Image: Damon (pictured above), who still serves in the Army Reserve part-time while studying, said he often reflected on his first days at university as he made the transition to civilian life and study.
The Military Ordinariate of Australia is a strong supporter and promoter of the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and the educational pathways it offers to our Defence community, we share ACU's groundbreaking support frameworks with all ADF members, veterans, their families, and the broader Catholic community.
This collaboration amplifies the impact of initiatives like ACU’s annual Student Veteran Impact Awards, which recently celebrated the achievements of student veterans who demonstrate outstanding empathy, service, and advocacy on campus and beyond.
Through the Military Ordinariate's unique relationship with the ADF, crucial information regarding ACU’s Veteran Entry Program (VEP) and its comprehensive credit recognition framework—the first of its kind in Australia—is being directly shared with those who can benefit most. This ensures that current and former ADF personnel, as well as their immediate families, are fully aware of the tailored entry pathways, transition programmes, and academic support available to them.
The synergy between the Defence community and ACU was clearly on display at the 2026 awards, which highlighted three remarkable recipients:
- Sir Peter Cosgrove Veterans Award: Won by paramedicine student Damon Holmes, 26, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering inclusive communities across ACU and the veteran, Indigenous, and healthcare sectors. Damon continues to serve part-time in the Army Reserve.
- Student Veteran Impact Award (Continuing): Awarded to Exercise and Sports Science student Alexander Weddell, 22, for his dedication to supporting the student veteran community while balancing full-time study and ongoing service in the Australian Army Reserve.
- ACU Student Veteran Impact Award: Earned by Physiotherapy student Chelsea Rosewarne, 19, an Officer Cadet in the Army Reserves and a 14-year Lifesaving Victoria volunteer, recognised for her extensive community engagement dedicated to health, education, and social inclusion.
By promoting these opportunities, the Military Ordinariate of Australia supports ACU’s mission to remove barriers to higher education for the Defence community, fostering an environment where veterans and their families are encouraged to connect, support one another, and truly belong.
By MO Media Team
Further Information:
To get a copy of your service record, contact the Customer Service Network (CSN) at 1800DEFENCE (1800 333 362) or yourcustomer.service@defence.gov.au
Eligibility: Available to partners, spouses, or children (over 18) of current or previous serving ADF personnel (typically with a rule-of-thumb 2 years of service)
You must submit an ADF service record for the family member, a current CV, existing qualifications, and a motivation to study statement before scheduling an interview.
Support: Once admitted, students are automatically registered into the Student Veteran Support Program.
General ACU Enquiries (AskACU): 1300 275 228
Email: studentveteranservices@acu.edu.au
Online Forms: Register or apply via the ACU Veteran Family Pathway