CONFERENCE

Introducing the inaugural Future Frontlines Conference.

We are excited to announce VESPIIAs Future Frontlines Conference 2025 on 3rd October 2025 at The University Club, University of Western Australia. This pivotal event brings together leaders, professionals, and organisations from the veterans, emergency services, and police sectors to connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful change.

Why Attend the VESPIIA Conference 2025?

Comprehensive Program: Engage with a carefully curated agenda featuring keynote addresses from distinguished speakers, including government officials, industry leaders, and subject matter experts. Participate in panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster knowledge exchange and inspire action.
Timely Discussions: As we mark one year since the release of the Final Report by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, the conference will evaluate the progress achieved, identify ongoing challenges, and strategise for the future. Key topics include:
- Impact on Ex-Service Organisations and Agencies: Assessing how recent reforms have influenced operations, support structures, and the overall well-being of veterans.
- Transferring Learnings to First Responders: Exploring how insights gained from the Defence sector can enhance preventative care and mental health support for first responders, ensuring their resilience and effectiveness on the frontlines.
- Integration of Allied Forces: Discussing the implications of partnerships such as AUKUS and the anticipated arrival of allied forces, focusing on how organisations can effectively support these troops and their families during transitions.
Diverse Attendee Profile: Network with program managers, service providers, policymakers, researchers, academics, advocates, and thought leaders dedicated to improving the lives of those who serve and their families.

Be Part of the Movement

The VESPIIA Conference is more than an event—it’s a movement to strengthen the foundations of support for our service communities. By attending, you contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping the future of support for veterans, emergency services personnel, police, and their families.

Register Now

Secure your place at the VESPIIA Conference 2025 and join us in driving meaningful change. For registration details and more information, visit our registration page.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

$ 150

EACH

Welcome Event
All Day Conference
Awards for Excellence

$ 180

EACH

Welcome Event
All Day Conference
Awards for Excellence

$ 250 EACH

Welcome Event
All Day Conference
Awards for Excellence

$ 2,200

$25O DISCOUNT

Welcome Event
All Day Conference
Awards for Excellence

SPEAKERS

MS CHARLOTTE WEBB

Defence Family Advocate of Australia

Charlotte Webb is the Defence Family Advocate of Australia, representing the interests of current serving ADF members and their families. Appointed in August 2024 as the first full-time Advocate with Defence Families of Australia (DFA), she provides direct advice to Government and Defence on family issues, and works to strengthen connections between families, Defence leadership, and community organisations. Charlotte brings both professional and lived experience to the role, as a Defence family member and Army Reservist.

BRIG BRETT CHALONER

Senior Advisor

Brett Chaloner is the Senior Advisor for Defence and Security Partnerships at UWA’s Defence & Security Institute. A former commander of Army’s 13th Brigade, Brett’s military career included leadership roles in the 2nd Commando Regiment and SASR, with operational service in East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Now based in Perth, Brett combines part-time service with advisory work focused on strategy, innovation, and veteran engagement. He is a graduate of the Indian National Defence College and Patron of both the Veterans Forge and the Australian Army Alpine Association.

HON PAUL PAPALIA MLA CSC

Minister for Emergency Services, Corrective Services, Defence Industries, Veterans, Racing and Gaming

Paul Papalia is a former Navy Clearance Diver who served for 26 years in the Australian Defence Force, including operational deployments to Iraq and service with the SASR’s counter-terrorism squadron. He received the Conspicuous Service Cross and multiple commendations during his military career. Elected to Parliament in 2007, he currently serves as the Minister for Emergency Services, Corrective Services, Defence Industries, Veterans, and Racing and Gaming. Paul brings extensive defence experience and a long-standing commitment to veteran and community issues across Western Australia.

HON MATT KEOGH MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel

Matt Keogh is the Federal Member for Burt and currently serves as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel. First elected in 2016, he has previously held shadow portfolios for Defence Industry and WA Resources. Before entering Parliament, Matt worked as a Federal Prosecutor and later as a commercial litigator specialising in financial services and anti-corruption. He has served as President of the Law Society of WA and Chair of several community and legal sector organisations. Born and raised in Kelmscott, Matt is committed to supporting veterans and families through ongoing reform and sector collaboration.

COMING TO PERTH

Western Australia (WA) — it’s big, beautiful and billions of years old.

WA’s Aboriginal history dates back more than 50,000 years — making it one of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Approximately the size of Western Europe, WA accounts for one-third of the Australian continent. It boasts over 12,500 kilometers of coastline (20,000km including islands), multiple UNESCO world heritage sites, biodiversity hotspots and a host of natural wonders found nowhere else on Earth.

Of the State’s population of 2.7 million people, around three-quarters live in the Perth region. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city. The city’s spectacular natural surroundings are rivaled only by its vibrant city life.

Dreamlike experiences and natural wonders await you in every region of this grand and diverse State, and the varied climate — Mediterranean conditions in the south through to the northern tropics — means you’ll always find summer somewhere in WA.

STAYING IN PERTH

VESPIIA is pleased to partner with The Melbourne Hotel as our preferred accommodation for Future Frontlines: Momentum Matters.

Located in the heart of Perth’s CBD and just a short drive from the University Club of Western Australia, The Melbourne Hotel offers convenient access, comfortable rooms, and excellent service for conference attendees.

Preferred Rate:
Quote VESPIIA when booking directly with the hotel to access the VESPIIA Room Block.

The Melbourne Hotel

33 Milligan Street, Perth WA 6000
www.melbournehotel.com

We recommend booking early, as availability is limited. Transport options to and from the venue will be included in the attendee info pack closer to the event.

GETTING TO THE CONFERENCE

The Future Frontlines: Momentum Matters conference will be held at:
The University Club of Western Australia
Hackett Drive, Crawley WA 6009

We encourage all attendees to plan their travel in advance. Here’s what you need to know:

Driving and Parking

Limited paid parking is available on campus through UWA’s Parking Zones. We recommend arriving early if you plan to drive, as bays can fill quickly.
Street parking is available in surrounding areas, but be sure to check time limits and local council signage.
Parking fees may apply through EasyPark — download the app ahead of time if needed.
You can find a map of the campus and parking spots on the UWA Campus Map

Public Transport

The University Club is serviced by multiple Transperth bus routes, including the 950, 102, and 107.
The closest bus stops are located along Mounts Bay Road and Hackett Drive, within walking distance of the venue.
For the most accurate route, visit Transperth Journey Planner.

Walking and Cycling

UWA is easily accessible by foot or bike via the riverfront path and nearby shared-use trails.
Bike racks are available across campus. We recommend bringing a lock if cycling in.

Sustainable Travel

We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, rideshare, or public transport where possible. It’s a great way to reduce congestion and support sustainability.

We’ll include more details in the attendee info pack closer to the date — but if you’re unsure how best to get there, feel free to reach out.