3.3.D Moral Injury: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Support Recovery
Tracks
Concurrent Session C
| Friday, May 22, 2026 |
| 10:55 AM - 11:20 AM |
| Room 3 |
Overview
Presenters: Brook Shearer
Reverend Andrew Nixon
Annabelle Wilson
Reverend Andrew Nixon
Annabelle Wilson
Speaker
Reverend Andrew Nixon
Director of Veterans' Chaplaincy
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Biography
Andrew Nixon commenced with DVA in 2025 to lead the Chaplaincy Program. He is a veteran, serving as a Naval Officer from 1989 to 2001 where he specialised in warfare and leadership training. He had the privilege to work with warfare officers, combat system operators, submariners, and clearance divers, but a highlight was preparing future Leading Seamen and Petty Officers to lead.
He transferred to the reserve force in 2002 to train and work in full-time ordained ministry. He had the opportunity to transfer to the Navy Chaplaincy Branch in 2011 where he continues to serve as a reserve Senior Chaplain.
Ms Brook Shearer
Clinical Governance & Programs | Senior Director
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Moral Injury: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Support Recovery
Abstract Document
Abstract
Title: Moral Injury: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Support Recovery
Archdeacon Andrew Nixon, Director Veterans’ Chaplaincy, Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Annabelle Wilson, Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Leonie Nowland, First Assistant Secretary Open Arms, Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The existence of Moral Injury has growing acceptance with definitions incorporating physical, psychological, sociological and spiritual determinants. The definition/s utilised can inform a particular focus in terms of how moral injury is recognised and how processes to support recovery are conceptualised and operationalised. There is a risk that focusing on any one particular aspect ignores multiple factors contributing to Moral Injury and thus avoids addressing the various potential impacts of Moral Injury upon the individual and the wider community, including family systems.
This paper/presentation will discuss an approach (being) developed in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to incorporate a systemic understanding of the incidence of Moral Injury to inform an interdisciplinary approach to support recovery, comprising physical, psychological, psychosocial and spiritual interventions.
Title: Moral Injury: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Support Recovery
Archdeacon Andrew Nixon, Director Veterans’ Chaplaincy, Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Annabelle Wilson, Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Leonie Nowland, First Assistant Secretary Open Arms, Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The existence of Moral Injury has growing acceptance with definitions incorporating physical, psychological, sociological and spiritual determinants. The definition/s utilised can inform a particular focus in terms of how moral injury is recognised and how processes to support recovery are conceptualised and operationalised. There is a risk that focusing on any one particular aspect ignores multiple factors contributing to Moral Injury and thus avoids addressing the various potential impacts of Moral Injury upon the individual and the wider community, including family systems.
This paper/presentation will discuss an approach (being) developed in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to incorporate a systemic understanding of the incidence of Moral Injury to inform an interdisciplinary approach to support recovery, comprising physical, psychological, psychosocial and spiritual interventions.
Biography
Leonie Nowland has a range of experience working in critical roles in mental health across Australia, New Zealand and the UK in public and private sectors. Leonie's focus has been on a human rights-based approach to ensuring accessibility and respectful service design and delivery, emphasising the importance of lived experience and human-centred approaches.
Ms Annabelle Wilson
Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner
Repatriation Commission
Biography
