Moving to a new community can feel exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. This can be especially true when it happens alongside other changes, such as transitioning from Defence service, starting new work, meeting family needs or managing changes in health.
This checklist is designed to help veterans and families of veterans settle into a new community at their own pace. You do not need to do everything at once. Use what feels helpful and leave the rest.
Getting to know your new area
- Learn about your local area and services
- Find nearby health services, pharmacies and emergency contacts
- Find local shops, transport options and community facilities
- Update your address and contact details where needed
Health and wellbeing
- Find a local GP or health professional
- Find mental health, counselling or wellbeing support if you need it
- Find community health services and support groups
- Make time to rest and adjust during the transition
Children and family
- Enrol children in childcare, school or activities as needed
- Learn about local parenting, family or youth services
- Look for playgrounds, libraries or family-friendly spaces
- Talk with children about the move and how they’re feeling
Work, study and daily life
- Look for local employment, training or study opportunities
- Learn about transport, commuting and daily routines
- Set up essential utilities and services
- Find places where you can enjoy your interests or hobbies
Building connection
- Look for local community groups, clubs or events
- Connect with neighbours, schools or community organisations
- Look for opportunities to volunteer or get involved
- Take small steps to build social connections over time
Support for veterans and families
- Find veteran and family support services in your area
- Learn about community-based services that may support your wellbeing
- Ask for help if you’re not sure where to start
Give yourself time
- Expect it to take time to feel settled — this is normal
- Acknowledge feelings of uncertainty, loss or stress
- Celebrate small milestones as you build familiarity and routine
- Ask for support if things feel hard
Getting support
Settling into a new community takes time. If you need extra support, help is available to connect you with local services, community connections and wellbeing support that suit your needs.
Where to start
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with one or two supports that feel most relevant to you right now. The options below can help you find local services, practical help and veteran and family support.
- Talk to your GP or local health service if you need help with your physical or mental health.
- Contact Open Arms for free mental health and wellbeing support for veterans and families of veterans, including counselling and peer support.
- Contact the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency to learn about support that may be available for health, wellbeing, transition, rehabilitation, employment, housing or financial needs.
- Check your local council, library or neighbourhood centre for community information, groups, activities and local services.
- Ask your child’s school, childcare service or local family service about supports for children, young people and parents.
- If money is tight, look into financial counselling, emergency relief or community support services in your area.
- If you need urgent support, it may help to contact a crisis support service.
Urgent support
If things feel too hard or unsafe right now, you do not have to manage this on your own. It may help to contact a crisis support service, your local health service or emergency services if you need immediate help.
Printable checklists
These printable checklists are designed to support different parts of settling into a new community. You can use them in the way that works best for you and focus on the steps that feel most helpful right now.
Practical settling-in checklist
Use this checklist to keep track of practical steps that may help you settle into a new community. You can work through it at your own pace and focus on what feels most relevant to you right now.
| Task | Done | Notes |
| Find a local GP, pharmacy and key health contacts | ☐ | |
| Write down emergency and urgent support contacts | ☐ | |
| Update your address and contact details where needed | ☐ | |
| Set up essential utilities and household services | ☐ | |
| Learn about local shops, transport options and community facilities | ☐ | |
| Find local support for your physical or mental health if needed | ☐ | |
| Learn about veteran and family support services in your area | ☐ | |
| Contact a local service if you need help with housing, money or daily life | ☐ | |
| Enrol children in school, childcare or activities if needed | ☐ | |
| Find local family, parenting or youth services if needed | ☐ | |
| Look for work, training or study options if relevant to you | ☐ | |
| Find one place or activity that helps you feel connected in your new area | ☐ | |
| Take one small step to build local connection, such as joining a group or visiting a community space | ☐ | |
| Make time for rest and adjustment during the transition | ☐ | |
| Ask for support if things are feeling hard | ☐ |
You do not need to do everything at once. Small steps can make a difference, and support is available if you need it.
Family settling-in checklist
Use this checklist to keep track of practical steps that may help children, young people and caregivers settle into a new community. You can work through it at your own pace and focus on what feels most relevant to your family right now.
| Task | Done | Notes |
| Talk with children or young people about the move and answer questions in a way that suits their age | ☐ | |
| Enrol children in school, childcare or other activities if needed | ☐ | |
| Collect and store key documents such as school records, health information and immunisation records | ☐ | |
| Find a local GP, child health service or other health support if needed | ☐ | |
| Ask the school or childcare service about wellbeing support, routines and communication options | ☐ | |
| Learn about local parenting, family or youth services | ☐ | |
| Find local parks, libraries, playgroups or family-friendly spaces | ☐ | |
| Look for activities that match your child’s interests, strengths or support needs | ☐ | |
| Help children get to know new daily routines, travel plans and key places | ☐ | |
| Make space for rest, reassurance and time to adjust | ☐ | |
| Notice any changes in how children or young people are coping and seek support if needed | ☐ | |
| Find one or two local supports that can help your family feel more connected | ☐ | |
| Ask for help if your family needs extra support | ☐ |
Every family adjusts differently. It is okay to take things one step at a time and reach out for support when you need it.
Wellbeing check-in checklist
Use this checklist as a gentle way to check in with your wellbeing during times of change. You can come back to it at your own pace and focus on what feels most relevant to you right now.
| Task | Done | Notes |
| I know where to go if I need health or wellbeing support | ☐ | |
| I have found one or two people, places or routines that help me feel grounded | ☐ | |
| I am making time for rest, sleep or small breaks where I can | ☐ | |
| I have eaten regularly and looked after my basic needs as best I can | ☐ | |
| I have found a small way to connect with my new community | ☐ | |
| I am noticing how I am feeling without judging myself | ☐ | |
| I know who I could talk to if things feel hard | ☐ | |
| I have taken at least one small step that supports my wellbeing | ☐ | |
| I am giving myself time to adjust to change | ☐ | |
| I know what to do if I need urgent support | ☐ |
There is no right way to adjust, and some days may feel easier than others. If you need support, reaching out can be a helpful next step.
This resource was informed by Australian trauma-informed practice principles and publicly available information about veteran, family, health, wellbeing and community support services.
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