Anzac Day 2026: Supporting those who serve — and those who stand beside them
On Anzac Day, we pause to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand defence personnel — past and present. It is also a moment to recognise the broader communities who support them: families, partners and carers whose contributions are often unseen but deeply felt.
For decades, Churchill Fellows have explored ways to strengthen support systems for veterans and their families, bringing back knowledge from around the world to improve wellbeing, care and long-term outcomes in Australia.
Jodie Zada CF, 2015, investigated family-inclusive approaches to mental health treatment for defence force members. Her research highlighted the importance of involving families in recovery, recognising that mental health challenges are rarely experienced in isolation and that stronger outcomes are achieved when support networks are actively engaged.
Amanda McCue CF, 2017, focused on improving employment pathways for military spouses — a group that often faces disrupted careers due to frequent relocations. Her work examined international models to better support career continuity, economic participation and professional identity for partners of serving members.
Brendan Cox CF, 2022, explored models of care for families supporting veterans experiencing psychological and physical injury. His Fellowship is contributing to a deeper understanding of how families can be better equipped, supported and included in care frameworks.
Together, these Fellows reflect a long-standing commitment across the Churchill Fellowship community: to honour service not only through remembrance, but through action.
Their work recognises that supporting defence and veteran communities extends beyond the individual — it includes strengthening the systems, services and relationships that surround them.
On Anzac Day, we remember those who have served. And we acknowledge those working to ensure they — and their families — are supported, now and into the future
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