After 27 years in the Australian Army, Shane Bramley discharged. With two deployments to East Timor under his belt, first as an air cargo dispatcher and then as a personal trainer, he spent the last eight years of his career battling a multitude of physical and mental health issues. A new program, the Physical and Mental Wellbeing Program, aims to help veterans like Bramley adjust to life after military service.
The program, run by the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs, provides tailored support including exercise physiology, psychology, and nutrition advice. Bramley, who now works as a peer support worker, said the program helped him regain confidence and purpose. 'It's about giving veterans the tools to manage their own health,' he said.
According to the department, the program has served over 500 veterans since its launch in 2024. It is part of a broader government initiative to improve veteran wellbeing, which includes funding for mental health services and employment support. The program is free for eligible veterans and their families.
