Our Veterans Forge

It was Veteran Health week but we should call it Vererans Health Month after so many requests we said we will fit every one in so another Month to go. All thanks to Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs as they changed the format allowing a four month period to hold your event which is great.

We had 25 people who attended multiple days grinding, heat treating, hand sanding, making a handle and then they will make a Kydex sheath.

Just a reminder 13th Brigade have the Perth Army Open Day fast approaching on Saturday 14 March 2026 from 10AM – 2PM at Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta.

On the open day meet serving soldiers, engage with veteran support and military history organisations, witness Army in action through various displays and even take part in a range of fun, family-friendly activities.

Register through the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/army-open-day-perth-2026-tickets-1983050869533

This year’s event is set to be even bigger and better, especially as it coincides with our Army 125th Birthday celebrations.

Iain and Cath’s project Our Veteran’s Haven was officially opened today by Veterans Minister Matt Keogh, a great supporter of our programs — both personally and through the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs.

As we move into our next chapter we would like to thank the Minister for his ongoing support over the years as Veterans Minister.

We’re looking forward to what comes next.

Thanks to Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs and the SAS Association WA we will be hosting two basic knife making workshops for our Veterans Health Week on 16th and 17th of February 2026.

Spots are open to any veteran but limited and we will use this list for some other courses we will put on later in the year now that we are open.

It’s been a long time coming but today we received approval to open our first site on Defence land.

This is a major milestone for us and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support, dedication and generosity of so many people.

A huge thank you to everyone who believed in what we’re building from those who volunteered their time, offered guidance and helped navigate the process. Also to those who donated materials, equipment and funds to make this vision a reality.

Your support has made this possible and we can’t wait to see what comes next as we continue building opportunities for our veterans, we have a second site and the equipment already.

So, thanks to,

The Australian Special Air Service Association - WA Branch
Special Air Services Resources Fund.
Jarrahdale Sporting Shooters Practical Shooting.
Matt Keogh and Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Australian Defence Force
The Anzac Day Trust WA.
Perth Thunder
Jeff Ash Filter Supplies (WA).
RSL - Claremont Sub-Branch
Shannon Whittington from Howden.
NordicEdge.com.au and 84 Engineering
Rollsizer.com
Blade Steels Australia.
PFERD Australia Pty Ltd.
Sinclair's Stabilised Timber
Blackwoods.
Timbecon
SEG and Ventia.
Rod H***e Knife Images
Orange Grove Shooting Association.
Above & Beyond Dental
Resoult
Revive Physiotherapy

For those veterans interested please send an email to [email protected] as we will open it up once we clear the backlog. Paddy from .and.the.bear and Dunny from .blades will be our regular instructors.

We will be attending the 13th Brigade open day with the usual team and something different this year.

Tickets are free and available at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/13th-brigade-open-day-tickets-1535533113879?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
blades .and.the.bear

Working Spirit are holding another career summit for those interested as they are helping a lot of Veterans and ADF members transitioning out.

https://bit.ly/WSCareerSummit25

Perth Thunder are again holding an Anzac Day game for us to raise money and the jerseys like last year are being actioned so have a bid.

https://auctions.com.au/auctions/2025/04/22/perth-thunder-game-worn-jerseys-for-our-veterans-forge-online-charity-auction.html

As we prepare to open at 13th Brigade it’s great to see support from Rollsizer.com donating 150 of his his team shirts to raise money and awareness.

The money being raised will be split between programs at 13th Brigade Commando Welfare Trust (Official Page) and WA SAS Association supporting veterans.

Shirts are $40 plus freight for those who want to purchase one and available at Practical events we compete at around Perth.

https://www.knifeartassociation.com/perthknifeshow are holding the Perth Knife Show on the weekend of 1st and 2nd February for anyone interested as a few of the guys will have a display including and so pop in and say hello.

We will be getting a few copies in and once you read the articles it will explain why

You can order from
https://www.knifeimages.art/knifemakersbook

Or from NordicEdge.com.au and Gameco Artisan Supplies if it’s more convenient.

Also follow Rod H***e Knife Images