Australia’s top veteran and partner employers, employees and entrepreneurs were celebrated last night at the 2022 Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards in Canberra.
These Awards showcase the talent on offer in the veteran community – as employees and entrepreneurs, and also recognise the organisations that actively recruit, employ and support veterans and families.
The Awards highlight the importance this Government places upon supporting veterans to ensure a successful transition out of the military and into civilian life.
Key to this is veterans being able to find a meaningful job soon after they leave service.
The Federal Budget allocated $24 million to the Veteran Employment Program, to support defence personnel in their transition to civilian life and employment, while ensuring the skills and experience veterans and their families bring to the workforce is acknowledged by the community.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:
“I congratulate all those recognised in our National Veterans’ Employment Awards for their commitment to the Defence and veteran community.”
“Australians owe a debt of gratitude to those veterans who have served the nation, and to their families who supported them throughout their service.”
“Initiatives such as the Veteran Employment Program and the National Veterans’ Employment Awards go a long way towards helping employers and the Australian community understand the benefits of employing veterans and their families.”
“The careers of Defence family members are often impacted in support of their serving partners, particularly when moving regularly.”
“I am pleased to see the valuable contribution of defence families recognised as part of this year’s Awards.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh said:
“Our Veteran Employment Program will build on existing initiatives to raise awareness, highlight the benefits of employing veterans and veteran families, provide support to businesses to attract, recruit and retain veterans, and provide support to translate veterans’ military skills and experience for the civilian workplace.”
“There is a need to address misconceptions around veteran employment, educate employers and provide practical support to address barriers to veteran and veteran family employment.”
“The Program will support veterans to recognise and communicate the value of their skills gained in service, skills like leadership, teamwork, agility, discipline and an ability to work under pressure – all critical skills in the modern economy, all in demand by employers.”
More information about the Awards and the 2022 winners can be found on the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Program website. For more information on the Veteran Employment Program, visit the www.veteransemployment.gov.au.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or defence.gov.au/health/healthportal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608.
A full list of winners is below.
| Category | Name/Representative | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran Employee of the Year | Nick Elston | GSA Management Consulting |
| Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year | Garth Chester | Valenhold |
| Partner Employee of the Year | Katie Vidal | She Maps |
| Partner Entrepreneur of the Year | Kelly Willmott | Green Fox Training Studio |
| Employer of the Year – Large | Cubic Defence Australia | |
| Employer of the Year – Medium | Bluerydge | |
| Employer of the Year – Small | Viden | |
| Excellence in Supporting Veteran and/or Partner Employment | Vertical Scope Group | |
| Outstanding Employer of the Year | Bluerydge | |
| Outstanding Contribution to Veteran and/or Partner Employment | Amanda McCue | Career Swag |