Welcome to the March edition of The Flame, the quarterly newsletter of the Aeternal Group and its companies Provocatus, DNH Logistics and Starlight Technology Solutions.
As a valued contact of the Aeternal Group, we hope you enjoy reading our news. If you have any questions about these articles, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Featured News
Guidance for DVA’s updated Medicinal Cannabis Framework
Provocatus has responded to the veteran healthcare community with support and guidance following the release of the DVA’s updated Medicinal Cannabis Framework last month.
Following announcement of the Framework, which sets out to make medicinal cannabis safer for veterans, Provocatus communicated with stakeholders in clinics and pharmacies across Australia. We outlined the changes, which include restrictions on the type, strength and amount of products as well as those who can prescribe them.
Aeternal Group Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael Mumford, hosted two special edition National Community of Practice webinars on the topic and was pleased with the turnout.
“We fielded some great questions from a range of different medical professionals, showing that there is an appetite for a better understanding of what the changes mean in practice,” Mumford said.
“We’re happy to have played our part and assist those needing information to help roll out these changes, as we believe there will be a long-term positive effect from the updated Framework for veterans and their health as well as the benefit of reducing the stigmas associated with this type of treatment.”
For any information on the DVA’s updated Medicinal Cannabis Framework, please contact the Provocatus team.
National Community of Practice
While Provocatus began the year of National Community of Practice with two special editions for the DVA Framework, regular editions of our webinars featuring other veteran healthcare experts are coming up soon.
On the agenda, we’re planning webinars on focusing on issues related to female veterans as well as the treatment of bomb blast-induced traumatic brain injury. We’ll share more details shortly.
NCoP in 2026
Plans for NCoP in 2026 are already underway, with a busy calendar of speakers covering various aspects of veteran healthcare being firmed up.
Join now to hear more about what’s to come in NCoP in 2026.
Partner Highlight
Meet Ben from LifeUnleashed
Last year the Aeternal Group introduced LifeUnleashed by Integra Service Dogs Australia, sharing footage of the great work they do training dogs to serve veterans and first responders with PTSD.
This time we wanted to share more on LifeUnleashed’s ‘why’ with you. In this video, CEO Ben Johnson OAM explains how their work is contributing to the wellbeing of veterans who served in Vietnam through to more recent conflicts, and allowing them to live more fulfilling lives. It’s work which ties in directly with our mission, which is to alleviate human suffering where possible.
What’s new?
New e-commerce Platform – DNH Connect
DNH Logistics is about to provide a new and improved user experience for pharmacies who order products through its e-commerce platform.
Coming soon, DNH Connect can help customers save time through its automated processes, improved administration functions and a more user-friendly interface.
According to Managing Director, Justin Roderick, the transition will also provide better results for our partners whose products are featured on the page.
“The switch to DNH Connect from the existing platform will take a small amount of initial administration, but the results will be worthwhile,” Roderick said.
“The team at DNH Logistics will be sharing instructions to help with the transition soon, so please watch this space for more details.”
The team at Starlight Technology Solutions, which is a subsidiary of Aeternal Group, have been responsible for the technical development of the e-commerce platform. They will be in a position to offer this product, as well as other technical solutions, to the general market later this year.
Meet the Team: Sravya Vankadari, Project & Operations Coordinator
Meet Sravya Vankadari, Starlight Technology Solutions’ Project Coordinator. After graduating with a Masters in Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics, Sravya joined Aeternal Group in a full-time position providing project support for new initiatives. These include data-driven enhancement of the operations and capabilities of the company.
What do you love most about your work or your team?
A: The operations team always strives to be on the front foot with everything we do for our customers, so we can anticipate any future needs or challenges and get ahead for better outcomes. It is gratifying to be part of an agile team that faces every challenge head on.
How did it feel stepping up to a project coordinator role?
A: It feels amazing to be part of a company that has a clear purpose and vision. It gives me very clear goals and direction, as well as motivation for the tasks we do.
What’s something that keeps work interesting for you?
A: The best part of the role is that it is never the same on any given day. Being part of a growing company, one gets to experience and learn so many aspects of the business.
What’s something you’re passionate about outside of work?
A: I’m passionate about learning and reading. My book collection is my pride and joy. I really love reading fantasy fiction, or any fiction really.
What’s something small that always makes your day better?
A: Solving a problem, especially for a customer.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: One thing my professors taught me is that it’s always good to ask lots of questions. In any new workplace or team I’ve started in, I’ve found this approach gives me a better understanding and a knowledge base to build upon for success.
