For many ADF veterans, leaving military service can mean losing more than a job. It can mean losing the structure, identity and camaraderie that defined everyday life.

A new program launched in Springfield City aims to change that using sport, exercise and community to help veterans reconnect and build healthy lives beyond their military service.

Active Choices for Springfield Veterans officially launched on 12 March 2026 following the success of a pilot program that began in July last year. The initiative is designed and delivered by veterans, for veterans, helping those transitioning from service reconnect with their local communities through physical activity and shared experience.

Associate Professor Dr Nicholas Gilson, Active Choices Coaches, and representatives from GMR Veteran Health Research

The program is led by Active Choices Coaches who are veterans themselves. Coaches guide fellow veterans through a 12-week program focused on building healthy routines, social connections and community engagement.

Participants take part in a combination of face-to-face sessions and a tailored online program, while also exploring ways to become involved in their local sport and exercise communities. That might include joining sporting clubs, walking groups, gyms or yoga classes, all simple activities that help rebuild routine and connection with their communities.

Associate Professor Dr Nicholas Gilson, Program Coordinator and physical activity researcher from The University of Queensland (UQ), said the program addresses one of the key challenges identified in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

“Many veterans really struggle with the loss of structure and social connections when they exit the ADF,” Dr Gilson said.

“Our aim is to help veterans reconnect with their communities through physical activity and shared experience. Sport and exercise can be a powerful way to rebuild routines, meet new people and create support networks.”

Research shows veterans can experience higher rates of anxiety, depression and heart disease compared with other Australians, alongside lower levels of physical activity. These challenges can be compounded by isolation and social withdrawal during the transition to civilian life.

Active Choices coaches

Active Choices aims to tackle these issues by building peer networks led by veterans who understand the unique challenges of life after service.

Importantly, the program has been co-designed with veterans to ensure it reflects real experiences and practical needs.

GMR Director of Mental Health Research, Dr Camila Guindalini, said, “Active Choices is an innovative extension of the initial research into veteran health and transition, and an exciting milestone to see the program up and running.”

Following completion of the program, participants can also become coaches themselves, allowing veteran networks to grow and spread through communities.
GMR supported the expansion of the program through a $250,000 grant awarded to UQ.

GMR CEO Miriam Kent said the program reflects growing evidence that sport and community connection can play a critical role in veteran wellbeing.
“Our research shows the great benefit sport can play in the transition to civilian life,” Ms Kent said.

“We were delighted to partner with UQ to deliver the next phase of the Active Choices program and help strengthen connections for veterans within their communities.”
As the program expands, organisers hope it will become a model that can be rolled out more broadly across Australia, particularly in regional and rural communities where veterans may have fewer support networks.

By combining sport, community and peer support, Active Choices is helping veterans rebuild connection, confidence and wellbeing as they transition to civilian life.
Programs like Active Choices and Friends of GMR, connecting Queensland’s peak sporting bodies with the veteran community are only possible thanks to the support of the community.

GMR works with researchers, partners and supporters across Australia to improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. You can help. Become a Friend of GMR and help build stronger connections, healthier lives and brighter futures for veterans through volunteering and fundraising.

Interested in becoming a Friend of GMR? Whether you’re a veteran, a family member of a veteran, a sporting club, or corporate organisation looking to join forces for volunteering opportunities—we can’t wait to hear from you!