane
Brisbane
Mental Health First Aid
Build confidence, reduce stigma, and learn how to support others with this nationally accredited, two-day course designed specifically for parents in the Defence community.
September 18 · 8:30am
September 19 · 5pm AEST
Kedron-Wavell
21 Kittyhawk Drive Chermside, QLD 4032 Australia
FREE
What you’ll learn:
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Recognise early signs of mental health issues
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Offer support without judgment
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Act safely in a mental health crisis
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Set boundaries and avoid burnout
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Connect with others who understand Defence life
Other Locations
Toowoomba
Caring for Veterans: Mental health, trauma and the role of carers - Toowoomba
Our next MHFA course in Toowoomba will be held on 22/23 Sep, giving more families and support networks the tools to better understand and assist the veterans they care for.
Monday, 22 September
Tuesday, 23 September
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
TBA
Hervey Bay
Caring for Veterans: Mental health, trauma and the role of carers - Hervey Bay
Our next MHFA course in Hervey Bay will be held on 25/26 Sep, giving more families and support networks the tools to better understand and assist the veterans they care for.
Thursday, 25 September
Friday, 26 September
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre
22 Charles Street Pialba Q 4655
Katoomba
Caring for Veterans:Mental health, trauma and the role of carers- Katoomba
Our next MHFA course in Katoomba will be held on 2/3 Oct, giving more families and support networks the tools to better understand and assist the veterans they care for.
Thursday, 2 October
Friday, 3 October
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
TBA
Online
Caring for Veterans: Mental health, trauma and the role of carers- Online
Our next MHFA course online will be held on 29/30 Sep, giving more families and support networks the tools to better understand and assist the veterans they care for.
Monday, 29 September
Tuesday, 30 September
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
Online
CPODs
IMMERSION PROGRAM
2-Day Immersion for Carers & Parents of Defence Members
When they serve, you serve too, but in your own way. This immersive program creates space for carers and parents of current and ex-serving Defence members to strengthen their own mental fitness, so they can keep showing up without burning out. You’ll learn about the Defence systems that apply to the person you care for plus build resilience, create intentional boundaries, and learn practical tools to stay steady when life feels uncertain.
Brisbane
Brisbane
Carers and Parents of Defence (CPODs) Immersion program
Take two days to reset, reflect and reconnect. This in-person program is designed to support those who support others — offering space, tools, and shared insight for Defence parents and carers.
October 9 · 8:30am
October 10 · 5pm AEST
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
3582 Lamington National Park Road Canungra, QLD 4275 Australia
FREE
You’ll walk away with:
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A clearer understanding of Defence systems & supports
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Practical strategies to care for yourself and your family
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Communication tools and boundary-setting techniques
Other Locations
Toowoomba
Carers and Parents of Defence (CPODs) Immersion program
Our next CPODs program in Toowoomba, will be held on 16/17 Oct giving more families and support networks the tools to better understand and assist the veterans they care for.
Thursday, 16 October
Friday, 17 October
08:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
TBC
Hervey Bay
Carers and Parents of Defence (CPODs) Immersion program
Our next CPODs program in Hervey Bay, will be held on 23/24 Oct giving more families and support networks the tools to better understand and assist the veterans they care for.
Thursday, 23 October
Friday, 24 October
08:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
TBC
Katoomba
Carers and Parents of Defence (CPODs) Immersion program
Our next CPODs program in Katoomba, will be held on 30/31 Oct giving more families and support networks the tools to better understand and assist the veterans they care for.
Thursday, 30 October
Friday,31 October
08:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
TBC
Online
Carers and Parents of Defence (CPODs) Immersion program
Our next CPODs program Online, will be held on 20/21 Oct giving more families and support networks the tools to better understand and assist the veterans they care for.
Monday, 20 October
Tuesday, 21 October
08:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
Online
About Kevin Humphreys
Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his time as a Chinook and rescue helicopter pilot, commander and leader to his role as a leadership expert. He’s known for his engaging speaking style and his ability to turn tough experiences into powerful lessons. Kevin’s Intentional Leadership framework blends evidence-based strategies with his operational and lived experiences to create excellence in the real world.
