Women Veterans Australia Ltd (WVA) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2017 to support, connect, and advocate for women who have served in the Australian Defence Force. While military service shares many commonalities, women often experience it in unique and complex ways that are frequently overlooked. WVA was founded in recognition of these differences and is dedicated to ensuring that the distinct needs, voices, and experiences of women veterans are seen, heard, and addressed, so that no woman veteran is left behind.

Our Commitment

At Women Veterans Australia, our commitment is to provide unwavering support, comprehensive services, and strategic advocacy to help all women veterans achieve their full potential and gain visibility and recognition within the community and political landscape. As an Australian not-for-profit charity, we are dedicated to promoting personal development, professional growth, health and wellness, and community building.

Our Inspired Future

Women veterans across Australia are able to achieve their full potential and are equally represented across all forums through a collective voice.

How We Get Things Done

At Women Veterans Australia, we understand that the veteran experience is holistic. Our approach is multi-faceted and focuses on four key areas:

• Programs
• Strategic Advocacy
• Research
• Communications and Visibility

How We Make It Happen

Empower Women Veterans 

Our aim is to provide funding and grants for programs to support the wellbeing of women veterans. We also seek to provide education and training activities to address issues experienced by women veterans directly tied to their service in the military or separation from the military to empower them to thrive. 

Understand Women Veterans Needs 

Women Veterans Australia supports initiatives and studies that enhance the understanding of issues and challenges that are unique to women veterans. We believe that in order for services and organisations to adequately support women veterans, they must increase their awareness of what makes women veterans’ experiences and needs different. 

Advocate for Women Veterans 

Our organisation is passionate about advocating for women veterans. This includes shining a spotlight on women veterans, challenging the narrative of what a modern veteran looks like, and advocating for changes to policies and support mechanisms to meet the needs of women veterans. 

Our Principles 

Empowerment 

Women Veterans Australia is dedicated o supporting women veterans in achieving self determination by fostering confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community empowering each woman veteran to have the autonomy to reach her goals. 

Support 

Women Veterans Australia recognises that the needs of women veterans are diverse and will support all veterans regardless of where they are on their journey, ensuring they can maximise their potential.  

Service 

Women Veterans Australia is committed to serving all women veterans, placing their needs at the centre of our decision making and advocacy efforts. 

Women Veterans Australia lead the 2026 NSW Swifts ANZAC Day Ceremony

Women Veterans Australia was proud to partner with the NSW Swifts and Netball NSW for the 2026 ANZAC Day ceremony ahead of the NSW Swifts v GIANTS Netball derby, helping to place the service of women veterans at the centre of a significant national sporting occasion.

Held before a crowd of 8,241 spectators and a televised national audience, the ceremony featured an all-women honour guard representing the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force. The event provided a powerful platform to acknowledge the longstanding contribution of women in military service and to increase public visibility of women veterans within the broader Australian community.

Women Veterans Australia was represented by Chair Llani Kennealy, Board Director Lyndsay Free, and NSW Ambassador Del Maree Gaudry CSC. The occasion was further strengthened by the presence of Brigadier Bec Talbot, Commander 17th Sustainment Brigade, representatives from the veteran community including the President of DEFGLIS, and the support of the Australian Military Wives Choir. The all-women honour guard was led by Warrant Officer Class One Kim Kiely.

As a woman-led sporting code, netball provided a particularly fitting setting for this recognition. The ceremony reflected a growing public awareness that women have always served in Australia’s military, and that their service should be visible, understood and appropriately recognised.

As WVA Chair Llani Kennealy noted, “Women have always served. This is about making sure that service is seen, understood and valued.”

The event generated significant public engagement and media coverage, contributing to broader conversations about visibility, recognition, and the unique experiences of women veterans.

Media & Digital Coverage

• ABC News: Coverage of the NSW Swifts ANZAC Day ceremony and the recognition of women veterans through Suncorp Super Netball
• NSW Swifts Facebook: Ceremony highlights and audience engagement from the ANZAC Day match
• Women Veterans Australia Facebook: Post-event reflections and community response

This partnership reflects Women Veterans Australia’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, visibility, and ensuring women veterans are recognised as an integral part of Australia’s veteran community.