The University of Queensland is proud to announce the launch of ‘Active Choices for Springfield,’ a groundbreaking 2-year project aimed at addressing the pressing health challenges faced by Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans.
The project is a collabortive effort funded and supported by Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) and involves Springfield industry partners, and the Queensland Government.
Research indicates that ADF veterans are significantly less physically active than the general population, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and heart disease.
This disparity is often exacerbated by feelings of isolation and social withdrawal during the transition from military to civilian life, particularly in regional communities where access to physical activity and health programs is limited.
‘Active Choices for Springfield’ is an evidence-based support program designed and led by veterans, specifically targeting those in high-priority regional areas.
Program coordinator Dr Nicholas Gilson, UQ Associate Professor in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour, believes the Active Choices program will help build the most active and socially connected veteran community in Australia.
“The digital program is unique in providing a self-sustaining, free at the point of access, inclusive community-based physical activity support resource, delivered by veterans, for the benefit of the veteran community,” Dr Gilson said.
“Through working closely with our partners, Gallipoli Medical Research, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, and the Springfield City Group we hope to provide an interactive, online ‘one-stop shop’ program to connect 1000s of veterans across Australia.
The innovative digital program will connect veterans to physical activity opportunities in the Springfield region – roughly 30 kms outside Brisbane’s CBD – by fostering social support networks through trained community veteran champions. These champions will deliver the program.
The findings will guide future projects, potentially expanding the program to other veteran communities across Australia and internationally, in partnership with UQ’s flagship partner in the United Kingdom, the University of Exeter.
International partners Associate Professor in Sports and Health Sciences Dr Melvyn Hillsdon and social and organisational psychologist Dr Stefan Schilling from the University of Exeter are key members of the Active Choices’ Research Steering Group.
This association leverages the QUEX Institute, a multi-million-dollar global research partnership maintained by UQ and The University of Exeter, within which Dr Gilson acts as theme lead for Healthy Living.
Dr Hillsdon and Dr Schilling will guide and inform the project, using expertise in veteran research generated through their involvement in the UK’s ADVANCE and Veteran Connection Program.
Their involvement will foster shared learning between Australia and the UK, with opportunities for future international collaboration and the upscaling of ‘Active Choices’ a post-project priority.
Award
Gallipoli Medical Research Collaborative Research (GMR) Award 2025–27: $250,000
‘Active Choices for Springfield: A veteran-led digital program to support physically active and connected lifestyles in a priority regional Australian community.’
UQ-leads: Associate Professor Nicholas D Gilson1, Professor Lauren Ball2, Dr Rebecca Mellor3, Dr Zoe Papinczak4, Professor Catherine Haslam5.
- Director of Partnerships and Engagement, QUEX Institute Healthy Living Theme Lead, School of Human Movement & Nutrition Sciences
- Professor in Community Health and Wellbeing, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- School of Human Movement & Nutrition Sciences
- School of Psychology
