The new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, RSL Australia, RSL Queensland, Legacy Brisbane and Greenslopes Private Hospital have joined forces with Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) to champion the power of sport in improving the health and wellbeing of current and former serving military personnel.
These organisations are now officially members of the Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research (FGMR) initiative, creating an unprecedented alliance between Australia’s leading veteran organisations and peak sporting bodies to support veterans through research, advocacy and community connection.
GMR CEO Miriam Kent said bringing together Australia’s most respected veteran organisations marked a significant milestone for the initiative.
“We all believe that sport can provide the sense of community, physical wellbeing and purpose that many veterans lose when transitioning out of the military,” Miriam said.
“Having some of Australia’s leading veteran organisations and supporters united behind this initiative means we can build the evidence base for the role sport plays in wellbeing, take this important work to a national audience, and ultimately reach and support more veterans and their families.”
Inaugural Chief Executive of the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency Brendan Cox said, “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and support overall wellbeing. For many veterans, particularly during transition from ADF service being involved in a local sporting club or community can provide a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Whether someone plays, volunteers, coaches or simply cheers from the sidelines, sport creates opportunities to build relationships and feel part of something bigger. We’re proud to be a Friend of Gallipoli Medical Research and support the important work being done through this network.”
RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM said, “RSL has long run successful sport and recreation programs nationally through RSL Active and programs delivered by our State Branches. We see every day the positive impact and connection sport brings to veterans – current and former serving, their families and their broader support networks. This partnership keeps the health and wellbeing of our veteran community at the forefront of the national agenda.”
RSL Queensland CEO Robert Skoda said, “RSL Queensland has partnered with Gallipoli Medical Research for more than a decade, and our pioneering partnership has translated research into real tangible outcomes for veterans across Queensland and nationally. We are proud to support an initiative that aims to bring sport to more veterans and their families in Queensland.”
Legacy Brisbane CEO Anthony Birch said, “When a veteran is injured or lost, the impact lands on the whole family. Legacy supports the partners and children who carry that often unseen load, and we know sport gives families connection, routine and a place to belong. This research recognises that veteran wellbeing and family wellbeing are inseparable, and that’s why Legacy Brisbane has come on board.”
Greenslopes Private Hospital CEO Justin Greenwell said, “There’s a natural alignment between Friends of GMR and Greenslopes Private Hospital, given our legacy as a former war and repatriation hospital. We have cared for those who have served our nation for more than 80 years and support any initiative that seeks to help veterans and their families to lead healthier, more connected lives. With GMR located on our hospital campus and Legacy House construction nearing completion, the Greenslopes precinct is evolving into Australia’s leading health and wellbeing hub for the veteran community.”
These organisations will work alongside current Friends of GMR including The Dolphins (NRL), Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat, Queensland Rugby Union and the Queensland Reds, Little Athletics Queensland, Hockey Queensland, Football Queensland, Tennis Queensland, Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA), Queensland Rugby League and Sporting Wheelies.
Gallipoli Medical Research will formally launch Friends of GMR nationally next week and announce its three-year research roadmap to deliver tangible and practical tools to support veteran participation in, and engagement with, sport.
