ADF Investing in Personnel Capability

 Positive Changes Occurring in the ADF

One of the most veteran-relevant developments inside today’s Australian Defence Force isn’t a single tank, ship, or aircraft—it’s the way the ADF is investing in capability that keeps people safe, informed, and ready. 

A good example is the Defence health and resilience focus that has been growing across recent years and continues to shape current project work: better clinical pathways, faster access to support, and stronger follow-through after service.

For veterans, the practical value is straightforward.

When Defence modernises training and readiness systems, it’s also modernising how it supports individuals. That includes improving how teams identify injuries early, how clinicians share information (within strict governance), and how rehabilitation plans are coordinated so recovery doesn’t stall between postings or transitions. In other words, the “project” is often invisible day-to-day—but it shows up later as smoother care continuity, clearer documentation, and more consistent support.

Where this becomes especially relevant to ex-ADF personnel is during transition. Many veterans recognise that leaving the service isn’t just a job change; it’s a shift in health support structures, workplace context, and day-to-day routines. Current ADF initiatives therefore tend to emphasise bridges: connecting service delivery with civilian pathways, strengthening community and employer links, and supporting families as part of the recovery and adjustment process.

If you’re a veteran looking to understand what “current ADF projects” mean in real life, watch for the ones that reduce friction—fewer delays in help, clearer next steps, and better long-term outcomes. That’s what meaningful readiness looks like after the uniform comes off: not just capabilities in the field, but care and continuity back home.  

Need Support?

Visit our Relevant Links page tab above to find a large number of agencies that are directly engaged in supporting serving ADF members, veterans, and Families.

Quilts of Valour Presentations

On Fridays from 5 pm we have several Happy Hours at our Hut located in Tanunda Recreational Park. Visitors are welcome and you don't have to be a veteran or have a military association. 

Quilts of Valour Gratefully accepted

Our Sub-Branch veterans have been well catered for by QOV with numbers of our members receiving beautiful quilts donated by quilters. Recently, another four members (one of whom couldn't attend, Errol S) were presented with quilts. Malcolm H accepted Errol's quilt on his behalf.

You can read all about the Quilts of Valour Project by clicking the relative link in the right-hand column.

If you know anything about quilting, even with a machine, it takes a lot of work and planning. Doing it manually can take months. So, those of us who are given quilts via QOV are most grateful, grateful that our service to our Nation has been recognised and grateful for the generosity of donors who have contributed their time, effort and funds.

If you are a quilter and you'd like to donate a quilt, please contact QOV.

Click on images to enlarge

Our Senior Veteran Celebrates 101st Birthday!

Good things happen at RSL Tanunda. Visit us most Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreational Park. 

The longest serving member of our sub-branch and WWII veteran Esther celebrated her birthday yesterday surrounded by a large number of our members.

Esther Whitelum

It's not every day one of our members turns 101. In fact, the rest of us are well under 100. So, it's an occasion we had to celebrate. 

And celebrate we did.

Our sub-branch gathering place called "The Hut" was nicely laid out with dinner tables above which were large pink balloons. (See short video clip below)

Attendees each brought a range of delicious foodstuffs that all enjoyed with a follow-up piece of Esther's birthday cake.

We celebrated her birthday as well as remembering her service in the Australian Army engaged in communications.

Our President David read two congratulatory letters from our local Federal (Tony Pasin) and State (Ashton Hurn) Members and presented her with two beautiful bouquets of flowers from members. 

On ANZAC Day Esther proudly takes the salute from a dais when our veterans and supporting members of the public march from central Tanunda to our Hut in the Tanunda Recreational Park.

She is a much loved member and we look forward to being able to celebrate her 102nd in 2027.

Every Veteran Counts Project

 

You can watch this video at the link below:

https://tinyurl.com/VeteransCount

Here is a message from Contact Magazine copied with consent. It's a letter from a fellow veteran. I've added my count, please consider adding yours.

"Dear Editor,

DVA is very good at handling veterans one at a time.

One claim. One delay. One family worn down. One carer trapped. One polite letter saying little.

That is how need gets managed instead of met.

Veterans Count pushes back. It asks people connected to Navy, Army or Air Force, past or present, to add one count by federal electorate.

No name. No service number. No DVA claim details. No medical information.

A visible count where politicians understand numbers: electorates, seats and margins.

Every vote counts. Every count matters.

The count has to grow. After adding their count, people are asked to send Veterans Count to five others.

Together we can grow Veterans Count.

The song ‘Every Vote Counts’ came from the same need. A 70s pub-rock chorus gives people something to send, share and remember.

Thank you for helping refine the Veterans Count project.

Simply go to veteranscount.com.au to add your count or use the QR Code shown below.

Add your count. Send it to five people.

Regards,

Mark Croxford
20-year Navy veteran and
former media and political adviser to a Minister for Veterans’ Affairs"