Join us for the official launch of the UNSW Veterans’ and Families’ Strategy, a strategy supporting veterans and families through education, transition, wellbeing and lifelong learning.
UNSW Canberra has a longstanding relationship with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and a proud history of educating Defence and civilian leaders. Each year, around 6,000 ADF personnel transition to civilian life, with education recognised as an important enabler of successful transition and long-term wellbeing. For veterans and families, access to education can create new opportunities to reskill, upskill, build confidence, strengthen connection and pursue sustainable employment.
The Veterans’ and Families’ Strategy sets out a coordinated approach to recognising veterans and families as a valued part of the UNSW community. It outlines practical commitments to strengthen education pathways, provide tailored academic, wellbeing and employability support, recognise prior learning and experience, and deepen partnerships with Defence, government, ex-service organisations and industry.
This launch will bring together veterans and families, government, Defence, industry, partners, ex-service organisations, media and the UNSW community to mark an important step in UNSW Canberra’s commitment to veteran and family wellbeing. The event will also provide an opportunity to connect with leaders across the veteran support landscape and explore how universities, government, industry and community can work together to improve outcomes for those who have served and those who support them.
Annabelle Wilson is the Veteran Family Commissioner, bringing extensive leadership and advocacy experience across the veteran and defence sectors. Previously Chief Operating Officer of Melbourne Legacy and an Interim Board Member of the Institute of Veterans Advocacy, she has dedicated her career to supporting veterans and their families. As the widow of Air Force veteran Josh Chalmers, Annabelle brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role, where she provides strategic policy advice and champions the voices of veteran families across Australia.
Brigadier Patrick Kidd OBE OAM is the Chief Executive Officer of the Future Skills Organisation and a passionate advocate for veterans and their families. A former senior officer in the British Army and Australian Defence Force, he was awarded an OBE for military service and later an OAM for leading the successful delivery of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. He continues to champion veteran health and wellbeing through his roles on the boards of Invictus Australia and Victoria's Emergency Services Foundation, while drawing on his extensive leadership experience across defence, major events and workforce development.
Bronwyn commenced as Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Enterprise at the UNSW in mid-July 2024. Prior to this, she was the Chief Scientist at CSIRO having previously held the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at Swinburne University. She is an internationally recognised expert on carbon fibre and composite materials and was the founding Director of Swinburne’s Manufacturing Futures Research Institute as well as Deakin’s Carbon Nexus facility.
Professor Emma Sparks is the Rector and Dean of UNSW Canberra, where she leads the University's education, research and engagement with Defence, government and industry. With more than 20 years' experience across the higher education and Defence sectors, Professor Sparks is a recognised leader in systems engineering education and innovative learning. She is passionate about expanding access to education and strengthening pathways that support lifelong learning, workforce development and national capability.
Join us in celebrating the launch of UNSW's Veterans' and Families' Strategy
