Salute for Service’s $86K Toyota HiLux giveaway supports NT veterans in transition

A new initiative is helping veterans across the NT access vital support services while giving them the chance to win a Toyota HiLux.

A veteran navigates the challenges of civilian life on and off the road. Salute for Service provides crucial support to those adjusting after military service. Picture: Salute for Service / Supplied.

A not-for-profit organisation supporting Australian Defence Force veterans is giving away a Toyota HiLux worth $86,000 to drive awareness of the challenges faced by former service members and connect them with crucial transition support.

Salute for Service, a veteran-founded and operated group, launched the initiative in response to growing demand for assistance, with their services seeing a 30 per cent increase in inquiries each week.

The giveaway aims to engage veterans struggling with reintegration into civilian life—a challenge that impacts up to 60 per cent of ex-service members.

Marc Diplock, chief operating officer at Salute for Service and a former Australian Army member, said adjusting to life outside the military was often overwhelming, particularly for those who enlisted at a young age and had spent years in uniform.

“Many veterans find themselves struggling with employment, social connection, and even everyday tasks like navigating Medicare,” he said.

“For some, it’s a completely foreign world, and without proper support, it can become isolating.”

Veteran advocate Marc Diplock, who helped establish the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Centre in Palmerston, continues to support former ADF members in their transition to civilian life alongside Salute for Service's General Manager Lachlan Triggs. Picture: Salute for Service / Supplied.

In the Northern Territory accessing services is even more difficult.

Mr Diplock highlighted gaps in essential resources such as healthcare and mental health support, particularly for veterans needing ongoing psychiatric care.

“The NT veteran community is small, but it’s very tightknit and proactive,” he said.

“There’s been some really positive pushes from local and federal representatives to improve support, but there are still barriers, especially around financial strain and employment.

“Some veterans are on the verge of homelessness, and they’ve reached out to us after seeing this giveaway.”

Mr Diplock shared the story of one NT veteran struggling to make ends meet, with his Job Seeker payments only covering rent.

Salute for Service stepped in to provide food, financial aid, and guidance on accessing Department of Veterans’ Affairs entitlements.

Employment is one of the biggest hurdles veterans face post-service.

Studies show stable civilian jobs improve long-term financial security, mental health, and social inclusion, but one in three veterans finds it difficult to secure work immediately after leaving the ADF.

Veterans connect and share experiences during a wellbeing session, one of many initiatives aimed at easing the transition from military to civilian life. Picture: Salute for Service / Supplied.

By running the giveaway, Salute for Service hopes to not only raise awareness but encourage more veterans to seek the help they deserve.

“If anyone sees veterans out there or knows some who are struggling by all means reach out or encourage them to reach out,” Mr Diplock said.

“We know it can be hard, especially when dealing with not only physical but also psychological injuries and other elements, but reaching out is the first step and hopefully we can help.”

The winner of the giveaway will be announced on Friday, March 28.