12 March 2025
Applications are now open for a four-week, live-in program of supportive and engaging hands-on workshops designed to rebuild current serving and transitioning ADF personnel and first responders’ confidence – and provide inspiration.
The ADF’s Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) program is designed to improve the lives of participants experiencing health and wellbeing challenges related to service in the ADF, ACT Emergency Services and Australian Federal Police.
Head of ARRTS Brigadier Wayne Goodman said the biannual program, located in Canberra, uncovers the artistic talents of participants while helping them 're-set' by rebuilding confidence.
“This is a fantastic program, and just one of many the Australian Government supports to improve the wellbeing of ADF members and first responders,” he said.
“Training and mentoring from arts practitioners enables participants to learn musical instruments, creative writing techniques and visual art methods.
“Through the artistic process, participants will discover new ways to express themselves, relax and allow time for their minds to focus on something completely different to their military ‘day-to-day’ operational tempo.”
'Ninety-nine per cent of participants report one of the main achievements from being on this program is that they have a renewed sense of purpose, self-worth and connection.'
Since May 2015, about 380 people across the ADF, emergency services and police have participated in the ADF ARRTS program.
The supportive rank-free and uniform-free environment helps participants to gain a fresh awareness of self-identity, particularly for those transitioning out of the ADF.
Brigadier Goodman knows first hand the importance of the program – having gone through a similar program after suffering a traumatic brain injury – upon his return from Afghanistan.
“This is a life-changing program,” he said.
“Ninety-nine per cent of participants report one of the main achievements from being on this program is that they have a renewed sense of purpose, self-worth and connection.
“In the current climate and considering what some of our participants have been through, that is a jaw-dropping statistic.”
The four-week program offers the choice of three streams: visual arts, creative writing, and music and rhythm. All sessions are taught by civilian experts, supported by a health team that includes psychologists, nurses and a physiotherapist.
The next ADF ARRTS program will be held at the University of Canberra from May 4 to 30. Applications close March 31.
For more information or to apply, visit www.defence.gov.au/arrts
