Anzac Day is a chance for us all to take a moment and reflect on the servicemen and women who have sacrificed for our country over the years. It's also a great opportunity to think about just how different those experiences of 'service' can be, and the long term impacts it can have.
Talissa Papamau is a former Australian Army combat medic who is using her experiences, and her challenges, to create a better support system for other younger veterans.
One year after we first heard her story, we've checked back in to see where improvements have been made - and what more we all need to do. (And yes, we still need to do more).
Young veterans are still dealing with very specific impacts of service
Mental health remains a key concern for young veterans transitioning out of the Australian Defence Force. From 2014-2016, male veterans under 30 .
Talissa said the noticeable impacts of the gaps or 'deficits' in the mental health services sector are also witnessed in the veteran community.
"A point of difference is the prevalence of [mental health] conditions and risks associated, that are statistically higher than the general population," she said.
She said there's a 'desperate' need for innovation, particularly in reducing waiting times to access support services, as well as improving the treatments themselves.
When we spoke last year, Talissa noted that particularly difficult deployments could change a person's values and understanding of the world - including her own.
That can be quite isolating.
"I do find it quite difficult to relate to some people of my age group," she said at the time.
Today, Talissa says there's still some work to be done in terms of access to healthcare professionals that understand military experience. She's concerned that expecting young veterans to navigate the complex system themselves is 'unrealistic and unsustainable'.
So many veterans eventually choose to forgo access to things like mental health services for the sake of finding and maintaining employment or just basically trying to move on with their lives.
There are more practical obstacles for young veterans, too: Veteran unemployment is roughly three times the national average and Talissa said that some veterans' military experience might not be viewed as competitive in a civilian world.
"A number of roles in the military translate poorly in civilian accreditation processes."
But she's optimistic we could see improvements in the area.
"There is significant work happening in this space to raise awareness of the value veterans offer to government, business and Australian private industry."
Young veterans can face specific challenges when moving into life after service. Source: The Feed
Getting support to the right people
The Morrison government has for veteran support services - including more 'wellbeing centres' and housing support.
Talissa said the funding and increased investment in research shows a genuine desire from the government to resolve the issues specific to young veterans. But, resourcing alone isn't enough to improve the sector as a whole.
"I would like to see the entire sector move to a much higher level of professional standards, accreditation and outcomes and merit based allocation of the resources received," she said.
She also wants to ensure that any current shortfalls in service provision are dealt with first, so that no more young vets 'slip through the cracks'.
"There should also be greater and more integrated consultation and involvement of veterans and families with first hand lived experience of the issues, processes and proposed solutions than is currently occurring," she said.
Online spaces growing
In recent years, online communities have emerged as useful spaces for young veterans to discuss their experiences and seek help.
Talissa is a founder of '', a Facebook group that provides information and support to veterans.
In the last year, the group has grown by around 12,000 followers, with a total reach of 9 million.
Modern Soldier has just completed 'Life After Service', a Australian-first pilot program aimed at improving the preparedness of veterans and their families to transition out of the ADF.
Talissa said that not only has the response been positive - there's strong data that's useful for future programs.
Source: The Feed
Community understanding of veteran experiences essential
Last year, Talissa told us the most common 'image' of a veteran was an old man - something she hoped would broaden as civilians learn more about ongoing global conflicts.
Understanding the experiences of young veterans and how they can contribute constructively and meaningfully to our national understanding of military service will be the next milestone.
For those who haven't served - supporting young veterans can be as simple as taking an interest in understanding the issues and outcomes that impact them.
"Ensuring veterans young or old are meaningfully remembered extends beyond muttering Lest We Forget at the dawn service," Talissa said.
"Their experiences and the issues that impact them cannot be forgotten, or left unresolved for future generations."
