Collaborative program supporting veteran health and wellbeing 

Health and Wellbeing Queensland is proud to be involved in a new collaborative initiative that is supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans in Greater Springfield, south of Brisbane, to improve their health and wellbeing as they transition to civilian life. 

Springfield, one of Australia’s fastest-growing master-planned cities, is home to a significant and growing veteran population. Many veterans in the region have reported low levels of physical activity and increased risk of chronic disease and at high risk for poor mental health, highlighting the importance of early, preventative intervention.

At the centre of this initiative is Active Choices, a 12-week, evidence-based physical activity and social prescribing program designed to support veterans to move more, build social connections and improve overall wellbeing. 

Active Choices is being delivered through a collaborative partnership between Health and Wellbeing Queensland, The University of Queensland’s Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing, Springfield City Group, Gallipoli Medical Research and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research.

The program connects participants with existing local physical activity opportunities while fostering peer support networks—both of which are key drivers of sustained behaviour change. By addressing physical inactivity and social isolation together, Active Choices supports improved physical and psychological outcomes. 

Aligned with Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s prevention focus, the initiative demonstrates how evidence-based, community-led approaches can reduce the risk of chronic disease and support long-term wellbeing.

Importantly, the program is designed for lasting impact. Veteran champions play a central role in supporting delivery and mentoring others, enabling the model to expand across the Greater Springfield region, other targeted ADF communities in Queensland, and potentially nationally.  

Through collaboration and a shared commitment to prevention, this initiative is helping to build healthier, more connected communities for veterans and their families. 

For further information about Active Choices contact vmh.gmr@gallipoliresearch.org.au or Associate Professor Nick Gilson at The University of Queensland (n.gilson1@uq.edu.au).