Maritime Warrior

Maritime Warrior’s approach to improving the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families is congruent with the Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, in recognising that good mental health is supported by whole of life wellbeing. As an ESO Maritime Warrior plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing needs of veterans and families by offering unique wellbeing focused, adventure style activities. These unique water-based activities are part of the ‘Blue Minds’ program which veterans and their families attend at no cost. We deliver: 1. Introduction to boat safe programs 2. Conduct water-based mindfulness activities of fishing, snorkelling and support sports and recreational diving activities. 3. Allow veteran members an opportunity to crew, peer support and share in a positive environment with their community. With a focus on wellbeing outcomes for 250 participants annually in the 1st year with a goal to increase to 500 p/a with serving ADF, our program is delivered in SE Qld with an annual opportunity for veterans to sail the coast of Queensland to the Whitsundays to experience racing at Airlie Beach / Hamilton Island. Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2021 Census shows that 28% of veterans live in Qld and 1 in 20 homes have someone who had served or is serving in the ADF with the majority of this group living in SE Qld. To date our feedback and enquires from younger veterans is that they’re interested in the water activities above however have no known access to them.