Provocatus, Wollongong (2025)

10/11/2025

From colleagues, friends and family members to those we didn’t know, we pause today to remember the sacrifice and honour the memories of those we’ve lost fighting for our country and the freedoms that we enjoy today.

Lest we forget.

03/11/2025

Our National Community of Practice (NCoP) webinars have been attracting a growing number of veteran-focused medical professionals with each round. This year we’ve worked with some of the most experienced minds in veteran health to deliver information on topics including cognitive concerns in veterans, DVA billing, safe prescribing of cannabinoids and concussion and blast exposure.

However, for the last NCoP of the year and to celebrate Veteran Health Week, we’ve decided to do something a little bit different. We'll be hosting a live edition at Woonona Bulli RSL, on November 16 from 4pm.

Hosted by Dr Craig Mattern and Dr Michael Mumford, the topic will be Exercise and Movement in Veteran Health, tying in with the Veteran Health Week theme of Connect, Move, Nourish: Thrive 365.

Responding to feedback, this event is open to veterans as well as medical professionals. We’ll be broadcasting it as usual and CPD points will be available. For medical professionals and veterans keen to mingle and enjoy the discussion live, make your way to the Woonona Bulli RSL, grab some of the finger food on offer and join in.

For veterans, sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gC75RCER

For healthcare professionals, sign up here: https://lnkd.in/g5_-W7xf

29/10/2025

Last week our team had the pleasure of a visit from Afghanistan veteran 'Horse', his Service Dog Preston and film director Simon J Heath, following their Wollongong screening of Bravery & Betrayal
Both were thrilled with the reception of the screening, which was well attended by veterans from the Illawarra area.
For those unfamiliar with Bravery & Betrayal, the film features the voices of SAS members who served on the frontline, the wives, mothers, widows and children left behind, as well commentary from ex prime ministers. It has already had a significant effect on veterans across the country, selling out shows across the country.
As with all remaining screenings still to come in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, the screening featured a Q&A session with Simon and Horse following the film.
To see where it’s showing, head to: https://wanderingwarriors.org/bravery-betrayal-the-documentary/

07/10/2025

Calling not just dog lovers, but anyone who’s interested in improving the wellbeing of Australian veterans.

Please meet Quilpie, a trainee service dog supported by Provocatus through LifeUnleashed by Integra Service Dogs Australia . At 18 months old, Quilpie is already showing great potential in her training.

Watch the video to hear more from Quilpie’s trainer, Tiffany, on how she’s progressing toward changing a veteran’s life for the better.

18/09/2025

We’re excited to share some news on behalf of our friends, the Wandering Warriors. An Australian film sharing the truth of what happened to Australian SAS members in Afghanistan and Iraq is screening at locations across Australia, featuring a Q&A session with participants and creators of the film.

Bravery & Betrayal , which has sold out in cinemas across Australia since its release in April, will be screening at locations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia starting tonight in Brisbane.

The film features the voices of SAS members who served on the frontline, the wives, mothers, widows and children left behind, as well commentary from prime ministers Rudd, Abbott and Howard.

SAS Operator and Afghan Veteran, 'Horse' and his Service Dog 'Preston' will be in attendance, together with the director and former National Geographic Correspondent, Simon J Heath, to answer any questions from the audience.

To buy tickets at a location near you, please visit Bravery & Betrayal - the Documentary - Wandering Warriors - https://wanderingwarriors.org/bravery-betrayal-the-documentary/ -tickets

16/09/2025

A few weeks back we introduced Quentin, the trainee service dog from LifeUnleashed by Integra Service Dogs Australia which Provocatus was sponsoring to help an Australian veteran with PTSD. However, Quinton was so smart and cooperative that he progressed much faster than expected. He graduated from training and is now helping a Sydney-based veteran with his daily tasks and to enjoy life. Well done, Quentin!

We’ll now be following the progress of Quilpie, a young Golden Labrador who’s already achieving great results in the classroom and in the field. Coming soon, we’ll see how Quilpie is learning the skills to help a veteran with PTSD through affection, guidance, care and companionship. Please look out for upcoming news featuring Quilpie! 🐕‍🦺

08/09/2025

📣Free Webinar for Healthcare Professionals
Supporting Defence & First Responders in Hospital

Psychiatrist Dr Julie Simes-Phillipps and Clinical Nurse Consultant Lana Barrett explore how defence personnel and first responders can be supported during hospital admission, including a phenotype-focused PTSD ward model that integrates mental health with physical and functional recovery.

Join us online Wednesday 17 September at 7:00 PM AEST for this exclusive National Community of Practice session hosted by the Veteran Access Scheme™.

You'll learn about:
• A phenotype-focused PTSD inpatient care model integrating mental, physical and functional recovery
• How collaborative, patient-centred care addresses complex challenges through three case studies
• Trauma-informed, respectful and family-inclusive support during admission for defence personnel and first responders

🩺 Who can attend?
Open to AHPRA-registered clinicians (GPs, Psychiatrists, Nurses, Psychologists, Pharmacists, OTs, Allied Health Professionals) and Social Workers.

🎓 CPD: 1 hour of self-directed CPD may apply (please confirm with your registration board).

🎟️ Register now and be part of the conversation.
Click here to register: https://www.provocatus.com.au/general-practitioner-veterans-community-of-practice

About the Veteran Access Scheme™
Hosted by Provocatus' Veteran Access Scheme™, this National Community of Practice webinar reflects our ongoing mission to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian veterans. Through open education and engagement with leading experts, we’re building a stronger, better-informed community around veteran healthcare.

26/08/2025

When .semmens visited the Provocatus team in Wollongong, he generously shared his insights into recovering from PTSD and mental health issues, as well as taking on big challenges. Please see the video here to find out about his crossing of the English Channel and how he raised significant funds for the .

06/08/2025

1. Do hard things.
2. Be of service.
3. If you say you will, then you must.

The team at Provocatus had the privilege of a visit from .semmens who talked about all that went into his record-setting ‘finning’ of the English Channel to raise funds for the . His story included the moments when he did not think he could fulfill the challenge.

While many moments of his story were unforgettable, Ash’s three-point mantra was a great takeaway for us all and remains useful even when our challenges are smaller than crossing the Channel.

Thank you for the visit, Ash. Our team is proud to have supported you with your challenge.

31/07/2025

💻We hear from veterans every week who are trying to make sense of the DVA claims process. It’s not simple, but there are some tools that can help.

We’ve put together a blog that outlines a few of those options, including how to use MyService, where to find your digital Veteran Card, and who to talk to if you need free support along the way.

Read more:
https://www.provocatus.com.au/veteran-news/digital-tools-that-can-help-with-dva-claims

29/07/2025

Provocatus’ commitment to providing clear, accessible health education for veteran communities means we’ll be hosting another presentation on Navigating the Complexities of Veteran Healthcare, on 6 August on the NSW Central Coast.

Held in partnership with the Central Coast Veteran & Family Hub in Wyong, Provocatus’ nurse Nigel will share information on how DVA support can be accessed through care pathways for mental health, chronic pain and more.

If you’re a veteran from the NSW Central Coast and would like to learn more about your health, we encourage you to come along.

Details:
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 4:30PM – 5:30PM AEST
Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub
31 Hely Street, Wyong, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2259
To attend, please RSVP to CentralCoastVFH@rsllifecare.org.au

25/07/2025

🐶We’re very excited to introduce you to Quinton, the trainee service dog that Provocatus has sponsored through LifeUnleashed By Integra Service Dogs Australia

Quinton is a Labrador X Golden Retriever. He’s a highly intelligent and driven young dog who loves to work and please. Highly affectionate, if you’re sitting, he wants to be in your lap! Loves to play and have a good game of tug.

Trainer Melissa is helping Quinton focus on pivot, tip, loose lead walking and basic obedience, to bring him up to speed.

We will be sharing the details of Quinton’s training and transition to working as one of the many LifeUnleashed trained service dogs providing Australian veterans with support for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Keep watching to see more of Quinton!

Provocatus

10/11/2025

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