AIDN partners with Wounded Heroes in 2026

Wounded Heroes Australia was established 19 years ago to provide grassroots, 24/7 immediate crisis support to ADF personnel, veterans, and their families experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, or risk of homelessness across Australia. The organisation’s sole charitable purpose is the prevention of veteran suicide.

Since 2007, the charity has financially supported more than 38,000 military families, including 4,223 families in 2024 and 5,800 in 2025.

Currently, Wounded Heroes Australia’s 24/7 crisis line receives between 23 and 28 calls per day, with an average emergency assistance spend of $1,020 per case to address essential human needs such as emergency accommodation, food, and fuel. Support is typically delivered within 60 minutes once the veteran or family has been identified.

The organisation focuses on providing immediate crisis intervention before connecting veterans and families with other organisations for ongoing support services, including financial assistance, advocacy, medical and psychological care, sustainable housing, training, and employment opportunities.

More than 61.7% of calls received come via referrals from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and rehabilitation providers seeking urgent crisis support. Wounded Heroes Australia does not receive government funding for crisis response services, and currently there are no state or federal grant programs available to provide direct cash assistance. For the organisation, access to cash funding is critical to delivering immediate, life-changing support.

Unlike many other Australian workers, ADF personnel do not have access to a WorkCover-style system, and veterans are currently facing delays of between three and five years to receive pensions or support payments, often forcing them to rely on Centrelink during that period.

Wounded Heroes goal is to improve the lives of veterans, ADF personnel, and their families by delivering compassionate, reliable support when it is needed most, ensuring that those facing, financial crisis, suicidal ideations and domestic violence have the help and resources necessary. 

AIDN is proud to partner with Wounded Heroes Australia in 2026 at our upcoming Gala Dinners and member events across the national network.  These events will provide Wounded Heroes an opportunity to raise awareness of the important work they undertake to support veterans and their families, while also encouraging the Defence industry community to contribute to meaningful outcomes for those who have served Australia.

You can support Wounded Heroes at any time through their Coffee4Heroes program.  Coffee4Heroes provides a simple but impactful way for individuals and businesses to support veterans and their families in crisis.  Through the purchase of Coffee4Heroes products and partnerships, proceeds directly contribute to the organisation’s emergency assistance programs, helping deliver immediate support including accommodation, food, fuel, and essential living needs. The initiative also helps raise awareness of the challenges faced by veterans while encouraging communities and workplaces to play an active role in supporting those who have served Australia. Find out more about the Coffee4Heores program here.

For most of us, a coffee keeps us going every day whether we’re at home or at work, so why not purchase coffee that also saves lives? After all, the challenges faced are real….’Are You Okay Digger’

For more information about Wounded Heroes, contact Colette McCann on ph: 0437 855 957, email: [email protected] or log onto their website.