Recognising Younger Veterans On ANZAC Day
As Australia prepares to commemorate ANZAC Day, national reflection often centres on the origins of ANZAC earlier last century. Yet, a growing cohort of veterans, those who have served since 1999, remain somewhat unrecognised in public discourse, despite representing the most deployed generation since WWII.
From the 1999 Timor-Leste campaign, more than 50,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have served across a wide range of peacemaking, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations. Unlike earlier generations defined by singular global conflicts, these “younger veterans” have experienced multiple deployments across diverse regions.
“When we think of the ANZACs, the image is often tied to earlier wars,” says Joel Tunstall, Chief Commercial Officer of Total Veteran Healthcare. “For veterans in this cohort like myself, ANZAC Day remains deeply meaningful, but can also bring complex emotions when our service feels less visible or understood.”
An Urgent Need for Accessible Healthcare for Australia’s Young Veterans
Younger veterans are entering a critical phase in their health journey, and their health needs are not only defined by their age, but their different service experiences to veterans of earlier operations. Many younger veterans are beginning to address long-standing physical and mental health conditions that were previously managed, or deprioritised during active service.
These conditions require more than standard care. They demand a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach that integrates general practice, allied health, and specialist services. However, access remains a significant barrier.
“For a veteran, deciding to see a doctor can be the hardest step,” says Total Veteran Healthcare GP Dr Nerissa Naidoo. “If accessing care is complicated or delayed, many will continue to put their health aside and suffer in silence.”
The challenge is further compounded by a complex healthcare system. Veterans must navigate both Medicare and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) frameworks; often unfamiliar territory for those accustomed to the streamlined military healthcare model.
Geography and lifestyle pressures further complicate access. Many young veterans live in regional areas and are balancing careers, families, and financial commitments. In this context, timely, service-informed healthcare is not just beneficial, it is essential.
Supporting Veterans To Access Healthcare
Providers like Total Veteran Healthcare are working to bridge this gap by reducing wait times and improving access to specialised care. Recent partnerships with one of Australia’s largest pharmacy networks is also helping ensure reliable medication delivery for chronic conditions.
“As we honour service this ANZAC Day, we must also recognise our responsibility to care for those who have served,” says CCO Joel Tunstall. “Every generation of veterans – this current cohort and those of the future, deserves access to the care they need, when they need it.”
ANZAC Day can be complex for many Veterans. Download our free ANZAC Day Guide To Services and Support.
Major Combat Operations Since 1999
Timor-Leste Operations
1999 – 2012: Australia’s largest peacekeeping mission in Timor Leste was instrumental in the nation gaining independence. It was the largest deployment since the Vietnam War. More than 18,000 Australian personnel were deployed over this period, and six personnel, five from the ADF and one member of the AFP, were killed during operations.
Afghanistan Operations
2001 – 2021: Approximately 30,000 – 40,000 ADF personnel served in Afghanistan over two decades of war.41 personnel were killed during operations, and 261 personnel were wounded.
Iraq and Middle East Operations
2003 – 2013 and beyond: More than 17,000 Australian personnel served in Iraq across combat, stability and training roles. While the War In Iraq did not experience mass casualty events, the prevalence of IEDs resulted in significant injuries across returned servicemen and women – both physical and mental.
Regional Stability and Peacekeeping
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands
2003 – 2012: Australia provided regional assistance to the Solomon Islands at the request of the Solomons Islands Government during a time of major conflict and escalating violence. More than 7,000 Australian ADF personnel were deployed.
Bougainville Peacekeeping Missions
1994 – 2003: Up to 2,700 Australia ADF personnel were deployed to Bougainville, Papua New Guinea to play a key role in brokering peace during long-running conflict. An estimated 15,000 local people died, and up to 70,000 people were displaced. Australia’s involvement was instrumental in bring stability to the region.
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief
Since 1999, the ADF has been instrumental in a multitude of humanitarian and aid missions across the Indo-pacific, and at home. This has included support to Indonesia following the Sumatra earthquake in 2004, which saw 1,200 civilians killed, 2,700 injured, and more than 1 million people displaced, and the Operations Bushfire and Flood Assist, following catastrophic environmental disasters affecting Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Operation Pakistan Assist I and II in 2005 and 2010.
Other Operations
Other major operations involving younger veterans from 1999 to today have include Indo-Pacific Security Operations, Africa and UN Peacekeeping, Border Protection and Domestic Security Missions, and a number of Special Operations, including the MH370 search, and international evacuation and repatriation operations.
Learn more about the involvement of our Younger Veterans and our involvement in peacemaking, peacekeeping, humanitarian and other operations since 1999, via the ANZAC portal, found here.
