Open Door — Flinders University

We are interested in being part of the veteran sector and VESPIIA is an upcoming initiative we want to support. As a research program embedded in the sector, connecting with the national professional body that represents the organisations and practitioners we work alongside is a natural fit.

Open Door conducts research for DVA and veteran organisations, as well as independently. We consult and advise on Senate inquiries, Royal Commissions and other key boards and councils in the sector.

Our work focuses on the full arc of service life — social, mental and physical health and wellbeing; service, transition and life after service; systems and culture; and legislation, policy and service provision. From helping people navigate the transition to civilian life and supporting families through challenging times, to getting at the root causes of veteran suicide, we work to deliver evidence that drives real impact.

Veteran transition, veteran suicidality and family supports remain the most critical areas for focus. These are interconnected challenges — transition stress, identity disruption and inadequate family support systems all contribute to poor long-term outcomes, and the sector needs coordinated, evidence-based investment across all three rather than addressing them in isolation.

Recent milestones include the election of the Defence and Veteran Services Council (DVSC), testimony at the Senate Inquiry into the DFDA Bills, and collaborative work with Open Arms on a veteran wellbeing policy with police to support veteran interactions with the criminal justice system.

This last project reflects Open Door's commitment to working across sectors — recognising that veteran wellbeing is not confined to traditional support pathways, and that intersections with policing and the justice system deserve serious research attention and practical policy response.

Our motto says it best: With Veterans, For Veterans. The most effective research, policy and practice in this sector is co-designed with the communities it serves — not designed for them. When veterans are genuine partners in the work from the beginning, the evidence is stronger, the uptake is higher and the outcomes are better.