The Student Veteran Exercise Lifestyle Program provides access to health and wellness support to student veterans and their families throughout their study. There is a strong body of evidence indicating how increased physical activity supports both physical and mental health.

Current and previous serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel understand the importance of fitness though balancing this with the day-day requirements can be difficult. Recognising the intrinsic value fitness has to service personnel and the time demand of university study, ACU implemented the Student Veteran Exercise Lifestyle Program.

The Student Veteran Exercise Lifestyle Program was first developed in mid-2020 to give student veterans studying at ACU access to the Exercise Lifestyle Clinic (ELC) and health professionals on campus. From its inception the program has generated a high level of interest quickly expanding the offerings to families of student veterans. After its first successful iteration the program was continued into 2021 with increased participation from students and families alike.

Who can get involved?

This program is available to all current student veterans and their families. The services offered include:

  • One-on-one coaching with Clinical Exercise Physiologists and professional placement students
  • Group training sessions with other veterans
  • support to design personalised goals
  • access to high-performance training facilities during study
  • a great way to connect with other students and faculty members
  • a chance to learn new skills and challenge yourself in ways that you may have never considered.
After leaving the ADF fitness became difficult to incorporate into my day-day life, commencing study compounded this as it was difficult to find time to train. Being able to use the facilities whilst on campus has been a real game-changer and having staff to guide me through has made a big difference.
Stephen Powter (Student Veteran)

Access and support

ELP staff are university accredited with qualifications in high performance sport, exercise and sports science and clinical exercise physiology. The Exercise Lifestyle Clinics are available across all main campuses with dedicated staff to facilitate training.

Due to the challenges faced during COVID-19, ACU staff have embraced the telehealth system. Booking are available via Telehealth for those unable to access the facilities meaning you can work out in your own home with professional support.

Student Veteran Services programs

Student Veteran Exercise Lifestyle Program

This program is designed to help veterans manage injuries incurred during military service and improve general fitness and health.

Explore the program

Impact Award

We recognise our student veterans and the contributions they make to the university and wider community.

Discover the award

Tech Grant

Apply for a grant to help ease the financial burden of study.

Apply now

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