29/05/2026
A message from Kookaburra Kids CEO, Seán O’Halloran.
We are pleased to share that funding for the Defence Kids program has been extended, ensuring children and young people from Defence and veteran families can continue accessing the support they need.
For more than a decade, Kookaburra Kids has worked alongside Defence and veteran communities, delivering evidence-informed mental health education and peer connection programs designed specifically for young people navigating the unique challenges of Defence life.
We would like to sincerely thank the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs and Matt Keogh for their ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of Defence and veteran families. Their support ensures young people can continue accessing programs that help them feel connected, understood and supported.
The impact of Defence Kids is perhaps best captured by the families themselves:
"The camps and hangouts give our kids something to look forward to and a place to connect with others who understand what Defence life is like."
— Defence Kids
"Kookaburra Kids brings so much joy and learning and understanding and a sense of belonging to these kids. It’s made such a difference to my son and his understanding and relationship with Dad."
— Defence Kids Parent
We are also looking forward to working closely with the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency as it begins its important work supporting Defence and veteran communities across Australia.
Thank you to the families, volunteers, referral partners, stakeholders and supporters who have helped make Defence Kids what it is today. Together, we can continue ensuring no Defence child feels alone in their experiences.
A message from Kookaburra Kids CEO, Seán O’Halloran.
We are pleased to share that funding for the Defence Kids program has been extended, ensuring children and young people from Defence and veteran families can continue accessing the support they need.
For more than a decade, Kookaburra Kids has worked alongside Defence and veteran communities, delivering evidence-informed mental health education and peer connection programs designed specifically for young people navigating the unique challenges of Defence life.
We would like to sincerely thank the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs and Matt Keogh for their ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of Defence and veteran families. Their support ensures young people can continue accessing programs that help them feel connected, understood and supported.
The impact of Defence Kids is perhaps best captured by the families themselves:
"The camps and hangouts give our kids something to look forward to and a place to connect with others who understand what Defence life is like."
— Defence Kids Parent
"Kookaburra Kids brings so much joy and learning and understanding and a sense of belonging to these kids. It’s made such a difference to my son and his understanding and relationship with Dad."
— Defence Kids Parent
We are also looking forward to working closely with the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency as it begins its important work supporting Defence and veteran communities across Australia.
Thank you to the families, volunteers, referral partners, stakeholders and supporters who have helped make Defence Kids what it is today. Together, we can continue ensuring no Defence child feels alone in their experiences.
