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They Look After Our Veterans. Until Now, No One Looked After Them.
They weren’t in uniform. They didn’t deploy. But they’ve carried the weight of service every day since.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide exposed not just systemic gaps in veteran support—but also the toll carried by family members who’ve been excluded from services because they’re not recognised as official carers or ‘family’ due to the legislated definition of the word. For decades, parents, siblings, mates and extended family members of Australia’s veterans have provided critical, behind-the-scenes support—without recognition, often without training, and without access to formal systems of care.
That’s finally starting to change.
We’re proud to deliver free, specialised support to those forgotten carers through the Carer Gateway Program in partnership with Wellways Australia. Funded by the Australian Government, the Carer Gateway provides free access to counselling, coaching, peer support, skills training and respite packages for unpaid carers. This includes Mental Health First Aid training and a powerful three-day Immersion Program.
Funding for the Carer Gateway Program is allocated by region and at this stage the programs we deliver are only available for people in Queensland, and the Blue Mountains, Nepean and South-West Sydney regions of New South Wales. If you're outside these areas and want the programs, please let us know below.
Already the feedback from the programs reveals how well received this support is:
“Thank you so much, I’ve done a few courses and this is by far the best I have ever done.”
“The Immersion Program was outstanding.”
“The content was informative, engaging and beneficial to me on a personal level.”
“Highly recommend the Immersion Program. Particularly if you're the parent of a Defence member. The space was safe and non-judgemental." – Program participants
See below for information about our upcoming Mental Health First Aid and CPODs Immersion 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.
4 December · 8:30am - 5pm AEST to
5 December · 8:30am - 5pm AEST
Park Regis, 293 North Quay, Brisbane
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
Online
Online
Mental Health First Aid
Build confidence, reduce stigma, and learn how to support others with this nationally accredited, one day course designed specifically for parents in the Defence community.
17 December · 8:30am - 5pm AEST
Online
FREE
What you’ll learn:
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Recognise early signs of mental health issues
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Offer support without judgment
-
Act safely in a mental health crisis
-
Set boundaries and avoid burnout
-
Connect with others who understand Defence life
Other MHFA Locations
IMMERSION PROGRAM
3 Day Immersion for Carers & Parents of Defence Members (CPODs)
When they serve, carers and parents serve too, but in their own way. This immersive three day-two night program creates space for carers and parents of current and ex-serving Defence members to rest and recharge by being unapologetically selfish - to be selfless.
Attendees will learn about Defence and ex-service systems that apply to the person they care for and strengthen their own mental fitness, so they can keep showing up without burning out.
They’ll share conversation whilst building resilience, create intentional boundaries whilst participating in creative activities, and learn practical tools to stay steady when life feels uncertain.
Townsville
Townsville
Carers and Parents of Defence (CPODs) Immersion Program
Take three (3) 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.
10 December · 8:30am - 5pm AEST to
12 December· 8:30am - 5pm AEST
Mercure Hotel, 166 Woolcock St, Townsville
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 Immersion Locations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tune in to Care
A podcast exploring the lives of carers.
Welcome to Tune in to Care — a podcast dedicated to the stories, challenges, and triumphs of caregivers everywhere. Each episode brings you intimate conversations with people who give their time, energy, and love to care for others, exploring what it means to support someone through illness, aging, or disability. Tune in to discover the often-unseen emotional journeys, practical realities, and unexpected moments of joy in the lives of carers.
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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.
