Australian Defence Force veterans are significantly less physically active than the general population, placing them at increased risk of chronic health conditions such as anxiety, depression and cardiovascular disease. 

This disparity is often rooted in social isolation experienced during the transition from military to civilian life, particularly in regional communities, where access to tailored physical activity support is limited. 

Springfield, a rapidly growing regional hub in Queensland, is home to a growing veteran population facing such challenges. 

Active Choices for Springfield aims to address this inequity by developing and evaluating a veteran-led, community-based physical activity program that fosters social connection and supports active lifestyles in the Greater Springfield region. 

The project is especially timely given the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations calling for comprehensive, communitylinked initiatives to strengthen veterans’ social connection and wellbeing (Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide 2024). 

Key partnerships 

Active Choices is a collaborative effort between the University of Queensland, Gallipoli Medical Research, Springfield City Group and the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research. 

Gallipoli Medical Research, the project’s major partner, has awarded a grant to the University of Queensland to deliver the program over two years (2025–27), leveraging its expertise in biopsychosocial research into veteran health and wellbeing. 

Methods 

The project builds on a proven hard copy in-person program previously implemented in metropolitan areas, adapted into a digital format and online platform. 

The digital program has been co-designed with veteran end users and community stakeholders to ensure relevance and accessibility. 

Central to the program are trained community veteran ‘coaches’ who lead delivery and foster peer support networks. 

The program adopts a ‘train the trainer’ model, enabling participants to become future coaches and expand the program’s reach. 

A rigorous, multi-method research design is being used to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, including process evaluation and iterative feedback from veteran users and organisations. 

This approach ensures that the program remains responsive to user needs and evolves as a ‘living repository’ of physical activity opportunities and community connections. 

Future impact 

Early evidence from Active Choices shows that the model is both feasible and effective, improving veterans’ physical activity and social connection (Gilson et al 2024). 

The Springfield program will amplify impact through digital delivery and the train-the-trainer structure, which builds sustainable local capacity. 

Active Choices is also designed to complement rather than replace clinical care by offering a scalable, veteran-led, community-based support pathway at the point where veterans are ready to self-manage active lifestyles. 

By incorporating evidence-based behaviour change techniques, including action planning, barrier identification, problem-solving and strong peer support, the program promotes shared social identity and provides role modelling and encouragement. 

These psychological resources are essential for long-term physical activity engagement, while helping veterans rebuild meaningful social connections beyond military life. 

Opportunities to support the program

The project team is currently building awareness and referral pathways with local health professionals for implementation and evaluation of the program in 2026. 

Physiotherapists in the Greater Springfield region are invited to contact lead investigator Associate Professor Nick Gilson for more details. 

Additional background on the partnership and program is available through the University of Queensland and Gallipoli Medical Research websites.

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