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Supporting veterans into education and beyond

More Defence personnel and their families will flourish thanks to Australian Catholic University initiatives backed by commitments totalling almost $2 million from the Federal Government.

Included in the allocation announced by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs The Hon Matt Keogh MP was an $800,000 Recruitment Advisory Service Grant to support veteran and partner recruitment and retention by developing and providing high quality, evidence-based resources and advice to employers of veterans and defence partners in Australia.

Through this grant, ACU will work collaboratively with employers, veteran groups and HR specialists to define best policy and practice in both the recruitment, and the retention of veterans and their family members in the civilian workforce.

ACU will also receive an additional $145,000 to enhance its unique veteran Recognition of Prior Learning frameworks and support for veterans pursuing further study within higher education.

The grant bundle follows a $1 million Federal Government injection for ACU’s Veterans and Families Education Unit to strengthen its services and supports for student veterans.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis was grateful for the funding boost that will deepen the university’s commitment to support the wellbeing of Australian Defence Force personnel who have served the nation.

“This funding success recognises ACU’s sector leadership in research and education that eases the transition of Defence personnel into rewarding lives beyond their military service,” he said.

“I’m excited about what this will mean for our student veterans and their families. It will give us the chance to build on the fully dedicated hub of services that is unique in higher education for these valued members of our community.

ACU is the premier higher education destination for the defence community. Alumni and current students have benefitted from its suite of supports, including the Veteran Entry Program and Veteran Transition Program.