University and Pro Patria join forces to support veterans’ transition to civilian life

Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Pro Patria Centre (PPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance educational pathways and support systems for veterans transitioning into civilian life.

The MoU signing took place at the PPC on Thursday, 3 October, in front of Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Wagga Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout, Kapooka Commanding Officer Colonel Tim Stone, Commanding Officer of Number 31 Squadron at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga Derek Aranha, and university and community leaders.

Under the MoU, CSU and PPC will collaborate on developing education programs, researching veteran health and wellbeing, sharing best practices in veteran support, and raising awareness of veterans’ experiences.

Pro Patria board member Jacqui Van de Velde said the strategic partnership between CSU and PPC was a dream come true.

“Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country,” Ms Van de Velde said.

“The collaboration between Charles Sturt University and the Pro Patria Centre marks a new chapter in veteran support services, ensuring that veterans and their families receive the recognition, care, and opportunities they deserve.”

Ms Van de Velde’s passion for helping veterans stemmed from research on successful veteran hubs in the United States.

She noted the success of those hubs was deeply rooted in community connections and strong partnerships with higher education institutions.

“What we establish, grow, and develop as part of this partnership is not only going to improve the lives of regional and rural veterans, but it will also have an impact across Australia,” she said.

Ms Van de Velde refrained from declaring the partnership an Australian first, acknowledging that many universities already provided pathways for veterans. However, she noted that what had been lacking was ongoing collaboration.

“We want to see research undertaken on issues associated with veterans, including health, legal matters, advocacy, and a whole range of things,” she said.

Afghanistan veteran and PPC board director Jason Frost said the partnership with CSU was opening new education and research opportunities not previously available.

“Linking with the local university gives us access to education that people might not have originally considered,” Mr Frost said.

He added that he would have appreciated it if a similar partnership with a university had existed when he left the Defence.

“I do wish we did have these connections earlier on,” Mr Frost said.

“There are many problems we face during the transition that haven’t been addressed.

“Having the university there to do some new research in these areas is hugely advantageous.”

CSU Faculty of Science and Health executive dean, Professor Megan Smith, said the MoU represented a powerful commitment to making a meaningful impact on the veteran community, particularly within the Riverina.

“The findings in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Final Report send a damning message to all Australians that we need to do better when it comes to supporting those who keep our country safe,” Professor Smith said.

“A key focus of the MoU is to share best practices in supporting veterans’ mental health, aligning with Recommendation 2 of the report, which calls for improved outcomes and access to support recruits from the beginning of their training to build resilience and embed help-seeking behaviours.”

Professor Smith also noted that CSU and PPC could play a crucial role in supporting Recommendation 80 of the report, which calls for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to take responsibility for supporting members transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force.

“The MoU’s development of educational programs tailored to the needs of veterans and ADF students will provide supported pathways for them as they transition into higher education,” Professor Smith said.

She added that the MoU had already gained support from leaders across various sectors, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing veterans’ health and wellbeing needs.