Our First Aid Kit setup
for the Wellbeing of all our Veterans
The Iluka/Woombah Veterans & Supporters Hub has operated since April 2023, founded on a simple but powerful purpose: to provide a safe, respectful, veteran centred space where Australian Defence Force Veterans, War Widows, and families of current serving members can connect, heal, and belong. From the beginning, our Hub has been guided by Core Principles shaped by lived experience, the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and the needs expressed directly by our veterans. These principles ensure that every activity, decision, and interaction within the Hub protects wellbeing, dignity, and trust. They remain the foundation of who we are and how we serve our community.
From our experience and connection with veterans, it became clear that what was missing was a truly independent, veteran‑focused hub — a place free from pressure, politics, or affiliation, where every veteran can feel safe, respected, welcomed, and supported without judgement or expectation.
It Is All About the Gathering
Everything we do begins and ends with the Gathering. It is the heart of IWVSH — a place where veterans are honoured for their service and can simply turn up, feel welcome, and know they belong. Some veterans who join us may be living with PTSD, anxiety, or other service related challenges. Because of that, empathy, kindness, and understanding must always guide how we treat one another. This is the image we project to the community, and it is the standard we hold ourselves to. Before anyone is quick to judge, they should take a moment to look at themselves first. Our role is not to criticise — it is to support. Veteran Supporters who join our group are here for one purpose: to uplift, honour, and stand beside our veterans, helping create the calm, positive environment that makes the Gathering what it is.Who Is Welcome at Our Gathering
Our Gathering is open to the full circle of people who make up our veteran community.A Safe, Neutral, Pressure Free Environment
The Gathering has been created so veterans know they can come here and feel completely at ease — no pressure, no negativity, no judgement. That means: • No politics • No religious discussions • No debates of any kind • No criticism or judgement of others It’s all about everyone enjoying themselves on the day, relaxing, and being among people who understand them. If a veteran is having a problem — whether it’s with DVA, a personal issue, or something weighing on them — that can be discussed privately with the President or Vice President. If appropriate, and only with the veteran’s agreement, the matter can then be raised at a committee meeting for support for follow-up.Neutral Clothing and Presentation
What we call our “uniform” — our polo shirts and T shirts — must always remain completely neutral. They must not display anything that could be seen as political, divisive, or unrelated to veterans’ wellbeing. Our insignia represents unity, respect, and service, and we protect that standard at all times. Anyone who chooses to ignore this rule is showing total disrespect to all veterans and to every veterans’ organisation across Australia. If someone insists on wearing political or divisive symbols while representing IWVSH, then this is not the right group for them. You can honour a family member or passed relative by displaying their name, service, and enlistment details on the right-hand side of your polo shirts and T shirts — ensuring they are not forgotten.Veterans Choose Their Own Path
In the interest of our veterans, each veteran has the absolute right to choose what they want to do, and which organisations they wish to be involved in. That choice belongs to them — not to IWVSH. IWVSH can advise veterans about organisations, services, and events that are available, but the final decision is always their choice, never ours. Our independence protects that freedom. By remaining neutral and not joining any other organisation, we ensure that no veteran feels pressured, influenced, or steered toward a group they may not wish to be associated with. Our role is simple: to provide a safe, neutral, independent space where every veteran’s personal choices are respected.Remembrance Services
Remembrance is deeply personal. We respect every veteran’s right to choose how and where they commemorate. The Hub always has a representative present to lay wreaths at local cenotaphs and wherever our veterans attend.
Our relaxed committee meetings
Is the proper place for anything that needs to be raised — suggestions, concerns, even criticism. That is where issues can be discussed respectfully, fairly, and with the right people present.