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Maddie brings over two years of experience as a delegate at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where she supported veterans through their claims with care and precision. She values her opportunity at Veterans First Consulting to give back to those who have served by helping them confidently navigate their next chapter.
When she’s not helping veterans, Maddie hits the field as a Perth Football League player.
Shyna brings a wealth of experience in claims, including two and a half years specifically handling DVA claims while working at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Her time at DVA has equipped her with a deep understanding of the system and a strong commitment to supporting veterans through every step of the process. She finds it incredibly rewarding to give back — even in small ways — to those who have sacrificed so much for this country.
Shyna can speak five languages!
Emma brings over two years of experience as a Delegate at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where she supported veterans through the often complex DVA claims process. Her first-hand knowledge of the system, combined with a deep respect for those who have served, allows her to make a meaningful impact every day. Emma finds purpose in helping veterans navigate their claims with dignity, respect, and the support they deserve.
Emma loves to spend her spare time with a good book in hand.
Caitlin brings valuable experience from supporting individuals through complex systems like workers’ compensation and the NDIS. Coming from a defence family, she understands the unique challenges veterans face and is deeply committed to helping them access the support they deserve. She finds great fulfilment in making a real difference, especially as part of a team focused on positive impact.
Caitlin and her dog are always chasing their next adventure — whether it’s hiking through the bush or swimming at the beach.
Angus has spent years helping veterans navigate their DVA claims, bringing compassion and dedication to every case. With a family history of military service, supporting veterans holds deep personal meaning for him. He finds the work incredibly rewarding and takes pride in making a genuine difference in the lives of those who have served.
Angus once looked after 20 dogs at once as part of an RSPCA campaign.
Lynne brings valuable experience from her work within the DVA’s Rehabilitation Programme and with orthopaedic specialists, giving her a strong foundation to support veterans through the compensation claims process. She finds great reward in guiding veterans during their onboarding journey and takes pride in making a real difference from the very first step.
Lynne is a huge Rugby 7s fan — with attending more tournaments high on her bucket list.
Kaitlin brings three and a half years of experience from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where she worked primarily as a MRCA Permanent Impairment Delegate and briefly as an Initial Liability Delegate. She assessed claims for liability and compensation under the MRCA legislation and also contributed to training and onboarding new staff. Her in-depth knowledge of DVA processes allows her to ensure veterans are assessed accurately and fairly. Kaitlin is passionate about advocating for veterans and supporting them throughout the entire Permanent Impairment journey.
Kaitlin studied Visual Art at both TAFE and university — she loves drawing, sculpting, ceramics, and even dabbled in fashion design.
Nick is a lifelong advocate for veterans' rights, inspired by his father, a Vietnam veteran. With a background in neuroscience and experience working within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the broader Commonwealth government, Nick brings both insider knowledge and deep empathy to his role. He is passionate about guiding veterans through the complexities of the DVA system and providing personalised, outcome-focused support.
Nick is a lifelong aspiring drummer and an active rugby league player and club member!
Kylie brings valuable experience from her time at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where she worked as an Initial Liability Delegate. Beyond her formal role, she has also supported the veteran community through Mental Health First Aid training and suicide prevention initiatives. At Veterans First Consulting, Kylie is passionate about guiding veterans toward the compensation and care they deserve — helping improve their quality of life every step of the way. She’s proud to work alongside a team that shares her values and purpose.
Kylie once walked 135 km over five days along the Larapinta Trail — an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Northern Territory!
Cynthia brings years of experience supporting veterans with their claims, including time spent working at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Her first-hand knowledge of the DVA system allows her to expertly guide veterans through what can often feel like an overwhelming process. She finds deep reward in making the journey smoother and more empowering for every veteran she supports.
Cynthia is a proud plant mum and scented candle enthusiast — her workspace always smells amazing!
Shannon brings prior experience as a Delegate working with veterans. At Veterans First Consulting she continues that commitment, finds her role deeply rewarding and sees supporting veterans as a meaningful way to give back.
Shannon plays in the PFL (Perth Football League).
Makayla is in her first role supporting veterans and has quickly found purpose and pride in the work at Veterans First Consulting. She thrives among a smart, driven, supportive team that goes above and beyond for their clients.
Makayla used to be a figure skater — but she’s absolutely petrified of flying!
Michele brings valuable experience from her time at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where she held various roles, including as an Initial Liability Delegate and a member of the Specialised Case Team — a standout part of her career. At Veterans First Consulting, she thrives in a team that shares her passion for helping veterans through the DVA process with care and dedication.
While travelling through the Yukon in Canada, Michele was chased by a moose — luckily, a bus full of tourists came to the rescue and even caught it all on video!
Siobhan has spent years supporting veterans through the DVA claims process, bringing care and commitment to every interaction. She loves being part of a team that genuinely changes lives and values the strong sense of camaraderie within Veterans First Consulting. For Siobhan, making a real difference — alongside an incredible crew — is what makes the job truly special.
Siobhan is the proud owner of five pet spiders … and counting!
Caitlin brings a wealth of insider knowledge from her time at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where she served as a Permanent Impairment Delegate. With deep experience assessing MRCA claims — and working closely with Policy, Legal, and training teams — she ensures veterans receive fair, high-quality outcomes. At Veterans First Consulting, she thrives in a more hands-on role, offering transparency, education, and expert support throughout the claims process.
Originally from a rural WA town, Caitlin now enjoys city life — but still escapes for 4WD adventures, beach days, and camping trips with her two dogs.
Wayne brings valuable frontline experience to his role at Veterans First Consulting, having previously worked at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as both a Claims Support Officer and Delegate under the DRCA legislation. Now, he specialises in initial claim diagnosis and support, offering a compassionate ear and practical guidance to current and ex-service personnel. Wayne is deeply committed to providing understanding and care at every stage of a veteran’s journey.
Wayne has been a street artist for over 30 years and is also a qualified Katonah Yoga teacher with over a decade of practice.
Kate is a dedicated consultant at Veterans First Consulting, guiding clients through every stage of their DVA claims. She finds deep fulfilment in making a tangible difference in veterans’ lives and values the opportunity to provide consistent, compassionate support. What truly makes the role special for her is the chance to work alongside a passionate, collaborative team that shares a strong commitment to service.
Kate is an avid traveller — she’s visited 25 countries, including 19 in a single year!
Tasmin is an integral part of the Veterans First Consulting team, supporting veterans through the often confusing DVA claims process. She takes pride in helping clients feel at ease and ensuring they understand each step of the journey. Tasmin values the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of those who have served.
In her spare time, Tasmin loves to bake and decorate cakes.
With years of experience advocating for veterans through various ex-service organisations in Townsville, Stephanie brings a rare depth of insight and dedication to her role. She previously worked alongside the Veterans Solicitor for the Veterans Legal Service, served two and a half years in the Army as a truck driver, and has spent six years as an Army spouse. Backed by a Bachelor of Laws and an ATDP Level 2 qualification, Stephanie offers a comprehensive perspective and a fierce commitment to standing by veterans when they need it most.
Stephanie was a volunteer firefighter for nearly 10 years!
Tahlia brings experience from her time at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where she worked for over a year before joining Veterans First Consulting. She has thrived working with a team that are passionate about advocacy and making a difference in the lives of veterans. Tahlia finds real purpose in supporting those who have served and working alongside a group that truly love what they do.
Tahlia has never been overseas — but has visited every state and capital city in Australia!
Robin has years of experience as a dedicated member of the Veterans First Consulting team, playing a key role in supporting veterans throughout the claims process. She values being part of a team that truly cares about its mission — working together to ensure the best possible outcomes for those who’ve served.
Before joining Veterans First Consulting, Robin spent 10 years working as a veterinary nurse!
Jack brings valuable insight as a former DVA Delegate with over two years of experience at Veterans First Consulting. He enjoys working closely with veterans and values the strong sense of respect and camaraderie within the community. Helping clients navigate their DVA journey allows him to give back in a meaningful and lasting way.
Jack’s still chasing his first hole-in-one on the golf course!
With a background in the Allied Health Sector spanning four years, Belinda has worked closely with veterans and understands the importance of empathetic support. She finds genuine reward in advocating for others and creating positive, meaningful interactions through her role. Her commitment to helping people shines through in everything she does.
Belinda is a multi-sport athlete and even competes in two wheelchair sports!
Jess leads the Client Service team at Veterans First Consulting, where she supports and advocates for Australia’s veteran community. With a background in youth work and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Jess brings compassion, structure, and purpose to her role. Her drive to make a meaningful impact is at the heart of everything she does. She’s proud to be part of a team that shares a common goal — serving those who have served.
Jess lives on a farm at a cheese factory, surrounded by animals and endless cheese — definitely not your average lifestyle!
Tom Kliese is the Co-Founder and Director of Veterans First Consulting, Australia’s leading private veteran advocacy firm. With a background in business operations, systems design, and leadership, Tom partnered with Kevin to build a professional, high-impact service that supports veterans through the often complex DVA claims process.
Tom is responsible for strategy, team development, and ensuring every part of the business runs efficiently and with purpose. His focus on structure, accountability, and exceptional service standards has helped shape Veterans First into a trusted name in the veteran community — known for getting results quickly, accurately, and with genuine care.
Under his guidance, the team has supported over 9,000 current and former Defence members — helping veterans and their families achieve life-changing outcomes.
Tom is a strategic board game enthusiast, devoted dog Dad, and boxing fanatic. When he’s not in the ring or the office, he’s often exploring new places with his wife and their dog, Remi.
Kevin Chapman is the Co-Founder of Veterans First Consulting, Australia’s largest dedicated team of veteran advocates. A former Airfield Defence Guard in the Royal Australian Air Force, Kevin served for eight years, including two warlike deployments. His firsthand experience of life after service — and seeing his mates and family struggle with the DVA system — inspired him to build a better path for others.
Kevin leads the operations team and is responsible for training, systems, and keeping the entire organisation aligned and efficient. Known as the “brains trust” for all things DVA, Kevin brings encyclopaedic policy knowledge, a relentless work ethic, and a no-nonsense attitude to everything he does. If there’s a complex claim, Kevin’s the one who knows the answer — and how to get it done.
Since founding the company, he has helped guide more than 9,000 veterans through the claims process.
Kevin is a gun cricketer and a golf tragic — when he’s not solving veteran claim problems, you’ll find him smashing sixes or sinking putts.
Shawn brings deep experience from his time at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, where he worked across both the MRCA Initial Liability and Permanent Impairment teams. By 2023, he was leading the MRCA PI team before making the move to Veterans First Consulting — where he's been proud to contribute ever since. As a Team Leader, Shawn is driven by the opportunity to improve the veteran experience and deliver meaningful outcomes with a team that shares his values.
Shawn plays cricket, golf, tennis, and field hockey—and hasn’t had an off-season since 2012!
With firsthand experience in military service and deep expertise in DVA legislation, we fully understand the challenges veterans face. Our specialists work closely with you to ensure you receive the support and benefits you deserve. Get to know the people who are committed to guiding you through the claims process with professionalism, empathy, and a results-driven approach.
Hear from Hundreds of Satisifed Clients
Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.
I am absolutley grateful for the team at Veterans First Consulting in their support through my DVA permanent impairment claim. The outcome I received reflected proper preparation and expert advocacy. If you're a veteran considering a DVA claim: don't go it alone. The expertise VFC provides is worth it.
Professional and caring, a great experience with all the members of the Veterans First team from start to finish. Highly recommend making contact.
Was very helpfull, they helped guide me through the confusing paper work and new the proccess well. I couldnt have done it with out them. Thank you to everyone in the VFC team.
Veterans First offered a great advocate experience. Good communication during the entire process and taking the stress and hassle out of arranging appointments.
I put off putting in my claims for a long time intimidated by the process doing it myself. I’m glad I made the decision to go with Veterans first. I have treatment plans for my conditions and a very generous payout thanks to the team.
The best firm to do PI claims specifically for defence members active or inactive.
Veterans First were extremely helpful in putting together my claim and dealt with DVA on my behalf. They kept me in the loop at all times throughout the whole process. Thanks to Fiona, Kim and the team at Veterans First. I highly recommend.
Great service, no fuss from a very professional team. I got all my DVA stuff sorted that I jad been putting off, with a great result.
Was recommend to me from friend, i found Very helpful and very experienced, i would recommend to others.
From the first phone call, they told me: "Personalised DVA claims. Done once. Done right." That stuck with me, and they backed it up the entire way through. They took something that could've been stressful and made it straightforward. And the result was nothing short of life changing. Highly recommended
Great service, great team. Provided good support throughout every step of the process.
VFC made the entire DVA process as simple and as stress free as you could ever want it. The consistent updates and explanation of what things mean took the uncertainty out of the process .They honestly hold clients interests as a priority.
Five stars still isn’t enough for Veterans First, so professional to deal with and made something so daunting and overwhelming a smooth and simple process. The outcome I got I don’t think I would’ve been able to get on my own.
I can’t recommend Veterans First Consulting highly enough. They submitted my claims to DVA and took care of organising all the required appointments. Their team was consistently supportive and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable.
My experience with Veterans First Consulting has been superb. Had I not made the initial call then I would still be suffering with medical issues. Their knowledge of and experience in dealing with DVA is second to none and without their assistance and guidance I would not be in the position that I am today.
I had the absolute pleasure of dealing with the team at Veteran’s First. They made the whole process a breeze with no stress at all. The team were all extremely helpful, friendly and professional. I’d highly recommend Veterans First to any Veteran thinking about going through with the DVA process.
The only reason I give Veterans First 5 stars is there isn't a higher option. They were incredible. They achieved an outcome I could not have gotten myself.Working with them was the best financial decision I have ever made. You don't need to deal with DVA directly. Well done team. From my family, thank you.
Leaving the ADF is very daunting, especially if it is due to medical matters. Veterans First consulting were there to support me from the very first phone call. I would have never been able to navigate through all the doctor’s appointments and discharge obligations without their help.
They walked me through the whole initial liability process and all conditions were accepted. During the permanent impairment stage, the Veterans First team were easy to talk to and I received maximum compensation. I was particularly impressed that when I asked to speak to the Director he called me within a few hours.
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Couldn’t recommend them enough. Any veterans out there that need to put claims in without dealing with dva direct this is the place to go.
Veterans First Consulting were very helpful, supportive and professional making the process very smooth.
Veteran First provided outstanding service. The team was professional, friendly, and always willing to help. Communication was clear and timely, and I felt respected and supported throughout. I highly recommend them to any veteran looking for reliable and genuine support.
Very happy dealing with VFC. They took the dramas out of the DVA paperwork and booked all required medical appointments. Had my own gp out of his depth with DVA paperwork and when he left the practice I changed to VFC and was very happy with the communication and outcome.
These guys are life savers, couldn't have done it without them. Top tier service
The team made the whole process super simple and hassle free. I got a geat result and it was very much worth the fee.
Great to deal with, very knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.
I am absolutley grateful for the team at Veterans First Consulting in their support through my DVA permanent impairment claim. The outcome I received reflected proper preparation and expert advocacy. If you're a veteran considering a DVA claim: don't go it alone. The expertise VFC provides is worth it.
Professional and caring, a great experience with all the members of the Veterans First team from start to finish. Highly recommend making contact.
Was very helpfull, they helped guide me through the confusing paper work and new the proccess well. I couldnt have done it with out them. Thank you to everyone in the VFC team.
Veterans First offered a great advocate experience. Good communication during the entire process and taking the stress and hassle out of arranging appointments.
I put off putting in my claims for a long time intimidated by the process doing it myself. I’m glad I made the decision to go with Veterans first. I have treatment plans for my conditions and a very generous payout thanks to the team.
The best firm to do PI claims specifically for defence members active or inactive.
Veterans First were extremely helpful in putting together my claim and dealt with DVA on my behalf. They kept me in the loop at all times throughout the whole process. Thanks to Fiona, Kim and the team at Veterans First. I highly recommend.
Great service, no fuss from a very professional team. I got all my DVA stuff sorted that I jad been putting off, with a great result.
Was recommend to me from friend, i found Very helpful and very experienced, i would recommend to others.
From the first phone call, they told me: "Personalised DVA claims. Done once. Done right." That stuck with me, and they backed it up the entire way through. They took something that could've been stressful and made it straightforward. And the result was nothing short of life changing. Highly recommended
Great service, great team. Provided good support throughout every step of the process.
VFC made the entire DVA process as simple and as stress free as you could ever want it. The consistent updates and explanation of what things mean took the uncertainty out of the process .They honestly hold clients interests as a priority.
Five stars still isn’t enough for Veterans First, so professional to deal with and made something so daunting and overwhelming a smooth and simple process. The outcome I got I don’t think I would’ve been able to get on my own.
I can’t recommend Veterans First Consulting highly enough. They submitted my claims to DVA and took care of organising all the required appointments. Their team was consistently supportive and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable.
My experience with Veterans First Consulting has been superb. Had I not made the initial call then I would still be suffering with medical issues. Their knowledge of and experience in dealing with DVA is second to none and without their assistance and guidance I would not be in the position that I am today.
I had the absolute pleasure of dealing with the team at Veteran’s First. They made the whole process a breeze with no stress at all. The team were all extremely helpful, friendly and professional. I’d highly recommend Veterans First to any Veteran thinking about going through with the DVA process.
The only reason I give Veterans First 5 stars is there isn't a higher option. They were incredible. They achieved an outcome I could not have gotten myself.Working with them was the best financial decision I have ever made. You don't need to deal with DVA directly. Well done team. From my family, thank you.
Leaving the ADF is very daunting, especially if it is due to medical matters. Veterans First consulting were there to support me from the very first phone call. I would have never been able to navigate through all the doctor’s appointments and discharge obligations without their help.
They walked me through the whole initial liability process and all conditions were accepted. During the permanent impairment stage, the Veterans First team were easy to talk to and I received maximum compensation. I was particularly impressed that when I asked to speak to the Director he called me within a few hours.
Couldn’t recommend them enough. Any veterans out there that need to put claims in without dealing with dva direct this is the place to go.
Veterans First Consulting were very helpful, supportive and professional making the process very smooth.
Veteran First provided outstanding service. The team was professional, friendly, and always willing to help. Communication was clear and timely, and I felt respected and supported throughout. I highly recommend them to any veteran looking for reliable and genuine support.
Very happy dealing with VFC. They took the dramas out of the DVA paperwork and booked all required medical appointments. Had my own gp out of his depth with DVA paperwork and when he left the practice I changed to VFC and was very happy with the communication and outcome.
These guys are life savers, couldn't have done it without them. Top tier service
The team made the whole process super simple and hassle free. I got a geat result and it was very much worth the fee.
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