The Veterans' & Families' Centre

17/04/2026

A caring veteran purchased The Veterans' & Families' Centre this book. We love this quote…

Hello. Hope you’re doing ok. I’m still signing books and meeting kind, incredible people. Thank you for it all.

17/04/2026

15/04/2026

What’s On in May - Kookaburra Kids (TAS Families)

Sharing this for any families who might find it helpful.

Kookaburra Kids run programs for young people impacted by family mental illness, creating space to connect, build confidence and feel supported.

📍 Coming up in TAS:
• 2 May – Rock It Climbing, Hobart
• 22–24 May – Orana Camp, Bellerive

If you know a young person who could benefit, you can refer them here:
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/get-involved/refer/

You can also view all upcoming programs here:
https://kookaburrakids.org.au/whats-on/

Please check their website for full details and updates.

14/04/2026

Check out what is happening in the North West Tasmania. Circular Head Council Smithton Wellbeing Indoor Recreation & Leisure

Ready to feel better, move more and give something new a go?

The Be Healthy & Get Active Program is all about you - your goals, your pace, your journey.

Whether you want to get a bit fitter, feel stronger, try new activities or just do something positive for yourself, this program is a great place to start.

Over 10 weeks at the SWIRL Centre, you’ll:
- Set a personal health challenge that suits you
- Try a range of fun, welcoming activities
- Pick up simple health and wellbeing tips
- Be part of a supportive, body-positive group

No pressure. No judgement. Just a chance to invest in yourself and experience the fantastic opportunities SWIRL has to offer.

Location: Smithton Wellbeing Indoor Recreation & Leisure Centre, Smithton
Time and Date: From 5:20pm, Thursday evenings, starts 30th April
Free program
Spots are limited, so get in quick and take the first step toward feeling healthier and more confident.

You’re worth it. Let’s get active together!

13/04/2026

As we approach ANZAC Day, we know this time of year can bring a mix of pride, reflection and for many some heavy memories.

Recent news may also be bringing things back to the surface. For our veterans, and especially for the families who have stood beside them through deployments, loss, and the long road home please know you are not alone.

At the Veterans’ & Families’ Centre, we see you.
We understand that sometimes it’s not the big moments, but the quiet ones that feel the hardest.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or just need a place where you don’t have to explain yourself, we are here.

💙 A place to connect
💙 A place to feel understood
💙 A place to rebuild, together

Our Centre offers a welcoming community, along with inclusive, empathetic and compassionate wellbeing support because veteran families deserve to feel resilient, acknowledged and respected.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. There is strength in doing so.

Support is available:
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (24/7): 1800 011 046

• Families of Veterans Guild – Wellbeing Support: https://familiesofveterans.org.au/wellbeing-support-defence-veteran-families/

• lifeline Australia (24/7): 13 11 14

If you’re local, come in, have a cuppa, and sit with people who get it.

This ANZAC Day, we remember and we also stand beside those still carrying the weight.

13/04/2026

What a weekend 💙

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the amazing work of Amy Vickers and the impact she continues to make through Well Beyond Service.
Well Beyond Service
From the moment the weekend began, it was clear this was something special bringing together veterans and their partners to connect, reflect and grow. There were new friendships formed, practical tools shared, plenty of laughter and of course, incredible food that brought everyone together 🙌🏻

Amy’s passion, care, and commitment to supporting veterans and first responders shines through in everything she does. She truly goes above and beyond, creating safe and empowering spaces for people to reconnect with themselves and each other.

A huge thank you to:

💙 Our Veteran Families who showed up and embraced the experience
💙 The dedicated volunteers who made it all possible
💙 The beautiful Gladstone community for the warm hospitality (those home baked treats and jacket potatoes were next level!)

Weekends like this remind us just how powerful connection and community can be.

If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of Amy’s retreats you won’t forget it 💫

09/04/2026

2026 ANZAC Day Colouring Competition

Prizes for Tassie kids range from Hollybank tree top adventures vouchers, gift cards, fuel vouchers and art packs.

We’re inviting all primary school-aged children (5–12 years) to take part in this special competition, a meaningful way for young people to reflect on ANZAC Day and honour our Veterans and their families.

👧 Age Categories:
* 5–8 years
* 9–12 years

🏆 Prizes:
Each participating hub will award local prizes, plus one national winner per category with prizes up to $500!

📥 How to Enter:
Download your official colouring sheet here:
https://rsllifecare.org.au/event/2026-anzac-day-colouring-competition/

OR drop into the Veterans’ & Families’ Centre to collect a copy.
Return your completed entry to your nearest listed center (details are on the entry form).

Let’s inspire the next generation to remember, reflect, and honour. ❤️

09/04/2026

🌺 Wreath Making at the Centre – Expression of Interest 🌺
Now that the flooding is slowly starting to dry out, we’re looking forward to getting back into our programs at the Veterans' & Families' Centre 💛

With ANZAC Day approaching, we are looking to gauge interest in hosting a Wreath Making Drop-In Session for our veterans and families.

📍 Veterans' & Families' Centre – Burnie
📅 Friday 24th April 2026
⏰ 10:30am – 12:30pm

This will be a relaxed and meaningful session where you can create a floral tribute to honour those who have served.

🌿 Bookings are essential (limited spaces available)
admin@tvafc.org
03 6454 1899

🌼 Our amazing Lisa will be there to guide you through the process
If this is something you would like to be part of, please reach out and let us know – we’d love to see you there.

Let’s come together, reconnect and prepare something special for ANZAC Day.

https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/events/anzac-wreath-making-burnie/

📩 Message us to register your interest

09/04/2026

🌺 ANZAC Wreath Making – Community Drop-In 🌺

At the Veterans' and Families Centre, we’ve just been advised our wonderful go-to wreath maker is taking a well-earned break over ANZAC Day… so we’re stepping up 💛

To ensure the beautiful cenotaphs across the North West are respectfully adorned with floral tributes to our fallen, we’re hosting a Wreath Making Drop-In Session.

📍 Stanley Town Hall - Out the back in the catering area

📅 Friday 24th April 2026

⏰ 1000 - 1200 Drop in session (limited spaces)

This is a special opportunity to come together as a community, create something meaningful and honour those who have served and sacrificed.

🌿 Cost: Donation (to cover materials such as oasis, flowers and tools)
📌 Bookings essential – limited spaces available

Our amazing volunteers will be there to guide and support you every step of the way.

Let’s come together, lend a hand and ensure our cenotaphs are beautifully prepared this ANZAC Day

https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/events/anzac-wreath-making-stanley/

admin@tvafc.org
03 6454 1899

📩 Message us to secure your spot.

07/04/2026

OUR VETERANS DESERVE BETTER – STOP PROVIDER FRAUD

Here at the Veterans’ & Families’ Centre, we are hearing far too often from veterans who have clicked on Facebook sponsored ads and unknowingly signed up with providers who simply aren’t delivering.

If you are being charged for items, services, or treatment that you are not receiving, this is not okay.

You have the right to ask questions. You have the right to quality care. And you have the right to speak up.

If something doesn’t feel right, please report it to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

👉 Report here: https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/dva-forms/report-a-fraud

Let’s protect our veteran community and ensure support goes where it is truly needed.

07/04/2026

Flood flood flood.
Flood at 5/10 Marine Tce, Burnie 7320.
Our centre is slightly under water today but
we are still contactable.
admin@tvafc.org
0406 429 184

02/04/2026

🐣 Easter Hours Update 🐣

We will be closed on Good Friday through to Easter Monday.

We’ll be back and ready to welcome you on Tuesday 💙

👀 But keep your eye out… we’ll be hopping around the North dropping off some treats this Easter 🐰✨

We are wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter with your families! x

📞 Support Services (24/7 where available):
• Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling): 1800 011 046
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• All Hours Support Line: 1800 628 036
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Su***de Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• 1800RESPECT (Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence): 1800 737 732
• Lifeline: 13 11 14