Photography: Department of Veteran's Affairs

Veteran health and wellbeing are at the forefront of the RSL’s work, but for one week every year, a federal government initiative throws a spotlight on this important work.

Veterans’ Health Week is an annual health initiative where the Department of Veterans’ Affairs partners with ex-service and community organisations, like RSL Victoria.

It aims to increase the health and wellbeing of current and ex serving members and their families.

Veterans are being encouraged to “Get Moving” as part of the key focus for this year’s VHW (16-24 October).

It’s one of the four themes that DVA rotate each year, which also includes Eat Well, Mental Wellness Matters and Keep Connected.

Michael Harper is the Deputy Commissioner Victoria at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He says the themes have been especially pertinent over the two years of COVID-19 restrictions.

While the theme aims to spur veterans on physically, DVA acknowledges its links to mental health.

“I think it’s well established now, there’s lots of evidence to point towards physical activity being one of the most important contributors to a persons emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. So getting the body moving and staying active is I’d say even more important given the challenges faced over the last 18 months.”

Social and community connection also plays a critical role.

“I think this is foremost in ex-service organisation’s (ESO) minds. When you look at the list of events that are happening within Victoria you can see that many of them have been designed with social connection in mind.”

The Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Andrew Gee is also promoting the benefits of VHW and is encouraging veterans to participate in what he describes as “one of the biggest weeks on the veteran calendar”.

The details have been left in the hands of ESO’s. There are at least 40 events being hosted across Victoria, and more than 600 around the country, from walks to bowls to barbeques and games.

Michael Harper says it’s a government initiative that is best delivered to those closest to the community.

As a former Army Reservist himself, Deputy Commissioner Michael Harper has high hopes for VHW.

“What I’d really like to see is that it can become a fresh start and a renewed focus for any individual’s own health and wellbeing. It might be the first step into something that people can maintain.”

This Veterans' Health Week, we encourage you to grab your phone and take a snap while you 'get moving' and post on your chosen social media platform. Use the hashtag #VeteransHealthWeek and don't forget to tag @rslvic in your post.

Together, let's amplify Veterans’ Health Week and support each other to get moving,

VHW will run from October 16- 24, 2021.