Wollongong Company Pioneers Veteran Brain Health Initiative
A Wollongong-based enterprise, Aeternal Group, is taking a groundbreaking step in veteran healthcare with the introduction of a first-of-its-kind traumatic brain health program in Australia. This pilot initiative, set to launch in June 2026, aims to address critical gaps in support services for veterans and first responders, who often face unique health challenges that impact their daily lives and families.
Addressing Healthcare Gaps for Veterans
According to Kasey Mumford, chief executive of Aeternal Group, veterans and first responders represent an underserved patient population in Australia. "Veterans themselves make up about 2.6 per cent of the Australian population, yet they are not a priority health group," she explained. "They face significant health issues that can affect employment and family dynamics, but there is a disconnect between available support services and the mainstream healthcare system."
The company, which maintains its head office in the Illawarra region, operates through three business lines:
- Provocatus, focusing on health and pharmaceutical delivery, education, and support for veterans, their families, and caregivers.
- DNH Logistics, handling storage and distribution.
- Starlight Technology Solutions, managing technology integrations across the group.
Bridging Knowledge and Clinical Gaps
Ms Mumford highlighted that one of the primary obstacles is a knowledge gap among healthcare providers, particularly general practitioners (GPs), who serve as the first point of entry into the healthcare system. "Most GPs only have a handful of veteran patients, so learning a parallel system for this demographic isn't always a priority," she said. "We are working to upskill clinical teams to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve, bridging the divide between support services and medical practice."
The traumatic brain health intensive program, inspired by recommendations from the recent Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, will utilize an evidence-based model of care from the United States. "We are agile and can take immediate action, even as the government considers broader solutions," Ms Mumford added, noting that between 1997 and 2021, there were at least 1,677 deaths by suicide among serving, ex-serving, and reservist ADF members.
Community Reflection on Anzac Day
As Anzac Day approaches, Ms Mumford emphasized the importance of commemoration, encouraging community members to attend Dawn Services. "It's a time to pause, reflect, and honour the sacrifices, courage, and mateship of those who have served our country," she stated. "The Anzac spirit is about remembrance, with festivities being secondary to that core purpose."
For support, veterans and their families can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Open Arms at 1800 011 046.
