The Veterans' & Families' Centre

20/01/2026

We have added a few new books to the shelves at the Veterans & Families Centre.

One is The Last Battle by Aaron Patrick, which explores Australia’s longest war through the experiences of the SAS and Commandos, looking closely at service, sacrifice, and the realities faced long after the fighting ends.

We also have What’s the Point? by Mark Direen, a more personal reflection on life, purpose, and perspective, shaped by decades spent in war zones and high risk environments.

These books are available to read while you are visiting the Centre or to borrow and take home. A quiet option if you feel like sitting for a while, taking a breather, or spending some time with your thoughts.

19/01/2026

A Veteran’s Treasure Hunt and Community BBQ in Devonport.

22nd of January 2026
Devonport, Tas.

https://form.jotform.com/253416516597061

19/01/2026

If you missed Mess at Mine last week, don’t worry. We have another one coming up this week.

Join us on Thursday 22 January, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Veterans & Families Centre in Burnie for an afternoon of crafts. We will be creating a range of projects, including slime, air-dry clay, and play-dough. A lunch wrap is included.

Please call or email the Centre to book ahead, as spaces are limited.
https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/events/mess-at-mine/

Available to veterans and their families and provided at no cost through the Veterans & Families Centre.

18/01/2026

🏌️‍♂️A simple but powerful morning, coffee in hand, a few golf balls hit, and meaningful connections made with veterans and their families.

A different range environment, exactly what was needed.

Here’s hoping this becomes a regular monthly Sunday catch-up.

Country Club Launceston

16/01/2026

February is shaping up to be a big month at Kookaburra Kids, with a range of camps and activity days coming up across the country.

Our February programs will continue to provide young people impacted by family mental illness with safe, fun spaces to connect with others, build confidence, and strengthen their mental health knowledge, all while enjoying meaningful experiences together.

📌 What you need to know:

Programs will run throughout February

Bookings are open for registered families

Referrals can be submitted via our website

👉 Refer a young person: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/get-involved/refer/

👉 Book into programs: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/booking-system/

We look forward to welcoming young people back for another month of connection and support.

16/01/2026

Join Team Veteran at Burnie parkrun every Saturday morning at the Burnie Foreshore.

Burnie parkrun is a free 5km walk or run starting at 9:00am. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or simply come along and be part of it. All abilities and paces are welcome.

Team Veteran, created by Invictus Australia, brings veterans and their families together through movement, connection, and shared routine. There is no pressure to perform and no expectation to run, just turn up in a way that feels right for you.

Registration with parkrun is free and only needs to be done once.
https://www.parkrun.com.au/burnie/

https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/events/park-run-burnie/

15/01/2026

Join Team Veteran at Launceston parkrun every Saturday morning at the Inveresk Precinct.

Launceston parkrun is a free 5km walk or run starting at 9:00am. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or simply come along and be part of it. All abilities and paces are welcome.

Team Veteran, created by Invictus Australia, brings veterans and their families together through movement, connection, and shared routine. There is no pressure to perform and no expectation to run, just turn up in a way that feels right for you.

Registration with parkrun is free and only needs to be done once.
https://www.parkrun.com.au/launceston/

# https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/events/park-run-launceston/communitysupport

13/01/2026

🇦🇺 FOUND MEDALS – HELP US RETURN THEM HOME 🇦🇺
These medals were recently found at the Salvos and have now been safely dropped into the Veterans' & Families' Centre located in Burnie Tasmania.

They include:

• A medal engraved E. B. Lombardo 216284
• Two medal box containing the Australian Defence Medal miniature and ribbon only and Australian Active Service Medal, with full-size medal, miniature, and ribbon.

Medals represent service, sacrifice, and history. We would love to reunite these with their rightful owner or family.

If you recognise the name E. B. Lombardo, or know someone who might, please contact the Centre 03 6454 1899 or send us a private message.
Please share, you never know who might see this and help return them home

13/01/2026

**change to West Inlet**

Join us for a morning of kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Saturday 17 January, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Stanley, Tatlows Beach, TAS. - west inlet

This is a relaxed, come and try style session. A chance to get out on the water, try something new, and spend time together in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Bookings are essential.

Open to all veterans and their families. Provided at no cost through the Veterans & Families Centre.

See the website calendar for details: https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/events/kayak-stand-up-paddleboarding/

13/01/2026

🧘‍♀️ Aerial Yoga & Lunch | Veteran & Family Wellbeing

Soldier On Australia invites current and ex-serving Defence members and their families to join us for a relaxing Aerial Yoga session, followed by a light lunch and time to connect.

This session is designed to support wellbeing in a welcoming, inclusive environment no experience needed, just come as you are.

🗓 Saturday 7 February 2026
🕚 11:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Kickstart Arts Building, Hobart

🎟 Bookings are essential:
👉 https://www.trybooking.com/DIEYC

🔔 Not registered with Soldier On yet?
There’s no cost to become a Soldier On participant. Register here:
👉 Registration form | Soldier On Australia

Spaces are limited — we’d love to see you there 💙

13/01/2026

On this day 60 years ago - 8 January 1966 - Operation Crimp began.

A joint US-Australian search-and-destroy operation involving the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), with supporting arms, Operation Crimp took place in the Ho Bo Woods, 30 kilometres north-west of Saigon in South Vietnam.

The operation targeted a Viet Cong headquarters, including an extensive tunnel system in the area - described as stretching hundreds of kilometres.

Sappers from 3 Field Troop, Royal Australian Engineers bravely crawled into the tight, dark tunnels, not knowing what awaited them. Despite the risks, the searches uncovered caches of documents, weapons, ammunition and supplies.

8 Australians were killed and 29 wounded during this week-long operation.

--
📸 Image: A Sapper of 3 Field Troop emerges from a Viet Cong tunnel. Photographer: Peter Kelly. KEL/66/0021/VN

12/01/2026

If any of our followers are in Canberra check out Queanbeyan Veteran and Family Hub

4 WEEKS TO GO!!
Come along & support RSL Lifecare Veteran Services' Community Services Day - Hometown Heroes - Salute to Service.
When: Sunday 8th February 2025
Where: Queanbeyan Showground
Time: 10am to 3pm
Tickets: $10 - Adult * $5 Child * $20 Family of 4
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/community-services-day-hometown-heroes-salute-to-service-tickets-1633372213259?aff=oddtdtcreator