ABOUT SMEAC
THE STORY SO FAR.
SMEAC Inc. – Veterans Helping Veterans
At SMEAC, Veterans Helping Veterans is more than a motto – it’s our foundation. Built by those who have served, for those who have served, SMEAC is a veteran-run organisation committed to supporting our brothers and sisters in arms as they transition to civilian life.
We understand the challenges because we’ve lived them.
Through shared experience, mutual respect, and unwavering camaraderie, we offer a hand up—not a handout—ensuring that no veteran walks the path alone.
MOBILE OVERWATCH
When veterans seek help, they often don’t know where to start. SMEAC transforms uncertainty into action by identifying the veteran’s most urgent need and making it the mission—while also addressing broader wellbeing.
From employment and entitlements to mental health and family support, SMEAC offers structured, personalised guidance to help veterans take ownership of their journey and build a better future.
SERVICES
The role of the Wellbeing Coach is to educate, guide, and empower veterans to take ownership of their journey—supporting them to navigate the DVA process and broader life challenges with confidence and independence.
RAPID RESPONCE
SMEAC deploys teams of veterans to support fellow veterans in need and families in crisis—delivering timely, practical help grounded in trust, shared experience, and solidarity. These teams provide more than just assistance; they offer reassurance, peer connection, and a reminder that no one has to face hardship alone. This model strengthens purpose, reinforces community, and ensures help arrives when it’s needed most.
THE WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND HOW?
So, who are we? What do we do? When did we begin, and where are we based? Most importantly, why do we exist, and how do we make a difference?
SMEAC is a registered veteran charity based on the Sunshine Coast, operated entirely by volunteers – veterans helping veterans.
Since day one, we’ve been delivering real, hands-on support to those in need. From crisis accommodation to retraining, advocacy to community connection, every effort we make is grounded in lived experience and genuine care.
To learn more, click on the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND HOW OF ALL THINGS SMEAC, Click links below.
SMEAC, WHO.
SMEAC Inc. is a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status—founded by veterans, for veterans. We are a hands-on, veteran-led organisation dedicated to the principle of Veterans Helping Veterans. Our mission is grounded in strength, purpose, and mateship, ensuring that no veteran is ever left behind. SMEAC is led by a volunteer Board—President Tim Cuming, Treasurer Nick Hermann, and Secretary Aaron Langley—who together bring over 45 years of Australian Defence Force service. Their lived experience drives our commitment to walking alongside those who’ve served, offering practical support with empathy and understanding.
SMEAC, WHAT.
SMEAC delivers holistic support services to veterans and their families through our unique model of Reconnection, Rehabilitation, Retraining, and Reintegration for Purpose. Unlike many Ex-Service Organisations that focus solely on referrals, SMEAC provides practical, structured, and hands-on support at Camp SMEAC—a purpose-built retreat dedicated to improving mental, physical, and social wellbeing.
Our core services include:
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Emergency accommodation & long-term transition support
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Medical & wellbeing services through the RAP Medical Centre
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Training & employment opportunities
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Recreational activities & community programs
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Rapid response and outreach teams for veterans in crisis
SMEAC is more than just a service provider—we are a lifelong support network, walking alongside veterans as they navigate life after service.
SMEAC, WHEN.
SMEAC was founded in 2019, originally operating from the SMEAC Hub in Bowen Hills, Brisbane. Built from the ground up by volunteers, it took nearly six years of persistence, planning, and negotiation to acquire our permanent home—Camp SMEAC—from the Queensland Government. Today, SMEAC operates year-round, providing continuous support for veterans and their families through a range of initiatives, including:
• Weekly Wellbeing Wednesday BBQ or Healthy Meal (Every Wednesday, 0900h–1400h) – More than just a social catch-up, this weekly gathering includes mild physical activity, outdoor games, DVA assistance, and a BBQ or smoker-cooked treat shared in good company.
• Veteran Rehabilitation & Support Programs – Ongoing initiatives designed to support veterans at every stage of their transition journey.
• Training & Employment Initiatives – Regularly scheduled workshops, seminars, and courses to help veterans upskill and pursue new career opportunities.
• Rapid Response Teams – On standby year-round to assist veterans facing emergencies, natural disasters, or personal crises.
SMEAC, WHERE.
SMEAC operates from Camp SMEAC, a 50-hectare bushland retreat near the Sunshine Coast, Queensland—just an hour north of Brisbane and 10 minutes from Caloundra. Located at 2315 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough QLD 4550, the camp provides a peaceful, natural environment where veterans can recover, reconnect, and rebuild.
Key facilities at Camp SMEAC include:
• The RAP (Consultation) Medical Centre – Supporting veterans’ physical and mental wellbeing.
• Kapyong Lines (Accommodation Building) – Providing emergency housing for veterans in crisis.
• The SMEAC Mess Hall & Recreation Centre – A shared space for meals, connection, and community.
• Outdoor & Recreational Facilities – Including bushwalking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a 12 km mountain bike track.
In addition to our main site, SMEAC’s mobile outreach teams bring essential support services to veterans in regional and remote communities across Queensland—ensuring no veteran is left behind, regardless of their location.
SMEAC, WHY.
Veterans face unique challenges—including mental health issues, social isolation, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life. The statistics are confronting:
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Since 1997, over 1,878 Australian veterans have died by suicide—more than 20 times the number killed in combat.
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On average, three veterans take their own lives every fourteen days in Australia.
SMEAC exists to break this cycle—reducing veteran suicide, addressing isolation and hardship, and restoring hope through:
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Community and camaraderie
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Practical rehabilitation and ongoing support
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Opportunities for retraining and employment
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A structured, hands-on approach to transition
We believe in offering a hand up, not a handout, and we are committed to ensuring no veteran is left behind.
SMEAC, HOW.
SMEAC applies a structured SMEAC Approach—Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration & Logistics, Communications—to ensure veterans receive the right support at the right time.
- Situation – Assessing each veteran’s unique circumstances and needs.
- Mission – Defining clear, achievable goals for their transition or journey.
- Execution – Delivering practical support, training, and employment pathways.
- Administration & Logistics – Coordinating housing, transport, and financial help.
- Communications – Keeping veterans connected through regular contact and check-ins.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Join SMEAC as a member and access our full range of support services.
- Volunteer your time and skills to help fellow veterans.
- Donate to support our programs and expand our outreach.
- Attend events and become part of our growing veteran community.
SMEAC is more than just a charity—it’s a brotherhood and sisterhood built on Veterans Helping Veterans for life.
To learn more, visit Camp SMEAC or contact us today.
What Makes SMEAC Differant
The name SMEAC reflects our belief in a structured, hands-on process for supporting veterans and their families after service.
We don’t just offer phone numbers or distant referrals – we use a hands on triage-style approach with warm handovers, ensuring each veteran receives tailored, practical help. This method forms part of our broader, holistic model – addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social needs as one.
The SMEAC Veteran Hub was purpose-built to deliver exactly that.
WHY DONATE
When you donate to SMEAC, you’re not just giving – you’re changing lives.
Your support directly impacts Australian veterans who are struggling to transition into civilian life, facing isolation, mental health challenges, and the loss of purpose after service.
SMEAC is 100% volunteer-run, which means every dollar goes straight to where it’s needed most – veteran support programs, urgent assistance, and maintaining Camp SMEAC, a safe haven for healing, reconnection, and rebuilding.
Your donation isn’t just charity – it’s a lifeline. It’s a stand for those who stood for us. Every contribution helps a veteran access real solutions, find community, and rediscover hope.
Donate today – because no veteran should have to fight their battles alone.
I REALLY WOULD JUST LIKE TO DONATE
ENGAGEMENT MODEL
When veterans seek help, they often don’t know where to start. SMEAC transforms uncertainty into action by identifying the veteran’s most urgent need and making it the mission—while also addressing broader wellbeing.
From employment and entitlements to mental health and family support, SMEAC offers structured, personalised guidance to help veterans take ownership of their journey and build a better future.
WELLBEING COACH
The role of the Wellbeing Coach is to educate, guide, and empower veterans to take ownership of their journey—supporting them to navigate the DVA process and broader life challenges with confidence and independence.
Mobile Overwatch
SMEAC will extend its regional reach through mobile teams based in or deployed to remote areas—providing localised overwatch and ensuring that veterans in isolated communities receive consistent, face-to-face support when and where it’s needed most.
Rapid Response
SMEAC deploys teams of veterans to support fellow veterans in need and families in crisis—delivering timely, practical help grounded in trust, shared experience, and solidarity. These teams provide more than just assistance; they offer reassurance, peer connection, and a reminder that no one has to face hardship alone. This model strengthens purpose, reinforces community, and ensures help arrives when it’s needed most.
1. Follow us online
Strength in numbers. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at Camp SMEAC. By engaging with our posts, sharing our message, and inviting others to follow along, you help us grow our reach and connect more veterans with the support they need. Your voice makes a difference—let’s spread the word together.
2. VISIT Camp SMEAC
Located in the heart of the beautiful Sunshine Coast 15 minutes west of Caloundra and an hour north of Brisbane.
SMEAC although currently under construction will be open most days for volunteer support with construction and for Veteran Related Servicesand support by October. Keep your eyes out on our socials for a place to join like-minded people.
1. SHARE us online
Help us raise awareness of what SMEAC can provide to Veterans. By sharing our mission, services, and success stories online, you can help connect more veterans to the support they deserve. Every post, tag, and share spreads the word further—letting others know that SMEAC is here, ready to offer a hand up, not a handout. Together, we can make sure no veteran is left behind.