September 28th, 2025

Discover the Joy of Pickleball: Veterans' Health Week 2025 Event in Murwillumbah

Celebrate Veterans' Health Week 2025 with a fun, free Pickleball Day on October 17 in Murwillumbah! At Healthy Habits, your local exercise physiology experts in Murwillumbah, we’re passionate about helping veterans stay active and connected. This year’s Veterans' Health Week theme is 'Keep Connected'. Physical activity and social connection are core pillars of veteran wellbeing. Our Pickleball event is designed to boost your mobility, mood, and community ties, all while having a blast. Whether you're an ex-service member managing joint pain or looking to reconnect, join us for a day of low-impact fun tailored just for you. Read on to learn why Pickleball is perfect for veterans and how to secure your spot.

Why Exercise Matters for Veterans’ Health

Physical activity is a game-changer for veterans. Research from a DVA-supported program on self-managed physical activity for veterans shows that 76% of participants reported benefits to psychological wellbeing, including improvements in mood and a sense of achievement.

Movement also helps manage chronic conditions like arthritis, boosts heart health, and eases symptoms of PTSD, with studies indicating that strong social connectedness-often fostered through group activities-reduces PTSD severity. 

As exercise physiologists, we’ve seen firsthand how tailored activity plans transform lives in Murwillumbah. Veterans often face unique challenges-post-service injuries, isolation, or mental health hurdles-but the right exercise can rebuild strength and confidence.

At Healthy Habits, we specialise in creating veteran-focused programs that prioritise safe, effective movement. Our work aligns with Veterans' Health Week’s mission to promote mental wellness, and our October 17 event is your chance to experience it. Curious about how a sport like Pickleball fits in? Let’s dive into why it’s ideal for you.

Pickleball: The Perfect Low-Impact Sport for Veterans

Pickleball is a paddle sport that’s taking Australia by storm, and it’s perfect for veterans of all fitness levels. Played on a badminton-sized court with paddles and a perforated ball, it combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Here’s why veterans in Murwillumbah and Southport love it:


Low-Impact, High Reward: Gentle on joints but great for building strength and coordination.

Social Connection: Played in doubles or small groups, it fosters camaraderie-key for combating isolation.

Beginner-Friendly: Easy to learn, with rules simple enough to pick up in one session.

Mental Boost: The focus and fun reduce stress, aligning with DVA’s findings that social sports improve mental health.

As exercise physiologists, we’ve seen Pickleball work wonders for our veteran clients. It’s adaptable for mobility challenges and offers a full-body workout without strain. Our October 17 event will introduce you to this sport in a welcoming, veteran-focused setting.

Veterans’ Health Week 2025: A Focus on Connection and Activity

Veterans' Health Week, running mid-October, is a national initiative to support ex-service members’ physical and mental health. While the 2025 theme is yet to be announced, past years have highlighted physical activity and social bonds-both central to our Pickleball Day. This event is more than a game; it’s a chance to connect with fellow veterans, learn from exercise physiology experts, and take a step toward healthier habits. At Healthy Habits, we’re proud to support veterans in Murwillumbah with practical, evidence-based solutions for long-term wellbeing.

Join Us for Pickleball Day at Healthy Habits!

Event Details

Date: October 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM 
Location: Murwillumbah Tennis Club

Cost: Free for veterans and their families

What’s Included: All equipment, beginner coaching, a light lunch, and a Q&A with our exercise physiologists

This event is perfect for veterans in Murwillumbah, Southport, and surrounding areas. Never played Pickleball? No problem-our team will guide you every step. 


Take the First Step Toward Healthier Habits

Veterans' Health Week 2025 is your opportunity to prioritize your health, and our Pickleball Day on October 17 is the perfect start. At Healthy Habits, we’re committed to empowering veterans in Murwillumbah with fun, effective ways to stay active and connected. Don’t miss this chance to try Pickleball, meet others, and learn how exercise physiology can transform your wellbeing.

​Papinczak, Z. E., Brown, W. J., Kolt, G. S., Duncan, M. J., Vandelanotte, C., & Short, C. E. (2021). Effects of the Active Choices program on self-managed physical activity and social connectedness in Australian Defence Force veterans: Protocol for a cluster-randomized trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 10(2), Article e21911. https://doi.org/10.2196/21911

Wright, B. K., Kelsall, H. L., Sim, M. R., Clarke, D. M., & Creamer, M. C. (2013). Support mechanisms and vulnerabilities in relation to PTSD in veterans of the Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan deployments: A systematic review. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(3), 310–318. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21810

Department of Veterans' Affairs. (2024). Veterans' Health Week 2024: Keep connected. https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/work-and-social-life-programs/veterans-health-week/veterans-health-week-2024-13-20-october

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Health of veterans. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/veterans/health-of-veterans/contents/summary

Australian Sports Commission. (2023). Health and wellbeing. Clearinghouse for Sport. https://www.ausport.gov.au/clearinghouse/evidence/australian-veterans-and-sport/health-and-wellbeing

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Veteran social connectedness. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/veterans/veteran-social-connectedness/contents/summary

SAVCG. (2025, February 1). Veterans Health Week. https://savcg.org.au/2025/02/01/veterans-health-week/
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