August 13, 2025
Bringing Bereaved Families out of the Darkness and into the Light: TAPS Australia Postvention Workshop
In July, Sydney became the backdrop for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Postvention Workshop, a transformative few days with a program designed specifically for veteran families bereaved by suicide.
The four-day workshop was a pioneering effort driven by Gwen Cherne, Invictus Australia Ambassador and the outgoing Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, dedicated to providing space to share stories, honour loved ones and start a journey of healing through connection.
The TAPS Model
TAPS is a national nonprofit organisation based in the United States that provides compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community. The U.S. model was created by Bonnie Carroll in 1994, and for 30 years they have been providing compassionate care to all military survivors regardless of their relationship to the deceased, the circumstances or geography of the death. They do this through long-term, peer-based emotional support, crisis response and intervention, casework assistance, and grief and trauma resources and information, workshops and seminars.
The Invictus spark
The idea to bring TAPS to Australia was sparked at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, where Diana Hosford, Vice President, Sports and Entertainment at TAPS and Cherne, met for a powerful morning tea highlighting the impact being created through the U.S. TAPS program and inspired by the background of changing & saving lives through international sport. Following years of conversations and careful planning, the vision became reality after the two connected again seven years later at another Invictus Games, this time in Vancouver for the 2025 event for wounded, injured and ill military veterans and their families. With the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide recently being handed down, and commitment from the defence community in Australia to make meaningful change, momentum was building.
Finally, in July 2025, the TAPS Australia Postvention Workshop was delivered in Sydney!
Drawing on decades of learning, the U.S. TAPS team brought their program experts to co-design and deliver a workshop for Aussie Defence and veteran families bereaved by suicide, focused on lived experience, shaping Australia’s postvention strategy and guiding future support systems for families impacted by military suicide.
The arrival of TAPS in Australia marked a significant moment for many families, some of whom were being publicly acknowledged for the first time. This iteration of the program was co-designed and delivered in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs, Invictus Australia and a network of trusted national and international partners.
Why Supporting Bereaved Families Matters
The importance of supporting bereaved families cannot be overstated. Families serve alongside the veteran, sharing in the sacrifices, challenges and impacts of military life. During times of loss, their grief is often compounded by years of silent service and overlooked sacrifice.
Recognising this, the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide emphasised the urgent need for trauma-informed, family-centred strategies in both suicide prevention and postvention efforts. It also underscored the necessity of improving data collection methods and ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience are central to the design and delivery of future support services.
The Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, acknowledged the importance of these efforts, stating:
“By drawing on international expertise through the TAPS program and adapting it for the needs of Australian families, the aim is to build on existing support for veteran families with new programs that may better equip loved ones in their healing journey.”
“This effort aligns with recommendations of the Royal Commission to improve access to postvention support for veteran families who have been impacted by suicide by working together with the broader veteran community (Recommendation 76 and 77). It also aligns with the objectives of the joint Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2030.”
The TAPS Australia Postvention Workshop exemplifies the Albanese Government’s commitment to strengthening support for veteran families. By prioritising trauma-informed, family-centred approaches, this workshop ensures bereaved families receive the care, connection, and continuity they deserve. As Gwen Cherne powerfully stated, “The best postvention is prevention.”
Understanding Postvention
Postvention refers to the coordinated support provided to individuals, families, and communities impacted by suicide. It recognises the distinct and often complex grief that follows such a loss and offers pathways to healing through connection, compassion, and practical care. By addressing emotional, psychological, and social needs, postvention strengthens community resilience and helps prevent further harm. Through care and courage, postvention turns pain into purpose and ensures no one walks that journey alone.
The role of Sport and Connection in Healing
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in peer mentorship training, trauma-informed education and grief work.
In addition, they experienced how sport and group activities act as a powerful tool for healing and connection. Drawing on the successful U.S. TAPS model, which integrates sport and entertainment to foster community, Invictus Australia unlocked meaningful, local opportunities, based on their evidence-based approach and network.
From the darkness into the light
This included a moment of reflection during the Sunrise of Remembrance Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, supported locally by AUStability, where participants honoured the lives of those lost by reading their names at dawn. According to Cherne, the group “wanted to show that this was a moment for our nation, for these families to come out of the darkness and shadows, and into the light.”
Each participant wore a clear sleeve displaying a photo of their loved one, a visible tribute carried with them as they ascended the bridge. At the summit, a moment of silence was held, the Last Post was sounded, and each family member’s loved one’s name was read aloud.
Minister Keogh climbed alongside the families and took part in the tribute, it was a meaningful sign of respect for the loss felt amongst these families. Minister Keogh shared: “There were a lot of tears, but you could also see the cathartic nature of [having] that experience together”.
The powerful symbolism was a powerful catalyst for growth for many.
Kicking goals
Before the workshop, TAPS staff engaged with the NRL team, the Sydney Roosters, where they were invited on a private tour of HQ, and the chance to observe a training session, the Captain’s Run.
The Roosters welcomed staff from DVA, TAPS and Invictus Australia, sharing how they honor their players who enlisted in Defence, and how service is recognised throughout the entire club. Players including Captain James Tedesco, alongside Head Coach Trent Robinson spent time with the group, engaging in meaningful conversations about service, sacrifice, and remembrance. Robinson recorded a message to be played to all the program participants, sharing; “We’re privileged to have some of your [TAPS] crew come out to training today to support us before our game. We understand that there’s been some loss in the room, and we really want to say that we’re thinking of you, and we support each and every one of you.
We’re lucky enough to play on ANZAC Day each year and represent and say thank you to the service men and women of Australia. For us that’s a privilege. From all of us at the Sydney Roosters I want to say thank you to you and your loved ones for the service that is so important to Australians.”
On game night, Robinson wore commemorative badges in honor of Sergeant Peter Jon Cafe, husband of Cherne and Brigadier General Tom Carroll, late husband of TAPS Founder Bonnie Carroll. This was a gesture that deeply moved all who saw both Bonnie and Gwen gift these commemorative badges to Robinson.
These moments reflect the same spirit represented at the Invictus Games, where sport builds resilience, camaraderie, understanding and healing, not only for the competitors, but for the families that have served and sacrificed alongside them. By supporting programs like TAPS Australia, Invictus Australia continues to champion the role of sport in strengthening community bonds and honouring our veteran families.
Families united
On the penultimate day of the TAPS Australia Postvention Workshop, Invictus Australia Ambassador Erin Molan joined participants for a special dinner. As the daughter of the late Major General and Senator for NSW, Jim Molan, Erin brings a deeply personal connection to the veteran community. She is a passionate advocate for the wellbeing of veterans and their families and strongly champions the role of sport in fostering resilience, mental health, and social connection.
Through her work with Invictus Australia and her broader public advocacy, Erin has consistently highlighted the power of sport to unite communities and support recovery, values that were reflected in her engagement with families and staff during the workshop. She connected deeply with families and staff, who she later deemed “a group of the most impressive people I’ve ever encountered… those who have lost loved ones post military service… and who not only survive somehow themselves but look after kids and family left behind on their own”.
The evening concluded with a moving lantern ceremony at Quarantine Beach Wharf in Manly, where families released glowing lanterns into the water, each one a tribute to someone lost to suicide.
Walking the path together
The TAPS Australia Postvention Workshop signified a shift in how bereaved veteran families are seen and supported in Australia. Their experiences, sacrifices, and resilience are integral to the broader story of service, and their inclusion in postvention efforts is essential. For many, it was the first time their grief was publicly acknowledged, a powerful step toward healing and visibility.
At Invictus Australia, we are proud to stand alongside our partners and community throughout this workshop, laying the foundation for a future where bereaved families are not only recognised but embraced with compassion and care. It marks the beginning of their long overdue acknowledgement and a promise that they will no longer walk in silence.
Michael Hartung, Chief Executive of Invictus Australia, reflected on the significance of the workshop and the role sport can play in this journey:
“Having the U.S. TAPS team deliver their established program model in Australia demonstrated that the benefits have been seen in the United States can absolutely be achieved in Australia with a similar approach. It was heartening to see participants find genuine value in the experience.” He continued, “Sport has a meaningful role to play in postvention. It offers structure, purpose, and a pathway to connection whether through shared physical activity, team engagement, or simply being part of something bigger than oneself. We see this powerfully at the Invictus Games, where sport transcends competition and becomes a catalyst for recovery and unity. At its core, sport is about connection and that connection can be life changing.”
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group or email support@invictusaustralia.org.
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