Defence Kidz is an Australian charity dedicated to supporting military and veteran children and families through advocacy, education, wellbeing initiatives, and practical resources. Founded by veteran spouse Hayley Boswell, Defence Kidz exists to ensure the children behind service are seen, supported, and celebrated.

Military and veteran families face unique challenges including deployments, frequent relocations, school disruption, parental absence, transition from service, injury, and the lasting impacts of military life. Defence Kidz responds by creating free resources for families, schools, and communities, delivering wellbeing and deployment support packs, hosting connection events to reduce isolation, advocating for policy reform, and improving visibility for military-connected children across Australia.

The charity has distributed thousands of children’s books, supported hundreds of families with practical wellbeing resources, and successfully advocated for landmark initiatives including Veteran Families Day and improved school recognition for military children.

Defence Kidz believes that behind every uniform is a family, and every child connected to service deserves recognition, connection, and support.