ACU and RSL Queensland announce partnership

A partnership between ACU and RSL Queensland will see the lives of veterans and their families transformed through education and opportunity.

In order to elevate career prospects for current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), RSL Queensland and ACU are working together to expand the program offerings available to veterans across the state by adding a second dedicated role in Queensland to support veterans enrolled in higher education.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Zlatko Skrbis said this opportunity would not only open the door to new program offerings, it would also place a keen focus on enhancing the overall student experience for veterans.

“The partnership will allow the ongoing development of dedicated ACU resources, including staff and research, to support veteran students in achieving their study and employment goals,” Professor Skrbis said.

“We share a common vision to enrich the lives of veterans and their families, and by coming together we’re able to bolster our existing program to unlock untapped potential.”

RSL Queensland CEO Robert Skoda said this partnership strengthens RSL Queensland’s commitment to higher education for the veteran community, extending upon the existing annual investment in direct educational bursaries for veterans and their families.

“We know that veterans often possess unique skillsets due to their lived experience and the leadership capabilities instilled during service,” Mr Skoda said.

“However, navigating life beyond service, including tertiary access and the study environment, can be a barrier to applying these skills into higher education pursuits.

“This partnership will increase educational accessibility and position veterans to realise their full potential with the backing of a world-class, highly recognisable tertiary institution.”

The new partnership is focused on supporting veteran students and their partners throughout their tertiary experience, providing a dedicated contact person who understands the nuances of serving in the ADF.

The second dedicated role will support Student Veteran Services Manager Aaron Cornwall.

ACU’s student veteran graduates are already making an impact in their communities.

“Student veteran graduates embody the positive change higher education can make in the lives of those who have served,” Professor Skrbis said.

“Strengthening our ties with RSL Qld enhances the university’s capacity to stand with veterans and their families. It allows us to increase our support and create more opportunities for them to succeed and thrive.”

Read more about ACU’s Student Veteran Services program