VF-LINK Webinar Invitation

We invite you to an upcoming webinar introducing the Veteran and Family – Learning and Innovation Network of Knowledge (VF-LINK).

VF-LINK is a research and evaluation model established by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). It is intended to support improved health and wellbeing outcomes for veterans and families of veterans by strengthening access to, and use of, relevant research and evaluation evidence.

Following a competitive process, Phoenix Australia was awarded a five-year strategic partnership with DVA to lead a research consortium under the VF-LINK model (the VF-LINK Consortium). The VF-LINK Consortium brings together leading researchers, alongside lived-experience advisors, to work together to improve the health and wellbeing of the veteran community.

Working in collaboration with DVA, the VF-LINK Consortium will develop and conduct targeted research projects and evaluations aligned with strategic priorities in support of veterans and families of veterans. Early work under the partnership includes the development of a five-year, DVA Research Strategy and establishment of the Collaborative Knowledge Network and the Veteran and Family Research Learning Community to support collaboration and knowledge exchange.

This introductory webinar will provide an overview of the VF-LINK model and the Phoenix Australia-led VF-LINK Consortium and outline how researchers, clinicians, veterans, families of veterans, and organisations can stay informed about, and engage with, this work over time.

Webinar details

Title: Introducing the Veteran and Family – Learning and Innovation Network of Knowledge (VF-LINK)
Date: Thursday 30 April 2026
Time: 4:00–5:00 pm (AEST)
Format: Online (Microsoft Teams webinar)
Cost: Free

Presenters

The webinar will be hosted by Alexandra Howard from Phoenix Australia, and will include contributions from:

• Professor Nicole Sadler AM CSC, Professor Director / Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix Australia, Chair VF-LINK Consortium Executive Committee

• Ms Elaine Tse, A/g Assistant Secretary, Research, Evaluation and Privacy Assurance Branch, Policy and Research Division, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

• Professor Meaghan O’Donnell, Head of Research, Phoenix Australia, Lead DVA Research Strategy Development, Lead VF-LINK Collaborative Knowledge Network

• Mr Nathan Klinge, Veteran and VF‑LINK Veteran Advisor

After brief presentations by Phoenix Australia and DVA, there will be a moderated panel discussion, with an opportunity for audience members to submit questions via the Q&A function.