Financial sustainability, strategic military leadership and pioneering clinical expertise in veterans’ mental health are valuable attributes which RAAFA’s three new board members bring to the organisation. It’s a skillset offered by the trio, who also add a combined 80 years of military service between them, to ensure veteran services are shaped by leaders who truly understand their journey.
Through bringing a Perth accountant with two decades of Army Reserve service, an Air Vice Marshal who’s navigated defence strategy across three continents, and a provisional psychologist pioneering veteran mental health treatments, the breadth of lived experience set to join the organisation is substantial.
Hugh Zimmerman‘s path to the board began serendipitously in 2012 at a regimental function, leading to over a decade serving RAAFA’s finance and audit committee. As a partner at Galluccio Griggs, specialising in estate planning, Hugh’s professional expertise aligns strategically with RAAFA’s mission.
“My priority is to support RAAFA’s executives in ensuring the organisation remains sustainable and continues as an industry leader,” he says.
While Hugh brings financial sustainability to the table, Air Vice Marshal Andrew Dowse AO RAAF (Ret’d) brings four decades of military experience, progressing from electronic engineering roles to leading Air Force strategy and heading ICT operations. His appointment as Vice President and chair of the veterans and heritage subcommittee reflects his deep commitment to his service career.
“My focus is on the veterans’ community,” Andrew says. “Honouring their service to Australia and supporting them into the future is where my passion lies.”
Complementing Andrew’s strategic focus on heritage, Eternity Hausen brings 20 years of military service as an intelligence analyst and as a result of her groundbreaking work establishing Australia’s first psychedelic integration therapy practice for veterans. In addition, as a member of the clinical governance subcommittee, she brings both lived military experience and cutting-edge clinical expertise.
“Veterans often find it difficult to ask for help because there’s a sense of pride that comes with service,” Eternity explains. “I know firsthand how important it is to have options when conventional treatments don’t work.”
Together, these three directors bring the strategic vision, financial oversight and clinical innovation RAAFA requires to support veterans across every stage of their post-service journey.
“It’s leadership grounded in experience and focused firmly on the future,” says RAAFA President Norm Waldie, who welcomes the appointments and the expertise which the three professionals bring to the organisation.
“Hugh’s financial expertise, Andrew’s four decades of strategic military leadership and Eternity’s groundbreaking work in veteran mental health represent precisely the capabilities RAAFA needs right now,” he says.
“Together, they bring the vision and depth required to honour our proud heritage, while ensuring we deliver exceptional support for every veteran who needs us.”