Younger veterans in focus this Anzac Day

As Moreton Bay prepares to mark Anzac Day, attention is turning to a newer generation of veterans whose service is less visible, but no less significant.

Australians who have served since 1999 are now recognised as the most deployed generation since World War II, with more than 50,000 Australian Defence Force personnel involved in operations including Timor-Leste, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian responses.

Despite that, many younger veterans say their experiences are not always well understood in the broader Anzac conversation.

“For veterans in this cohort like myself, Anzac Day remains deeply meaningful, but can also bring complex emotions when our service feels less visible or understood,” Total Veteran Healthcare Chief Commercial Officer Joel Tunstall said.

Health experts say many younger veterans are now entering a critical stage, where the long-term impacts of service are starting to surface.

Professor Scott Kitchener, Medical and Clinical Director at Total Veteran Healthcare, said these needs are often different to those of earlier generations.

“Their health needs are not only defined by their age, but their different service experiences,” he said.

Many are now seeking support for physical injuries and mental health challenges that were previously managed or pushed aside during active service, but getting that support isn’t always straightforward.

“For a veteran, deciding to see a doctor can be the hardest step,” GP Dr Nerissa Naidoo said.

“If accessing care is complicated or delayed, many will continue to put their health aside and suffer in silence.”

For veterans living across Moreton Bay and North Brisbane, access can be further complicated by distance, work and family commitments, along with the challenge of navigating both Medicare and Department of Veterans’ Affairs systems after leaving the military.

With a strong and growing veteran community across the city, Anzac Day is not only a time to reflect on service, but also a reminder of the ongoing support many veterans need after they return home.

Brisbane-based Total Veteran Healthcare is one of a number of organisations working to improve access to coordinated care for veterans and their families, including reducing wait times and connecting patients with GPs, specialists and allied health services.

As locals gather for Anzac Day services across the City of Moreton Bay, the message from veterans and healthcare providers is clear: recognising service should also mean supporting those who continue to live with its impacts.

Veterans seeking support can learn more through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or local healthcare providers, including Total Veteran Healthcare.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Total Veteran Healthcare, a Brisbane-based provider delivering coordinated healthcare services to veterans and their families. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Moreton Daily possible.