Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA061
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
VETERANS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE HEALTHY STEP FORWARD THIS AUGUST
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today delivered on an election commitment to
reinstate Veterans’ Health Week, announcing that it will be held from 24 to 30 August 2009, for
the first time in eight years.
Mr Griffin, joining veterans in Brisbane today for a game of indoor bowls, said the Australian
Government had re-established the initiative because of the importance of promoting a healthy
lifestyle for veterans and their families.
“In a study of the health and wellbeing of Australian veterans, war widow and widowers, almost
half (49 per cent) said they tried to make at least one change to improve their health in the past
12 months,” Mr Griffin said.
“Veterans’ Health Week is an opportunity to take a positive step to improve health and fitness,
which can have significant long term benefits.
“Department of Veterans’ Affairs and its local Veterans’ Affairs Network and VVCS – Veteran
and Veterans Families Counselling Service offices are partnering with ex-service organisations
and community groups to develop Veterans’ Health Week programs at a local level and
organise local events.”
Mr Griffin said the theme of this year’s Veterans’ Health Week was physical activity –
encouraging members of the veteran community to think about their health and wellbeing and
take part in regular exercise to live a stronger, healthier and happier life.
“Veterans’ Health Week highlights the importance of including physical activities as part of a
regular routine, regardless of age or fitness level,” Mr Griffin said.
“During the Week, the veteran community can participate in walking groups, dance classes,
laughter workshops, team sports and concerts as well as gain access to information on safety
and health issues.”
“Veterans’ Health Week is only a few weeks away so I encourage veterans, war widows and
widowers, their families and carers, to mark the Week in their calendars and look out for
activities in their area.”
For more information on activities in your area visit www.dva.gov.au or to find out how to
organise an event, contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254 (for metropolitan
callers) or 1800 555 254 (for non-metropolitan callers). Northern Territory callers please call
1300 551 918.
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046. To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at
minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
NEWS 
