Veteran Services

Creating awareness for Australian Defence Force veterans of the services and entitlements available through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. All our services are free of charge.

We are always there – for as long as it is needed
How we help

Getting veterans and their families through trying times

One of the Air Force Association’s aims is to help veterans and their families get through trying times, and to continue helping for as long as it is needed. We have a robust working relationship with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and, together with other ex-service organisations, provide essential supplementary engagement with government services to promote veteran support and concerns.

Serving RAAF members are encouraged to participate and adopt the Air Force Association as their equivalent to a workplace union.

Before you contact DVA

Interfacing with DVA can be a complicated process. Without qualified advice you can end up confused and not achieving justified outcomes. Seek the counsel of an accredited Advocate first — we can arrange one for you.

Entitlements & support

Services available to you

8 services
Accredited advocates

Speak to an Advocate

Our advocates can assist you while interacting with, or submitting claims to, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, as well as appealing rejected claims — including acting as an Advocate at the Veterans’ Review Board. We advise you reach out to one of our Advocates, or another ESO Advocate, before you interact with DVA.

Compensation Advocate Level 4

Richard Kelloway

(02) 6653 1455  ·  0412 165 405

Compensation & Welfare Advocate Level 3

Ray Westwell

(02) 6352 1945  ·  0404 489 734

Compensation & Welfare Advocate Level 1

John Ronan

(02) 4729 1246

Veterans’ Advocacy Centre

Suites 5–7, 78B Main Street, Alstonville NSW 2477

(02) 6628 3096

Find one near you

Accredited advocates across Australia can be found on the national register — enter your postcode to search your locality.

Visitation team

Padre Graham Whelan — (02) 6650 9506
Leonie Andersen — 0429 955 857

Need to talk to someone now?

Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling and crisis support, 24 hours a day, to veterans and their families.