Queenslanders living with disability who have lost a veteran parent will have access to additional support services in 2026 through a renewed partnership between the Bupa Foundation and the Legacy Club of Brisbane. The Bupa Foundation is funding delivery of Legacy Brisbane’s Seasons program this year, continuing funding first provided in 2024 for services for veterans’ families. The arrangement comes as new data outlines the health profile of Australia’s veteran population and survey findings point to pressure on families in areas including mental health, disability, and access to care.
Bupa ADF health services director Peter Livanes said the company is seeking to take a whole-of-community approach to Defence health. “Bupa is investing in a connected network of healthcare services across Australia that strengthens support for the entire Defence community, including families, veterans, and the regional communities in which Defence operates. By expanding access to primary care, urgent care, and mental health in particular, we are contributing to stronger health systems that support Defence capability and long-term wellbeing of its community. Across our organisation, we have a clear purpose to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of our Defence community, under all conditions and in any location required around Australia. In keeping with this purpose, I’m proud the Bupa Foundation has once again provided support to essential organisations like the Legacy Club of Brisbane,” Livanes said.
The Seasons program is designed for people with a disability in veteran families and aims to provide an environment where participants can build social networks and develop skills through structured activities, including art and music workshops. Legacy Brisbane chief executive Brendan Cox said the funding will be used to continue programs for people with disability in veteran families. “Legacy is truly grateful for the wonderful support of the Bupa Foundation who have been providing enriching social programs for our clients with disabilities for several years. These programs are critical to building community, confidence, and life-long friendships for these vulnerable members of the Legacy Family,” Cox said.
Bupa describes its work with Legacy and other groups as part of its broader involvement with the Defence sector. The organisation supports the Women in Defence Network and participates in the prime minister’s Veterans’ Employment Commitment, employing former Defence members in clinical and operational roles. “With veterans serving in clinical and operational roles throughout Bupa, we have a deep understanding across our business about Defence capability needs and culture. We serve members across more than 50 on-base health services around Australia and in complex and high tempo environments such as domestic national disaster situations and large-scale training exercises,” Livanes said. Since 2019, Bupa has delivered ADF health services under a contract to support an integrated healthcare system intended to help maintain the deployability of ADF personnel in conflict and crisis situations.
According to the 2021 Census of Population and Housing, about 581,000 Australians have ever served in the Australian Defence Force, representing 2.8% of people aged 15 and over. Around 84,900 (15%) were current serving members (60,300 permanent and 24,600 reservists), and more than 496,000 (85%) were ex-serving. Veterans are mostly male, at 86% of the cohort, and ex-serving members are older on average, with 53% aged 65 and over.
The population-level trends are reflected in research focused on families. A report released on Oct. 30, 2025, by the Families of Veterans Guild, based on the 2025 Veteran Families Survey of nearly 600 family members of current and former Defence personnel, identified combined mental health, employment, and access-to-care pressures. More than half (52%) of surveyed families reported mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD in the previous 12 months and were more than twice as likely as the general population to report such issues. Only 36% agreed that Australia’s mental health services are tailored to the needs of veteran families.
Access to health care was also an issue. Forty-five percent reported difficulty accessing general health services such as GPs, specialists, and hospitals in the prior year. Among the 78% of respondents with a household member who had a diagnosed disability or additional needs, one-third reported difficulty accessing disability or specialist health services. The survey found household-level financial stress and employment instability, with 34% reporting unemployment or underemployment among adults in the past 12 months and 52% expressing concern about their current financial situation. Despite the existence of government and community programs, 54% said they had not accessed any of the listed veteran support services in the previous year, citing factors such as lack of awareness and uncertainty about eligibility. Yet respondents reported continued support for Defence careers: 59% said they would still recommend a career in the ADF.
