If you are a woman who has served in the Australian Defence Force, support is available at every stage of life. 

Your experience is unique, and you deserve support that feels safe, respectful and right for you. 

Whether you are leaving Defence, adjusting to civilian life, looking after your health, or wanting to connect with people who understand service, there are trusted services and communities that can help.

Finding the right support for you 

As you read this page, it may help to start small and focus on what you need most right now. There is no single right place to begin. 

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but it is a strong one. More support is becoming available for women veterans and families, with a growing focus on care that is inclusive, respectful and culturally safe.

If you need immediate support

If you need urgent help, support is available now. In an emergency, call 000.

You can also contact:

• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Safe Zone Support (anonymous, 24/7): 1800 142 072
• 1800RESPECT (domestic, family or sexual violence): 1800 737 732

Mental health and emotional wellbeing support

Looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing is an important part of your overall health. 

You may experience stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, sleep problems or big life changes, especially during or after transition. Support can help whether you are going through a hard time, want to feel stronger, or just need someone to talk to.

Open Arms offers free and confidential counselling for current and former serving members and their families, 24 hours a day. Support includes counselling, family and relationship support, peer support, group programs and practical tools.

If you have served in the Australian Defence Force, you may also be able to access DVA-funded mental health care. A GP can help with a Veteran Health Check, referrals and treatment options.

Physical health care and medical support

Your physical health matters, and you deserve care that understands both your service and your individual needs. 

If you have served in the Australian Defence Force, you may be able to get health care support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

This can include support from a GP, specialist or allied health provider for physical and mental health needs.

A good place to start is your GP. They can do a Veteran Health Check and help connect you with treatment, rehabilitation or specialist care.

Health care support may include:

• Treatment for service-related injuries or long-term health conditions
• Women’s health care across different life stages, including specialised support
• Pain management and rehabilitation programs
• Support for sleep, fatigue and physical recovery

If you are not sure where to begin, your GP or DVA can help you understand your options.

Connect with other women veterans

Connecting with other women veterans can help you feel understood, supported and less alone.

You might connect through peer networks, community groups, Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs or online communities.

You can choose what feels right for you, in your own time.

Women-specific support and community

• Women Veterans Network Australia offers peer connection, social groups and shared support.
• Women Veterans Australia helps women who have served connect with others, access information and feel part of a supportive community.
• Open Arms may also help through counselling, group programs and peer support.
• Veteran and family wellbeing centres, RSL services and local ex-service organisations may help with connection, advocacy, wellbeing, employment and day-to-day needs.
• If family responsibilities, grief or caring roles are part of your experience, organisations such as Legacy may also help.

Help with housing, money and daily life

Wellbeing also includes the practical parts of everyday life. You may be able to get help with housing, money, legal issues, family wellbeing, advocacy and understanding DVA. 

For some women, support may also need to reflect family responsibilities, caring roles, culture or isolation. Through DVA and partner organisations, different kinds of support may be available to help you build stability, safety and longer-term wellbeing.

Transitioning to civilian life

Leaving military service can bring both opportunities and challenges. It is common to need support as you work out what comes next, including work, study, identity and daily routines.

Programs like the Veteran Employment Program and BUSY Group can help with career planning, resume support and training pathways.

You can also explore mentoring, coaching or professional development. Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs can help you find support in one place, including health care, employment help, housing advice and advocacy.

Ongoing support and connection

Staying connected can support your wellbeing over time and help build purpose, stability and belonging.

Support can come from community groups, local veteran centres, wellbeing programs and national services.

You can take your time to find the support that works for you, whether that is practical help, health care, peer connection or community support.

What matters most is knowing support is there when you want it.