Aspen Circle

Ten years on: supporting better outcomes for veterans

02 April 2026
Defence personnel marching in uniform
Sydney, NSW Australia - April 25 2021: Anzac Day March (Source: Adobe Stock)
02 April 2026
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Ten years ago, the Aspen Medical Foundation supported the Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) Mapping Project — a piece of work designed to better understand how veterans and their families are supported across Australia.

The intent was simple. Provide clear, practical insights to help the sector strengthen support for veterans and their families.

The project mapped where veterans live, the services available to them, and how needs change over time. It highlighted the importance of transition from service, the diversity of veteran needs and the complexity of the support landscape.

A decade on, these themes remain central.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has reinforced the importance of coordination, accessibility and understanding across the veteran support system. The work of many organisations, across government and the community, continues to build on these shared priorities.

The ESO Mapping Project was one contribution to that broader effort. It helped bring together data, perspectives and insights to support informed discussion and ongoing improvement.

What remains clear is that no single organisation can address these challenges alone. Progress relies on collaboration, shared understanding and a continued focus on what veterans and families need.

At Aspen Medical, we remain committed to supporting that effort - working alongside others to help strengthen outcomes for those who have served.

Ten years on, the focus is unchanged - listen, learn and continue to improve.

Download the full ESO Mapping Project report here

Download the summary ESO Mapping Project report here