World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2025

The World Federation for Mental Health was founded in London in the aftermath of WWII. Since this time, it has been engaged in efforts to support mental health. As a result of work by the World Federation for Mental Health, 10 October has become known as World Mental Health Day. Mental Health Australia’s World Mental Health Day theme is community connection.
Defence and DVA have recently released a Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan, which is available here. The first page of this document lists several mental health support services that can be contacted for mental health support. Information about Mental Health Australia is available here.
Australia Pledges $7.9B for Naval Project to Support AUKUS Subs
Australia Pledges $7.9B for Naval Project to Support AUKUS Subs
Plans for Australia’s Underwater ‘Ghost Shark’ Drone Fleet Unveiled
Plans for Australia’s Underwater ‘Ghost Shark’ Drone Fleet Unveiled

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-10/ghost-shark-underwater-drone-fleet-plan/105758720, photo: Kym Smith, Defence
Opinion Piece – Aussie Diggers Deserve Better Than Toxic and Broken System
Tuesday, 9 September 2025, The Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel

https://minister.dva.gov.au/news-and-media/minister/opinion-piece-aussie-diggers-deserve-better-toxic-and-broken-system
Australia’s WWII veterans remember the day victory was declared 80 years ago
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-15/world-war-ii-veterans-remember-victory-in-pacific-80-years-on/105643376#
80th Anniversary of the End of WWII in the Pacific

Largest Iteration of Talisman Sabre Comes to an End
Largest Iteration of Talisman Sabre Comes to an End
Read more here

An Australian Army Hawkei High Mobility Launcher, from 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, loaded with AIM120 AMRAAM training rounds at Bradshaw Field Training Area in the Northern Territory during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. Photo: Corporal Cameron Pegg
New Open Arms Online Programs

Open Arms is proud to launch two new online mental health programs tailored for veterans and families. These initiatives expand Open Arms’ digital mental health offerings, making it easier for veterans, families, and carers across Australia to access support—no matter where they live.
Both programs are open to anyone over 18 years old in the veteran community. You don’t need to be an existing Open Arms client to get involved. These new programs are delivered in partnership with two established providers of health services to the Australian community.
Learn more about the programs here.
75th Anniversary of Australian Service in the Malayan Emergency

Photo: Phillip Oliver Hobson, AWM HOB/56/0782/MC


