Honouring The Hidden Service highlights the everyday sacrifices made by military families

Posted on 2 September, 2026

Partners of Veterans Australia are hosting a much-needed space for military families to share experiences, build community, and reflect on the service done behind closed doors.

When we think of military service, the first thing we picture is the people who are deployed around Australia and overseas. However, we often overlook the personal sacrifices of service members, and the life they leave behind.

From the families waiting anxiously for contact to the children who have parents miss important milestones and the friends and community members who step in when times get tough, the day-to-day sacrifices made by military families are the backbone of Australia’s defence services – and the lack of recognition and support can feel isolating.

Partners of Veterans Australia (P.V.A) aims to bridge the gap with the Honouring The Hidden Service National Symposium and Gala Dinner – two events that will recognise the often unseen contribution of partners, spouses, carers and families.

Taking place on Friday 16 October, you can expect a day of remembrance and celebration.

P.V.A director for New South Wales and event organiser Lucinda Kasey says, “I feel that volunteerism is important in the veteran community. I wanted to give back, but not just as a veteran myself.”

Lucinda is all too familiar with the struggles that military families carry. Growing up with her dad in deployment, marrying a service member, and then becoming a veteran herself, she wanted to give back to the community on a larger scale.

“I really looked up to my mum. I watched what she had to do for us children to keep us going whilst dad was deployed. She has done a lot and supported many people over the years, so I thought maybe it’s my turn to do that, “ she says

The day will kick off at 9 am with a national commemorative service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Canberran families, schools, cadet units, sports clubs, community groups, non-profits, and workplaces are encouraged to attend.

It allows the community to stand together and reflect on the heaviness that comes with being a defence family.

Afterwards, there will be a National Symposium at 10 am with guest speakers talking on related topics such as navigating life as a defence partner and family, what services, support and resources are available to partners of veterans, and the politicians that influence decisions surrounding veterans and defence families.

The symposium will have a focus on partners of veterans, and the role that they play in the veteran community.

To wrap up the day, there will be a Gala Dinner at 7 pm in the ANZAC atrium, hosted by inaugural Patron of P.V.A, Lady Lynn Cosgrove. Taking place underneath the iconic F-111 aircraft, there will be fine dining, entertainment, guest speakers, and award presentations recognising individuals and organisations who have contributed to the veteran and defence family community. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with friends and community members, make new connections, network, and share experiences with people who get it.

Lucinda hopes that people will come along to Honouring The Hidden Service and leave with an understanding that service is never carried by one person alone, and that there are plenty of people out there who are experiencing the struggles of a military family.

“Hopefully we will open that conversation of what it’s like to be a service spouse, and that community interaction and support will follow. So if someone is living next door to a service family and the spouse is away, maybe they could ask if they need help with anything, like taking the trash out or mowing the lawn,” she says.

Local businesses and providers are encouraged to sponsor the event and participate in the community showcase. Email honouringthehiddenservice@gmail.com for enquiries.

Feature image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.