Reintegration and Reablement: Increasing Local Connection and Access for the Tasmanian Veteran Community

This study was undertaken to better understand the feasibility of establishing wellbeing support services in Tasmania under the Veteran Wellbeing Centres Program, and any possible overlap in service gaps with first responders. Consultation with Tasmanian veterans (or ex-members of the ADF), their families, first responders and service providers, along with the analysis of information relevant to the Tasmanian veteran population, were used to develop the recommendations contained within this report.

The DVA Wellbeing Model [1] framed the study which is based on seven key components: recognition and respect, health, education and skills, housing, social support and connection, employment, and income and finance.

Tasmanian veterans want better access to culturally safe transition and health services (with physical health services, pain management, and mental health needs prominent). Results highlighted access difficulties (including distance to services, hours of service, and wait times) and other barriers to service use (knowledge, financial, cultural, and a desire for ‘veteran friendly services’). The greatest overlap with first responders’ needs likely occurs around high intensity/acute mental health needs.

These results closely match those service gaps reported in many other Australian studies. The key difference found is that because of Tasmania’s dispersed population, services need to be local (where practical).