As fans descended on grounds around the country for one of the most special weekends on the rugby league calendar, the NRL's Battlefields to Footyfields program received a timely boost by partnering with Health Care Australia.
Established in 2018 following the Invictus Games in Sydney, Battlefields to Footyfields (B2F) is an NRL initiative supporting the transition of Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans into civilian life.
The partnership between Health Care Australia (HCA) and Battlefields to Footyfields was launched at Sydney's Victoria Barracks in the lead-up to Anzac Day with LS Aiden Richardson, NRL General Manager - Participation Dylan Hides, Brigadier Robert Calhoun DSC, HCA's Executive General Manager Government Solutions Andre Coia, CPL Ben Seppai, LAC Trey Hubert and HCA's Head of Government Affairs Tim Gleason all on hand.
B2F provides nationally recognised training for current and ex-serving ADF members and their immediate family and allows for fully trained and accredited referees, sports trainers, coaches and volunteers to promote participation in rugby league through inclusion and healthy activities with a focus on connecting current, ex-serving Defence members and their immediate family with the community.
The program leverages the values of teamwork, resilience and community inherent in rugby league to promote physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection, providing veterans with structured opportunities to remain engaged in a supportive team environment while strengthening links with community and health support services.
HCA is proud to work with the NRL and ADF to deliver a program that leverages the values of teamwork, resilience and community inherent in rugby league to promote physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection, providing veterans with structured opportunities to remain engaged in a supportive team environment while strengthening links with community and health support services.
Mental health is a vital focus of HCA’s veteran support program. HCA offers counselling services, peer support initiatives, and early intervention programs aimed at addressing PTSD, anxiety, and other conditions.
By fostering safe spaces and community-driven solutions, HCA provides veterans and their families with the resources to thrive. As a recognised Veteran Employment Supporter, HCA supports veterans, their families and reservists by offering specialised employment services, training programs, and mentoring opportunities within the healthcare sector.
