Our recent Defence Kids program at the Bear Grylls Survival Camp in Coffs Harbour reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to support for Defence families in regional communities.

Young people in Defence families can experience unique pressures associated with service life, including relocation, separation and transition. Our programs are designed to provide early intervention mental health education, peer connection and consistent support to help young people navigate these challenges.

Through a combination of outdoor challenge-based activities and Defence-focused mental health education, young people developed confidence, strengthened peer connections and built practical wellbeing skills in a supportive environment.

We acknowledge and thank the Australian Government Department of Veterans’​ Affairs (DVA) for their ongoing partnership in enabling the delivery of these programs across Australia.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to continue this expansion with our first Defence Kids Camp in Katherine, Northern Territory, at the Katherine Outback Experience (1–3 May), further strengthening access to early intervention support in regional areas.

To learn more visit: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/defence-kids/