Introduction
The Victorian Veterans Council (VVC) is an independent statutory body that advises the Victorian Government on issues affecting veterans, former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.
The Council supports veterans’ wellbeing, commemorative activities, public education and community-based projects. It also oversees major funding programs, including the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and the Victorian Veterans Fund.
Its work focuses on veterans support, welfare funding, mental health, family assistance, remembrance, community engagement and recognition of military service.
History and Background
The Victorian Veterans Council was established in 2006 under the Veterans Act 2005.
It was created to strengthen communication between the Victorian Government and the veteran community while supporting welfare, remembrance and veterans’ funding.
The Council also advises on patriotic funds and works closely with veterans’ organizations, community groups and government agencies.
Mission and Purpose
The Council aims to improve the wellbeing of Victoria’s veterans and ensure their service and sacrifice are properly recognized.
Its main priorities include:
- Supporting veteran welfare and wellbeing.
- Advising the Victorian Government on veterans’ issues.
- Promoting Anzac Day and remembrance activities.
- Supporting veterans’ families and dependants.
- Encouraging collaboration among ex-service organizations.
- Preserving veterans’ stories and military history.
- Improving public understanding of veterans’ contributions.
Governance and Structure
The Victorian Veterans Council is an independent statutory organization made up of 11 members appointed by the Governor in Council.
Members bring experience in areas such as:
- Military service.
- Veterans’ welfare.
- Governance.
- Community engagement.
- Patriotic fund administration.
- Commemoration.
- Veterans’ family support.
The Council also operates committees that oversee funding, governance and financial accountability.
As of 2026, Commodore Greg Yorke AM, CSC, RAN Rtd serves as Chair, with Brett West serving as Deputy Chair.
Funding and Grants
Grantmaking is one of the Council’s major responsibilities.
Its main funding mechanisms are:
- Anzac Day Proceeds Fund
- Victorian Veterans Fund
- Victoria Remembers Grant Program
- Patriotic funds supporting veterans and educational initiatives.
Anzac Day Proceeds Fund
The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund supports projects that improve the welfare and wellbeing of veterans and their families.
Funding may support:
- Mental health and wellbeing.
- Social connection.
- Financial hardship assistance.
- Veteran family support.
- Recreational and outdoor therapy.
- Housing and homelessness support.
- Programs for women veterans.
- Physical health and rehabilitation.
In 2024–2025, approximately $1.02 million was approved for 18 projects through this fund.
Victorian Veterans Fund
The Victorian Veterans Fund supports projects that honour veterans, preserve military history and educate communities about Australian Defence Force service.
Funding can support:
- Memorials.
- Exhibitions.
- Oral histories.
- Community events.
- School education.
- Anzac Day and Remembrance Day activities.
- Recognition of veterans from diverse backgrounds.
In 2024–2025, approximately $487,599 was approved for 28 projects.
Victoria Remembers Grant Program
The Victoria Remembers Grant Program provides funding for projects that commemorate veterans and increase community understanding of military service.
For the 2026–2027 funding round, grants range from $1,000 to $30,000.
Projects may focus on:
- Veterans’ stories.
- Community remembrance.
- Women veterans.
- First Nations veterans.
- Culturally diverse veterans.
- Veterans with disabilities.
- Post-1990 Australian Defence Force operations.
Major Programs and Initiatives
The Council supports a wide range of veterans’ programs and initiatives across Victoria.
Key areas include:
- Veteran mental health and wellbeing.
- Community and social connection.
- Transition from military to civilian life.
- Veterans’ family support.
- Commemorative activities.
- Historical research and storytelling.
- Veterans’ education and awareness.
- Community partnerships.
The Council also conducts veterans sector studies and provides advice to the Victorian Government on emerging issues affecting veterans.
Veterans Sector Research
The Council has undertaken major studies of Victoria’s veteran community to better understand changing needs and service gaps.
Research areas include:
- Employment.
- Housing.
- Health and wellbeing.
- Family support.
- Social isolation.
- Transition from Defence service.
- Veterans’ access to services.
- Coordination between veterans’ organizations.
These findings help inform government policies and future funding priorities.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
In 2024–2025, the Victorian Veterans Council distributed more than $1.5 million across 46 projects through its major grant programs.
Examples of funded initiatives include:
- Adventure Works Australia – $150,000 for outdoor adventure therapy for veterans.
- Soldier On – $142,993 for a wellbeing program supporting women veterans.
- Aussie Veterans – $100,000 for veteran social connection activities.
- Melbourne Legacy – $85,000 for youth camps supporting veteran families.
- RSL Victoria – $75,000 for financial assistance for veterans and families.
- Path of the Horse – $50,000 for equine-assisted therapy.
- Veterans for Fishing – $30,000 for recreational activities supporting mental wellbeing.
The Council also funds commemorative projects, including exhibitions, oral histories, Anzac Day services, memorials and community storytelling initiatives.
Patriotic Funds
The Victorian Veterans Council also oversees several patriotic funds that support veterans, dependants and education.
These funds provide assistance for:
- Healthcare scholarships.
- Nursing and emergency care studies.
- Veterans with vision impairment.
- Professional training.
- Veteran welfare and community support.
Why the Victorian Veterans Council Matters
The Victorian Veterans Council provides an important connection between veterans, community organizations and government.
Its role combines:
- Veterans’ policy advice.
- Grant funding.
- Community consultation.
- Welfare support.
- Commemoration.
- Research.
- Public education.
By supporting both practical welfare programs and remembrance initiatives, the Council helps address the needs of current and former Defence personnel while preserving their contribution to Victoria’s history.
Conclusion
The Victorian Veterans Council plays a key role in supporting veterans and their families across Victoria.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Council has helped fund veteran welfare programs, mental health initiatives, social connection activities, commemorative projects and educational programs.
Through the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund, Victorian Veterans Fund and Victoria Remembers Grant Program, it provides important financial support to ex-service organizations and community groups.
Its work strengthens veterans’ wellbeing, improves cooperation across the sector and ensures that the service and sacrifice of Australian veterans continue to be recognized and remembered.
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