Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) is delighted to announce it has awarded its first Collaborative Research Program Grant to support the physical health of veterans in high-priority regional areas.
Valued at $250 000, the grant will support a two-year project led by Dr Nicholas Gilson, UQ Associate Professor in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour, in collaboration with Professor Lauren Ball, Chair of Community Health and Wellbeing at Springfield, and Dr Rebecca Mellor, Principal Research Fellow at Gallipoli Medical Research.
The project aims to build the most active and socially connected veteran community in Australia, with Springfield identified as a high-priority regional area as it is a preferred residential destination for veterans.
GMR CEO, Miriam Kent, said the ‘Active Choices for Springfield’ research project reflected GMR’s commitment to creating knowledge, informing new therapies and shaping health and welfare policies to influence clinical care.
‘GMR recognises the importance of high-quality collaborations to achieve impactful research outcomes, especially for veterans and their families.
‘The development of this grant extends on our existing research collaborations, and we are excited to partner with Dr Gilson and Professor Ball to support the creation of an interactive digital platform that has the potential to connect thousands of veterans across Australia, and around the world’ she said.
Dr Gilson said it was imperative to ‘address health challenges faced by veterans in high-priority regional areas’, with isolation and social withdrawal during the transition from military to civilian life contributing to pressing challenges veterans face.
‘Research indicates that ADF veterans are significantly less physically active than the general population, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression and heart disease,’ Dr Gilson said.
‘This is particularly evident in regional areas, where access to physical activity and health programs is limited.’
This innovative program will guide future projects, including possible expansions to veteran communities across Australia and internationally.
GMR maintains many highly successful collaborations with renowned academic institutions, community organisations and health care providers both nationally and internationally, including King’s College London.
Note: Gallipoli Medical Research has funded the two-year project: ‘Active Choices for Springfield: A Veteran-led digital program to support physically active and connected lifestyles in a priority regional Australian community’. It is collaboration with The University of Queensland, and involves Springfield industry partners and the Queensland Government.