ABOUT US

Founded in 2021, Veteran Gaming Australia (VGA) is dedicated to building a thriving community around gaming and geek culture for Veterans and their families.

Our mission is to enhance Veteran-Family engagement and social connections through interactive and inclusive community platforms, reducing isolation, hardship, and health challenges within the Veteran and Family space.

WHAT WE DO

Gaming & Esports Hubs: We have facilitated, donated, and set up social gaming hubs at over 12 Veteran and Veteran Family support locations and established Esports Hubs at 3 venues, with more on the way.

Community & Social Impact:

Supported over 42,000 Veterans and Veteran Family members through our programs and growing.
Provided over $50,000 worth of care packages to Veterans facing financial and/or health hardships.
Pioneered Miniature Figurine Painting Therapy—a unique alternative therapy
Hosted over 700 community events, including in-person and online social activities.
Dedicated over 10,000 volunteer hours to supporting Veterans and their families.

Our Achievements

2024 Veterans, Emergency Services & Police Industry Institute of Australia (VESPIIA) Social Program of the Year Award Winner.
First charity in Australia to receive a Mental Health Association grant for gaming & geek culture programs during QLD Mental Health Week.
Strong national partnerships-networks with Veteran support organisations like Invictus Australia, RSLs, hospitals, social workers, education and employment pathways, and state government agencies.

At VGA, we believe that gaming and geek culture can be powerful tools for connection, well-being, and support. Whether through digital gaming, esports, tabletop and in-person social events, we continue to create spaces where Veterans and their families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Statistics from Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA)

Digital Australia 2023 report designed and conducted by Bond University revealed that the top 5 reasons to play games were to;

have fun
relax and de-stress
pass time
escape
be challenged

The statistics also found that:

89% of adults think games improve thinking skills for players of all ages
81% of all Australians play video games
91% say video games can create feelings of enjoyment
84% say video games can stimulate the mind
75% say video games can help manage stress
66% say video games can nurture mental health
61% say video games encourage social interaction
33% made new friend(s) through video games