DVA Minister Tehan’s media release – 26 August 2017
The first Kookaburra Kids Foundation camp for children of current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) families affected by mental illness will take place this weekend.
The camp will give the children the opportunity to have fun in a supportive environment while also learning about mental illness and developing coping and resilience skills.
More than 30 children from the ACT region will participate in the camp which includes a range of activities led by qualified volunteer leaders.
The Government announced funding of $2.1 million in March for the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation to run a two-year pilot program to help children of veterans.
The Government recognises the burden of service extends beyond veterans to their families. That is why we are committed to supporting programs such like the Kookaburra Kids Foundation camps.
Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation CEO Pam Brown said through activities and group work, the camp program allowed children to gain a greater understanding of mental illness and to form new friendships with other children who are facing similar challenges.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to launch the Kookaburra Kids Program nationally, enabling us to support more of the ADF community,” Ms Brown said.
Anyone looking to get involved with Kookaburra Kids, or to refer a child, please visit https://kookaburrakids.org.au/.
Media enquiries:
Minister Tehan’s office: Byron Vale, 0428 262 894
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.