More than 170 participants joined the first online Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency town hall since the Agency launched on 1 July. Speakers Alison McLaren, Interim Chief Executive, and Mark Brewer, Interim Deputy Chief Executive were joined by Brendan Cox, who will start as the Agency's inaugural Chief Executive on 27 July. 

Participants heard how the Agency will make wellbeing support easier to access and navigate, particularly during the critical transition from military to civilian life. It was emphasised that the Agency does not replace existing services, but works alongside DVA, Defence, Open Arms, ex-service organisations and community providers to help veterans and families of veterans connect with the right support at the right time. An update on the Agency's early progress highlighted strong community engagement in its first week of operations, which has included: 

• more than 1,300 website visits and over 4,500 page views 
• more than 20,000 social media views 
• 122 referrals connecting veterans and families of veterans with supports and services 
• 132 calls received through the Agency helpline in the first three days of operation. 

A key theme was the importance of the Agency listening to and learning from veterans, families of veterans and the broader veteran community. In keeping with this commitment, participants were invited to submit questions both before and during the event. 

Questions covered a wide range of topics, from the meaning behind the Agency's logo and what support will look like in practice, to provider participation in the service directory and how the Agency will measure its success. 

Take a moment to hear from Brendan Cox, the Agency’s inaugural Chief Executive, as he responds to the important question of ‘What does success for the agency look like?’ 

Participants were also keen to understand how the Agency will evolve over time. Speakers discussed the Agency's future development and expansion, which will be guided by the needs, feedback and experiences of veterans, families and the broader veteran community. They shared plans to increase the Agency’s wellbeing resources, grow the service directory, strengthen partnerships across the wellbeing sector, and continue refining its services based on community feedback to ensure the Agency continues to deliver support that matters most to those it supports. 

If you missed the live town hall on 9 July, you can watch the recording.