The state government of South Australia has teamed up with the Port Adelaide Football Club to support an AFL-first program helping South Australian veterans to discover a new sense of purpose and community connection post-service.
Port Adelaide’s Australian Defence Force (ADF) Veterans Program – the only program of its kind run by an AFL club – brings former defence personnel and ex-AFL players together for a six-week program, empowering veterans to hear from past players and learn new skills as they transition into the next stage of their lives.
The program offers ways to tackle the uncertainty that many experience after either career. Sessions will be hosted by past Port Adelaide players, skilled professionals and local organisations, with key themes including goal setting, relationships, leadership and mental health and wellbeing. The state government is investing $240,000, through Veterans SA, to ensure the program can continue to support the veteran community over the next four years.
Established in 2021 and run by the not-for-profit charity arm of the club, Power Community Limited, the ADF Veterans Program has relied on federal and third-party support – this new funding means the program can expand and help more veterans. This year’s intake will be open to more than 80 veterans, an increase of 30 participants, while the additional government support will enable regular events to be held throughout the year and promote long-term connections between veterans and players after the program ends.
To date, the program has reached 133 people with 51 participants successfully completing last year’s program – which was fully booked out in two weeks, demonstrating the need for a program like this that helps veterans find new meaning. The investment is part of a $2.1 million State Budget commitment to improve outcomes for veterans and their families, with a host of initiatives being rolled out.
Applications are now open for the 2024 ADF Veterans Program and veterans are encouraged to register by emailing wnortheast@pafc.com.au. More information is available on the Port Adelaide Football Club’s website. Port Adelaide has a strong and proud connection to military service, with 164 past players serving for their country over the club’s 154-year history.
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about time AFL did something good and worthwhile like this instead of the woke crap