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
Lorraine Dawson’s “Dancing Darlings” performing the can-can at a function pre-planned for the 15 August 1945 which, with the news that the war had ended, was renamed the Lady Mayoress’ Victory Ball to celebrate Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day. Students of Miss L. Dawson left to right: Marjory Tompkins aged 12; June London; Margaret Baxter; Lorraine Dawson; June Goodall; Leila Patterson and Sylvia Jones. The dancing troupe performed at concerts and fundraising functions as well as entertaining troops based in Sydney. Maker: Phil Ward
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
Marking the 75th Anniversary of Australian Service in the Malayan Emergency – 31 August 2025
Photo: Phillip Oliver Hobson, AWM HOB/56/0782/MC
Blacktown TPI Social & Welfare Club’s 2025 Mid-Year Events
Ian Brady’s video summary of Blacktown TPI Social & Welfare Club’s mid-year events can be seen here
Ceremony Commemorates the Korean War
Portrait of Pilot Officer John Myers DFM of Randwick, NSW, a pilot with 78 Fighter Wing RAAF. He won his medal while flying in the Korean War and was a jet plane instructor in Australia joining the Wing in Malta early in 1953.
Battle of Binh Ba Commemoration
Soldiers and officers of 5/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (5/7RAR), commemorated the Battle of Binh Ba with a parade at Robertson Barracks in Darwin. https://www.defence.gov.au/…/battalion-marks-battle…
Australian and US Air Squadrons to Enhance Collaboration
A first-of-its-kind sister squadron arrangement between the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) was signed at RAAF Base Amberley
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2025-06-25/sister-squadrons-sign-closer-collaboration
Hawkesbury Veterans’ and Families’ Hub Finds a Historic Permanent Home
Hawkesbury Veterans’ and Families’ Hub Finds a Historic Permanent Home
https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/hawkesbury-veterans-and-families-hub-finds-historic-permanent-home
Korean War Commemoration
Nationally broadcast commemorative service to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War https://www.dva.gov.au/…/75th-anniversary-australian…
21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke
Image: Stewart Thorpe
THEATRE 180 is thrilled to bring 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke to the Australian War Memorial. 21 Hearts will run from 23 July to 3 August 2025 as a part of 80th anniversary commemorations marking the end of WWII and will open the AWM’s newly renovated theatre.