Honouring the Hidden Service National Symposium

Friday, 16 October 2026
9:45am – 3:30pm
Australian War Memorial Auditorium, Canberra

Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Inc. (P.V.A.) is proud to present the inaugural Honouring the Hidden Service National Symposium—a landmark event dedicated to recognising the invaluable contribution of Australia's veteran partners, spouses, families and carers.

While the service of Australia's Defence personnel is rightly acknowledged, the experiences of those who stand beside them have often remained unseen. Partners, spouses, children and families quietly carry the challenges of military life through deployments, relocations, operational service, injury, illness, recovery and transition.

This national symposium brings together senior government representatives, Defence leaders, clinicians, researchers, veteran support organisations and individuals with lived experience to explore the realities facing military and veteran families and identify practical ways to improve recognition, support and outcomes.

Together, we will shine a light on the hidden service behind the uniform.

Patron, Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Inc. (P.V.A.)

Opening Address – Recognising the Hidden Service

Why acknowledging the contribution of partners, spouses, families and carers matters, and why Australia must ensure their service is recognised alongside those who wear the uniform.

Secretary, Department of Veterans' Affairs

The Evolving Veteran Family Landscape

Providing the Australian Government's perspective on the changing needs of veteran families, current initiatives and the future direction of veteran support. Alison will discuss how government, community and veteran organisations can work together to better support families throughout every stage of military service and beyond.

Veteran Family Commissioner

The Hidden Service: The Reality of Supporting Military and Veteran Families

Drawing on lived experience and national advocacy, Annabelle will explore the unique challenges faced by military and veteran families, highlighting the often unseen contribution of partners and carers while advocating for greater recognition, understanding and lasting reform.

Defence Family Advocate

Service Beyond Uniform — Why Families Matter

Exploring the vital role Defence families play throughout military service and why recognising, supporting and empowering families is fundamental to the wellbeing of serving members, veterans and the broader Defence community.

Repatriation Commissioner

Why Recognising Families Matters Throughout the Rehabilitation and Transition Journey

Drawing upon his experience as Repatriation Commissioner, Brigadier Fegan will discuss the critical role families play throughout rehabilitation, recovery and transition, and why supporting families is fundamental to achieving positive outcomes for veterans.

Consultant Psychiatrist

When Service Comes Home: The Impact on Partners and Families

One of Australia's leading psychiatrists in military and veteran mental health, Associate Professor Lim will explore the psychological impact of military service on partners and families, including mental health, caring responsibilities, family relationships, social isolation, financial pressures and compassion fatigue. His presentation will highlight why supporting families is central to the wellbeing and recovery of those who have served.

Drawing upon decades of supporting Defence and veteran families through some of life's most difficult moments, Cathy will explore navigating end-of-life care, bereavement, military loss and the lifelong impact service can have on grief. Her presentation will emphasise the importance of compassionate conversations and why ongoing grief support remains an essential component of veteran family wellbeing.

Founder, Remount

Beyond Service: Rebuilding Purpose, Identity and Connection

Ben Maguire AM brings more than a decade of experience working alongside veterans and their families through Remount. Drawing on the lessons learned over ten years, Ben will share his unique perspective on life beyond military service, the importance of rebuilding purpose and identity, and the power of connection and community.

His presentation will reflect on the extraordinary resilience, love and unwavering support provided by veteran partners and families—people whose "hidden service" quietly stands behind every veteran. Through lived experience and practical insight, Ben will explore why recognising families is not simply important, but essential to improving outcomes for veterans and those who stand beside them.

Throughout the day, delegates will hear engaging panel discussions exploring:

• Supporting families throughout the military lifecycle.
• Practical reforms to improve recognition and support.
• Mental health, research and clinical perspectives.
• Building stronger partnerships between government, Defence and the veteran sector.
• What needs to change to better support Australia's military and veteran families.

Audience participation and questions are encouraged throughout the day.

During morning tea and lunch, delegates are invited to visit the Community Support Showcase, bringing together organisations from across Australia that provide advocacy, wellbeing programs, education, research, practical assistance and support services for veterans and their families.

The Showcase offers an opportunity to meet service providers, discover available programs and build valuable connections across the veteran community. If you would like to particapte in the Community Support Showcase then please email [email protected]

This symposium is ideal for:

• Veteran partners, spouses, children and families
• Serving Defence families
• Veterans
• Defence and Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs)
• Health professionals and clinicians
• Researchers and academics
• Government representatives
• Policy makers
• Advocates and community leaders
• Anyone committed to improving the wellbeing of Australia's military and veteran families

By attending you will:

• Hear from Australia's leading voices in veteran family policy, advocacy, research and clinical care.
• Gain valuable insights into the lived experiences of military and veteran families.
• Learn about emerging research, innovative programs and practical support services.
• Connect with organisations committed to improving veteran and family wellbeing.
• Share ideas and contribute to an important national conversation focused on meaningful and lasting change.
• Be part of a historic event dedicated to ensuring the service of Australia's military and veteran families is recognised and remembered.

Date: Friday, 16 October 2026
Time: 9:45am – 3:30pm
Venue: Australian War Memorial Auditorium, Canberra

Delegates are encouraged to begin the day by attending the Honouring the Hidden Service National Commemorative and Wreath Laying Ceremony, commencing at 8:45am at the Australian War Memorial before joining the Symposium.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon refreshments are included, along with opportunities to network with delegates and visit the Community Support Showcase.

Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Inc. (P.V.A.) is a national Ex-Service Organisation dedicated to recognising, supporting and advocating for the partners, spouses, families and carers of current and former Australian Defence Force members.

Through advocacy, education, connection and collaboration, P.V.A. works to ensure the invaluable contribution of veteran families is recognised, their voices are heard, and their lived experiences help shape the future of veteran and family wellbeing across Australia.

Honouring the Hidden Service is more than a symposium—it is the beginning of a national conversation. It is an opportunity to recognise those whose sacrifice has too often gone unseen and to ensure that the service of Australia's military and veteran families is acknowledged, valued and never forgotten.

Because behind every person who serves is a family whose service deserves to be recognised, valued and honoured.

Event venue & nearby stays

Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, Campbell, Australia

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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