VETERANS
VOICES
CONFERENCE
2025
CONNECTION, CAREERS & COMMUNITY
Wednesday 16th July 2025 | NT Tennis Centre
ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY - WOTWW
Walking Off The War Within (WOTWW) is an annual event that raises awareness for PTSD and depression among veterans, first responders, and the wider community.
WOTWW is in memory of all fallen service men and women who we have lost to suicide through mental illness. The event is the legacy of our dear friend Nathan Shanahan, soldier and firefighter who lost his battle with PTSD in December 2016.
When Nathan started Walking Off The War Within, he created the image of a soldier with a shadow on his back, symbolising the weight of mental illness.
Our annual event replicates part of the walk that Nathan completed in April 2015 from Mildura to Adelaide, when he walked over 400 kilometres with a 20+ kilogram pack to raise awareness and funds for PTSD and depression.
VETERANS VOICES CONFERENCE
Connection, Careers & Community
In 2025, WOTWW is hosting the first Veteran and Families Conference to be held in the Northern Territory.
The conference aims to bring together current and former serving personnel and their families to access essential support services, employment pathways, and community connection opportunities. The event will also provide some financial support for veterans and families from regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory (NT) to attend.
This event will provide a critical support network for veterans and their families, creating connection, a sense of community, breaking down barriers and facilitating transition from defence to civilian life.
By funding this initiative, you will directly contribute to enhancing social well-being and employment opportunities for veterans and their families in the Northern Territory.
“The Veterans Voice Conference is more than just an event - it’s a powerful gathering of past and present service members, along with their families, to connect, learn, and grow.
Our mission is to bridge the experiences of current and former veterans, promoting support, resilience, and opportunity.
Whether it's career advancement, personal development, or building a stronger community, this conference is a space where every veteran and their family can find resources, camaraderie, and inspiration."
- Dani Eveleigh
Event Coordinator
OUR FOCUS
Providing access to veteran services such as healthcare, mental health, and financial assistance.
Exploring employment and training pathways for transitioning personnel.
Building community connections through
networking and veteran support groups.
​
Enhancing awareness of available support
programs at both local and national levels.
​
Facilitating discussions on post-service life challenges and opportunities.
​
Strengthening personal and professional networks to support long-term growth.​​​
THANK YOU
I'm Dani, the NT Coordinator for Walking Off The War Within since 2017 and the organiser of this event.
My husband, Ashley, is a Veteran. This photo was taken at his ‘Welcome Home March’ from Afghanistan. I was so proud - but I didn’t see the trauma he carried.
​
He hid it well, until he couldn’t.
PTSD crept in like a shadow, and the ‘Black Dog’ took hold. As a partner, watching someone you love struggle in silence is heartbreaking. Ashley found his path to healing through studying psychology, but many of his mates never got that chance.
Nathan was one of them.
In their honour, I dedicate myself to suicide prevention, mental health advocacy, and supporting Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
I believe ex-service organisations play a vital role in this support, and I welcome everyone to be part of this Conference. Family members, you belong here too - because we do better together.
Please contact me by 30 April 2025 if you would like to be a sponsor for this event.