News

national manager

Meet Leonie Nowland, First Assistant Secretary of Open Arms

Being in a position to help veterans and families who may be in similar situations to what I experienced is one of the reasons I was thrilled to join VVCS, now Open Arms in 2007. To be First Assistant Secretary of Open Arms is the pinnacle of my career. 

reading brochure

Australian PTSD research creates new world-class therapy

The Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery (RESTORE) Trial investigated a new method of delivering PTSD treatment through an intensive form of exposure therapy delivered within a two-week period.

original vvcs staff

Celebrating 40 years

‘Today’s celebration is an opportunity for us to reflect on the achievements of the Vietnam veterans who founded the service, and celebrate a service that continues to evolve to meet the needs of veterans and their families,’ said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.

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Support services

Serving and ex-serving personnel Veterans and their families have access to a range of support options from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the Department of Defence. Ex-Service Organisations (ESO) also provide a critical role in supporting our people and their families.

AARTS program participant

Open Arms into ARRTS

"The program has done wonders for me in the short-term and I know it's going to do wonders for me in the long term as well. I'd recommend it to anyone"

lived experience peer

2021 Open Arms Holiday Message

This year has been challenging for many of us, and especially for some in our veteran community.  On top of personal challenges, the release of the Brereton Report, announcement of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and COVID-19 have left many in the veteran community unsettled.

Veteran Sport Australia & Parkrun card

Open Arms and Veterans Sport Australia Parkrun partnership

Open Arms is excited to announce that it has once again partnered with Veterans Sport Australia to hold our Parkrun and ‘not a parkrun’ events for 2021 Veterans’ Health Week, October 16-24.

Woman sitting on park bench

Homelessness and how to find support

For Homelessness Week (1-7 August 2021), learn about the risk factors of homelessness in the veteran community, and where to find support for current and former ADF personnel and their families.