Tasmanian veterans have been given 571 wellbeing vouchers so far this financial year and the state government wants more to take up the $100 subsidies for gyms and sporting clubs.
Under the Veteran Wellbeing Voucher Program, eligible people can receive two $100 vouchers each financial year to put towards approved gyms, sporting clubs and community recreation organisations.
The program is part of $370 million in discounts, concessions and subsidies from the state government for 2026-27.
Acting Premier Guy Barnett promoted the program at the Racquet Collective on Sunday, describing it as a cost of living measure.
“We know how important preventative health measures are and this program is delivering just that,” he said.
Veterans’ affairs minister Gavin Pearce said the program already existed but had been expanded over time to include eligible partners or spouses, widows and widowers.
He said uptake had increased on previous years.
“We want to see even more veterans taking up this important cost of living measure,” Pearce said.
He said the vouchers were meant to help veterans connect with their communities after leaving the military.
“Don’t pity those people, but instead help them transition,” he said.
Navy veteran Jo Lovell, who served for 18 years, said she had used the vouchers towards memberships at a veteran retreat and the Racquet Collective.
She said she struggled for several years after leaving the Navy and found a new community through sport.
“It’s been a great family connection for myself and my son,” Lovell said.
Former Navy submariner Nathan Watkins said he used his vouchers to join a beginner pickleball league and now plays socially each week.
“Just being able to get out and meet new people, learn new skills and just to be able to exercise,” Watkins said of what he enjoyed.
Information about eligibility is available on the Tasmanian government’s veterans website.
