Provocatus

16/09/2025

A few weeks back we introduced Quinton, the trainee service dog from LifeUnleashed by Integra Service Dogs Australia which Provocatus was sponsoring to help an Australian veteran with PTSD. However, Quinton was so smart and cooperative that he progressed much faster than expected. He graduated from training and is now helping a Sydney-based veteran with his daily tasks and to enjoy life. Well done, Quinton!

We’ll now be following the progress of Quilpie, a young Golden Labrador who’s already achieving great results in the classroom and in the field. Coming soon, we’ll see how Quilpie is learning the skills to help a veteran with PTSD through affection, guidance, care and companionship. Please look out for upcoming news featuring Quilpie! 🐕‍🦺

08/09/2025

📣Free Webinar for Healthcare Professionals
Supporting Defence & First Responders in Hospital

Psychiatrist Dr Julie Simes-Phillipps and Clinical Nurse Consultant Lana Barrett explore how defence personnel and first responders can be supported during hospital admission, including a phenotype-focused PTSD ward model that integrates mental health with physical and functional recovery.

Join us online Wednesday 17 September at 7:00 PM AEST for this exclusive National Community of Practice session hosted by the Veteran Access Scheme™.

You'll learn about:
• A phenotype-focused PTSD inpatient care model integrating mental, physical and functional recovery
• How collaborative, patient-centred care addresses complex challenges through three case studies
• Trauma-informed, respectful and family-inclusive support during admission for defence personnel and first responders

🩺 Who can attend?
Open to AHPRA-registered clinicians (GPs, Psychiatrists, Nurses, Psychologists, Pharmacists, OTs, Allied Health Professionals) and Social Workers.

🎓 CPD: 1 hour of self-directed CPD may apply (please confirm with your registration board).

🎟️ Register now and be part of the conversation.
Click here to register: https://www.provocatus.com.au/general-practitioner-veterans-community-of-practice

About the Veteran Access Scheme™
Hosted by Provocatus' Veteran Access Scheme™, this National Community of Practice webinar reflects our ongoing mission to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian veterans. Through open education and engagement with leading experts, we’re building a stronger, better-informed community around veteran healthcare.

26/08/2025

When .semmens visited the Provocatus team in Wollongong, he generously shared his insights into recovering from PTSD and mental health issues, as well as taking on big challenges. Please see the video here to find out about his crossing of the English Channel and how he raised significant funds for the .

06/08/2025

1. Do hard things.
2. Be of service.
3. If you say you will, then you must.

The team at Provocatus had the privilege of a visit from .semmens who talked about all that went into his record-setting ‘finning’ of the English Channel to raise funds for the . His story included the moments when he did not think he could fulfill the challenge.

While many moments of his story were unforgettable, Ash’s three-point mantra was a great takeaway for us all and remains useful even when our challenges are smaller than crossing the Channel.

Thank you for the visit, Ash. Our team is proud to have supported you with your challenge.

31/07/2025

💻We hear from veterans every week who are trying to make sense of the DVA claims process. It’s not simple, but there are some tools that can help.

We’ve put together a blog that outlines a few of those options, including how to use MyService, where to find your digital Veteran Card, and who to talk to if you need free support along the way.

Read more:
https://www.provocatus.com.au/veteran-news/digital-tools-that-can-help-with-dva-claims

29/07/2025

Provocatus’ commitment to providing clear, accessible health education for veteran communities means we’ll be hosting another presentation on Navigating the Complexities of Veteran Healthcare, on 6 August on the NSW Central Coast.

Held in partnership with the Central Coast Veteran & Family Hub in Wyong, Provocatus’ nurse Nigel will share information on how DVA support can be accessed through care pathways for mental health, chronic pain and more.

If you’re a veteran from the NSW Central Coast and would like to learn more about your health, we encourage you to come along.

Details:
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 4:30PM – 5:30PM AEST
Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub
31 Hely Street, Wyong, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2259
To attend, please RSVP to CentralCoastVFH@rsllifecare.org.au

25/07/2025

🐶We’re very excited to introduce you to Quinton, the trainee service dog that Provocatus has sponsored through LifeUnleashed By Integra Service Dogs Australia

Quinton is a Labrador X Golden Retriever. He’s a highly intelligent and driven young dog who loves to work and please. Highly affectionate, if you’re sitting, he wants to be in your lap! Loves to play and have a good game of tug.

Trainer Melissa is helping Quinton focus on pivot, tip, loose lead walking and basic obedience, to bring him up to speed.

We will be sharing the details of Quinton’s training and transition to working as one of the many LifeUnleashed trained service dogs providing Australian veterans with support for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Keep watching to see more of Quinton!

18/07/2025

Health for veterans goes beyond prescriptions. What many really need is a mix of support that looks at the full picture. Movement, mindset, and medicine working together. That’s why we offer comprehensive support through the Veteran Access Scheme™.

👉 Read the article below for more.

https://www.provocatus.com.au/veteran-news/how-movement-mindset-and-medicine-work-together-for-veteran-health

04/07/2025

📋 Allied Health + GP Care Plans = Better Veteran Healthcare

When GPs and allied health providers work together, veterans benefit from more coordinated, effective care.

If you're an allied health professional supporting DVA clients, this one’s for you. Our latest article breaks down how to:
✔️Align with GP referrals
✔️Navigate the DVA treatment cycle
✔️ Write meaningful End of Cycle Reports
✔️ Collaborate across the veteran care team

It’s about more than compliance - it’s about care that’s proactive, personalised, and connected.

🩺 Read the full post here 👉 https://bit.ly/3GrGI4S

Learn how allied health providers can align with DVA care plans, support veterans, and navigate treatment cycles with GPs for better patient outcomes.

26/06/2025

PTSD in Australian Veterans: What the Stats Say 👇

📌Up to 1 in 4 veterans experience PTSD.

Symptoms often show up months or even years after leaving service.

It’s not just mental health. PTSD is linked to chronic pain, sleep issues, and other health problems.

Many veterans struggle to find GPs who really get it.

The good news? Early support, veteran-aware GPs, and peer programs can make a big difference.

If you’re a veteran, family member, or health professional - knowing this stuff matters.

20/06/2025

The team at Provocatus is thrilled to share the news of its sponsorship of LifeUnleashed by Integra Service Dogs Australia.

The sponsorship was formalised at an event hosted by LifeUnleashed Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. It will see Provocatus sharing in the journey of training a new dog and placing it with a veteran in need of support with PTSD and related mental health challenges.

A special thank you goes to PR Manager Quentin (the Golden Retriever) who helped us to see the potential of this relationship!

18/06/2025

📣 Free Webinar for Healthcare Professionals

Cognitive concerns of Australian veterans

Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Jasmina Vrankovic explores how cognitive symptoms in veterans can be assessed, understood, and addressed in practice.

Join us online Monday 28 July at 7:00 PM AEST for this exclusive National Community of Practice session hosted by the Veteran Access Scheme™.

You'll learn about:
• Neuropsychological assessment in veteran care
• Cognitive impacts of head trauma and blast exposure
• What 4 years of data from Concord Hospital reveals

🩺 Who can attend?
Open to AHPRA-registered clinicians (GPs, Psychiatrists, Nurses, Psychologists, Pharmacists, OTs, Allied Health Professionals) and Social Workers.

🎓 CPD: 1 hour of self-directed CPD may apply (please confirm with your registration board).

🎟️ Register now and be part of the conversation.

About the Veteran Access Scheme™

Hosted by Provocatus' Veteran Access Scheme™, this National Community of Practice webinar reflects our ongoing mission to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian veterans. Through open education and engagement with leading experts, we’re building a stronger, better-informed community around veteran healthcare.

GP’s and prescribers are welcome to join our next community of practice meeting. Chaired by Dr Michael Mumford, we will cover clinical considerations in the treatment of ADF veterans in the alleviation of chronic pain symptoms, mental health & PTSD. Our mission at the Veteran Access Scheme is