YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 National Headquarters

44 Bellenden Street Crace ACT 2912

General inquiries

1300 620 380 soldieron.org.au

ABN: 24 811 760 786

© SOLDIER ON LIMITED 2019 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior permission from Soldier On or its successors. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction rights or any feedback on this annual report should be directed to Soldier On. Information about Soldier On and an electronic version of this annual report can be found on the Soldier On website http://www.soldieron.org.au contents ORGANISATION 4 How we help 4 A message from the Chairman 6 CEO address 8 The Board 10 Patrons 14 Ambassadors 15 Sporting partners 23 Corporate partners 24 Our centres 26 HEALTH AND WELLBEING 28 Psychological services 28 Serving On 30 Vet Connect 31 Family Ties 32 EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 33 The Pledge 33 Pathways Program 34 Jobs 36 LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 37 Education Program 37 PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL CONNECTION 38 Participant engagement 38 Activities and sport 40 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES 44 Fundraising update, campaigns and appeals 44 Pollie Pedal 2019 46 Gala events 48 Grants, community donations and sponsorship 51 STATE STORIES 52 DIRECTOR’S REPORT 59 FINANCIAL REPORT 64 ORGANISATION how we help

Soldier On has been supporting the Veteran community since 2012. Through the delivery of wholistic services, Soldier On has provided support to contemporary veterans and their families, including those who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. Our services aim to HELP individuals build resilience and create, and expand meaningful connections with family, community and employers through our Health and Wellbeing services, Employment programs, Learning opportunities, and Participation activities. Soldier On programs are centered around the needs of the Australian Veteran community. As a national charity we are supporting more than 3000 contemporary veterans and their families through our programs. These programs are made possible through the generous support of the Australian community and our Partners. All Soldier On programs are informed by the principles of Trauma Informed Care of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment. Soldier On provides support for contemporary veterans and their immediate families to HELP them thrive.

Health and wellbeing Soldier On provides in-house, evidence-based psychology treatments to Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families, who have been impacted by their service to Australia. Employment Our dedicated Employment Officers provide one-on-one employment support to Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their family members via phone, email, Skype or face-to-face meetings at one of our centres. Learning Our incredible Education officers assist Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families find the best course for personal or professional development. Participation Soldier On offers a range of social connection activities and programs to encourage Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their family members to reconnect with themselves and each other, and to build links with the wider community.

4 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 5 ORGANISATION A Message from the CHAIRMAN

It has been seven years of Soldier On and over 2018/2019 I have been privileged to see the remarkable growth of Soldier On continue. Soldier On’s work is only possible with your support and as the footprint and reach of Soldier On expands, so does our need for more support to enable us to deliver life-changing programs. We honour the service and sacrifice of our service men and women and the work of Soldier On to support them has never been more important.

This year has signalled a turning point in the team at Soldier On will continue this work to development of Soldier On with Soldier On ensure your vision is achieved, so that we have Co-Founder and CEO John Bale officially the most successfully reintegrated generation stepping down. Since founding Soldier On in of serving and ex-serving defence personnel 2012 John was the driving force and inspirational in Australia’s history. leader guiding and shaping Soldier On to be the Soldier On offers a range of social connection foremost veteran support organisation that activities and programs to encourage Defence it is today. Starting from a small office in personnel, contemporary veterans, and their Belconnen focussing on programs supporting family members to reconnect with themselves the walking wounded, the progress and success and each other, and to build links with the wider of Soldier On over seven years is testament to community. In the Pathways Program, we have John’s passion, drive and commitment. From seen the number of Pledge companies continue the Soldier On family, thank you John for your to increase as well as the ongoing success of leadership and contribution to veterans. The Pathways Events. The Participant Engagement

6 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION

and Activities Program continues to deliver support of Soldier On allows us to reach and the highest quality and tailored program for help so many veterans and their families. We’ve veterans and their families that builds resilience proven that our programs are comprehensive and strengthens connections. Thanks to the and relevant to ensure that we can support efforts of our psychology team, we continue to veterans and their families build better futures be the only Ex-Service Organisation to become post their service. I invite you to join and a member of Mental Health Australia. It has support Soldier On as we continue to enable been a remarkable year that has seen Soldier veterans and their families to thrive. On become the leading organisation in supporting veterans and their families. Since launching in 2012, the demand for our services continues to outstrip our capacity to provide support. As military operations continue across the globe the work of Soldier On only continues to grow and gain importance. For LTGEN Peter Leahy AC, (Rtd) this to continue, we rely on the support of the CHAIRMAN, SOLDIER ON wider community to fund Soldier On. Those programs continue to maintain relevance and deliver consistently high quality support for the veteran community around Australia. But we can’t do it alone. What better way to show your support and how much you appreciate the sacrifices made by those who have served than by supporting the programs that directly support them. This financial year has proved a challenge with a decrease in income, yet Soldier On has continued to drive increased program reach and impact as financial resources have contracted. As we look to the future, we will be continuing to work towards Government funding as well as the essential corporate and community fundraising support. The successes, awards and achievements of Soldier On are just the start of how Soldier On changes lives and we need your help to ensure that every veteran or family member who knocks on our door is able to receive the support they so richly deserve. In conclusion, the future for Soldier On is incredibly promising and the entire organisation will continue to evolve and increase the services provided. Thank you to every fundraiser, donor, volunteer, supporter, and staff member for their energy, dedication and passion. Your continued

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 7 ORGANISATION ceo address

I was privileged to join Soldier On and the committed team who are delivering programs that improve the lives of those who have given so much for Australia through their service. The work of Soldier On has continued to expand this year and this growth is due to the incredible support from an amazing network of community fundraisers, supporters, volunteers, Ambassadors and the wider community. The many events, programs, and various activities that I have witnessed has left me with a deep respect for what Soldier On can achieve and the essential role we have in helping veterans and their families around Australia to thrive.

The success of the Soldier On programs in impact that Soldier On has in changing the lives supporting veterans and families from our of veterans and their families for the better on 10 locations around Australia is only possible a daily basis. because of the trust we have built with the Soldier On was honoured to win the Veteran community. The strength and trust that has Support Program of the year award at the been built is echoed through the messages of inaugural Defence Connect, Australian Defence thanks and support that Soldier On receives Industry Awards. This award reflects the tireless from those we have supported. But most work of the Soldier On staff across all programs importantly, Soldier On strives to be the force of in 2018/2019 and is wonderful recognition of change to help veterans and their families, we the success of the programs and the hard work are extremely thankful for their service and their of all the staff. Additionally, the Soldier On ongoing confidence of our work. We see the

8 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION

Pathways Program was shortlisted for the will include accommodation on site for families Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Award to be close to their loved ones during treatment. as a finalist in the Excellence in Supporting This promises to be an exciting development Veteran Employment category. Fantastic results into next year. and recognition for the unstinting work of These fantastic programs and highlights are Soldier On Staff, Ambassadors and volunteers. only possible because of the incredible support Soldier On is a leader in supporting veterans from community and corporate fundraisers and and their families. This year has seen the donors. All Soldier On programs and activities expansion of services to 10 sites across the are funded entirely from these donations and country. We continue to be the only charity contributions. We are also fortunate to have or organisation supporting the defence incredibly generous corporate supporters, both community to be a member of Mental Health in kind and financial and as well as sporting Australia, which is a reflection of the great work partners across Australia. Over the last 12 of the psychology team at Soldier On. With months, Soldier On has held three incredibly the generous support from Sydney Rotary, successful fundraising gala events and run Soldier On was able to pilot a new Serving On several effective fundraising campaigns that volunteer program designed to engage veterans have done much to raise the awareness of and provide an opportunity to continue their issues faced by the defence community. Thanks service in their everyday lives. Combined with to all our supporters, donors, fundraisers and Vet Connect and Family Ties, it has been a volunteers for your support, we hope you will busy year for the Social connection team. The continue the journey with us into the future. Pathways Program, which combines Soldier This is just the start of what Soldier On has On Employment and Education Programs, has delivered over the last 12 months. The activities continued to grow and expand. The success of and services that are provided to the defence the Program and trust within the community community are being recognised as top tier, and is evidenced by the high promotion of word of every team should be very proud of what they mouth referrals that the team receive. These have achieved. Next year promises to be bigger referrals reflect the exponential increase in and better and I am excited about what is to participants the Pathways Program is supporting come. I know that the entire organisation will nationally which is mirrored by a huge remain focused on ensuring we are delivering expansion of the Soldier On Pledge. This year the best programs and services possible to help has seen a dramatic increase and expansion of veterans and family members thrive. the breath and depth of our service delivery. We are excited to be continuing to work with Concord Hospital in the development of a national, Australia-first centre that will be able to provide comprehensive, holistic, and integrated mental health and physical services to defence personnel and their families. Soldier On continues to recognise that family are key to Ivan Slavich recovery and should therefore be more involved CEO, SOLDIER ON at the point of treatment. Whilst some major treatment facilities are unable to accommodate family members our partnership with Concord

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 9 ORGANISATION the board Chairman board member

LTGEN Peter Leahy AC, (Rtd) Anthony Court Former Chief of Army and Director Partner, Defence and National of the National Security Institute, Security, KPMG University of Canberra Director Qualifications Director Qualifications BSC (Hons), MSC (Military Electronic Systems AC, Professor, BA Mil Studs UNSW, MMAS Engineering), Grad Dip Acc, AICAA, GAICD USACGSC, GAICD Anthony is the KPMG Defence Partner, has Peter Leahy retired from the Army in July 2008 been a management consultant for 23 years after a 37-year career, concluding with the and was a former Army Officer for 14 years. rank of Lieutenant General in the appointment of the Chief of Army. Since leaving the Army, Peter has joined the University of Canberra as a Professor and the foundation Director of the National Security Institute. He is a member of several advisory, commercial and charity boards. Peter is a regular commentator on defence and security matters on television and radio and in the print media in Australia.

10 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION the board (continued) board member board member

CDRE Michele Miller Michael Brennan Royal Australian Navy Managing Partner, Director Qualifications MinterEllison Canberra AM, MAICD (March 2018), BSC (Hons) UNSW, Director Qualifications Grad Dip Mgt (Defence Studies) UC, Grad BSc LLB (Hons) Cert Maritime Studies UoW, MArts (Strategic Managing Partner of the Canberra office of Studies) Deakin MinterEllison, Michael has been in commercial Michele has 30 years’ experience in the legal practice for over 25 years, 15 of those in Royal Australian Navy, with nearly 15 years a partnership role. in seagoing positions, including serving on operations in the Middle East, East Timor and in border protection, both in the north of Australia and in the Southern Ocean. As a Maritime Warfare Officer, Michele has been the Commanding Officer of a patrol boat and the frigate HMAS PERTH, and staff positions have included capability development, career management and strategic workforce management. Michele was the Director General of the Navy People Branch until the start of 2018, before then commencing in the ADF Headquarters.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 11 ORGANISATION

the board (continued) board member Observer to the board

Bryant stokes Ben Farinazzo Property Development, Executive, Soldier On Ambassador, Invictus Australian Capital Equity Games Gold Medalist Director Qualifications Director Qualifications UTS Grad Cert Pro Dev (Property BA (Hons), MAICD Development), UTS Grad Dip Pro Dev Ben is a Soldier On Ambassador. He was (Property Development), 10 Years Director an Australian Army Officer and served as Australian Capital Equity Pty Ltd part of the International Force in East Timor Bryant is a Property Development Executive (INTERFET). He successfully transitioned from specialising in Master-Planned Communities the military to several senior executive roles and Commercial Property Management. in Australia and offshore. Ben previously held Bryant has over two decades of experience in Chief Executive Officer roles in both corporate property and commercial roles. and not-for-profit sectors.

12 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION the board (continued) John bale Dr Paul Alexander Deputy Chair and Co-Founder Major General (Ret’d) AO Soldier On Director Qualifications Director Qualifications AO, MBBS, MLM, FRACMA, FACLM, FACTM, BA (Hons) UNSW, MA UNSW, MMgtStud DTM&H, Dip Sport Med. UNSW, GAICD Paul has had an extensive career in John Bale served in the Army for 12 years and the Australian Defence Force. He is an finished his career as a Chief of Army Scholar experienced senior medical officer with over writing on the de-stigmatisation of Post- 30 years working across clinical executive Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Australian posts, and has held board positions in Army. John was state finalist for 2014 Young military, private practice, commercial and Australian of the year and winner of the not for profit organisations. Paul completed EY Entrepreneurs of the Year 2016 Eastern his tenure as Commander Joint Health and Region and was the joint recipient of the 2017 Surgeon General, ADF in December 2011. Paul UNSW Young Alumni Award. is Chairman of the Metro North Hospital and Health Service, the largest health service in neil flett Queensland and Chairman of the Immigration Health Advisory Group. Director Qualifications 12 years as a Director of the Starlight Resigned effective 1 November 2018. Children’s Association, 15 years as a Director of The Australia Day Council of NSW hugh riminton Neil is an author, journalist, public relations Journalist and sales communications specialist and Director Qualifications founder of the international management, MA (Macq.) leadership and sales coaching organisation Rogen International. Hugh is a multi-award winning political journalist and foreign correspondent with particular exposure to military activity in Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently a senior news presenter and journalist etc. on the TEN and WIN networks and plays a board and advisory role in a number of charities and community organisations. Resigned effective 27 September 2018.

Soldier On Board positions are volunteer-based with the exception of the Company Secretary. All non-Executive Directors generously donate their time and expertise, to assist in the governance and strategic direction of the organisation.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 13 ORGANISATION our patrons

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales and Mrs Linda Hurley

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) is the 38th Governor of New South Wales. He commenced his five year tenure in October 2014. Prior to his appointment as Governor, His Excellency served for 42 years in the Australian Army, concluding his service as the Chief of the Defence Force. His Excellency was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2010 for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force and a Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership during Operation SOLACE in Somalia in 1993. His Excellency is married to Linda and has three adult children: Caitlin, Marcus and Amelia. He has a wide range of interests in the arts and in sport.

14 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION our ambassadors

todd berry Marc Bryant Rodney Davis Todd graduated as a Lieutenant Marc is an active supporter and Rodney joined the Army in from the Royal Military College, advocate for veteran affairs, with 2001 and has occupied various Duntroon, and served in the exposure to national programs appointments as an Officer in Army for 18 years. and initiatives, including the the Royal Australian Engineer Prime Minister’s Veteran Corps. During a four-month rotation Employment Program. to Malaysia five of Todd’s His service over the past colleagues were killed in a Marc’s military service includes 19 years has taken him to vehicle accident. The trauma of 18 years as a commissioned Canberra, Townsville, Wagga this incident, and a deployment officer in the British and the Wagga, and Brisbane, and to East Timor, eventually led Australian Army. he credits frequent moves to his discharge with post indeveloping resilience in After moving to Australia in traumatic stress disorder. himself and his family. Rodney 2004, Marc joined the Royal became involved in the civil Todd joined Soldier On as a Australian Artillery at 16 Air community in each location and volunteer and participant, and Defence Regiment in SA. He is grateful to these communities has been doing yoga, marathons was deployed to Afghanistan in for the considerable support and mindfulness. These things 2011 as the Commander of the they provide service personnel have greatly contributed to his Counter-Rocket, Artillery and in adjusting to new locations recovery, and he is currently Mortar capability. Marc left the around Australia. teaching others trauma-aware Army in 2012. yoga and is an Ambassador for Rodney is heavily involved in Among his many achievements, Soldier On and Frontline Yoga. the Australian Rules community Marc successfully bid on within both Army and civilian behalf of Saab Australia for a organisations, and firmly seat on the Prime Minister’s believes in the value of team Industry Advisory Committee sport and the associated for Veterans’ Employment and camaraderie in engendering a represented the Managing sense of belonging and purpose. Director in that forum. Rodney and his young family are Marc is a certified Program incredibly proud to be a part of Manager and is currently the Soldier On family. employed by Saab Australia.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 15 ORGANISATION

our ambassadors (continued)

Dave Farrell MG Ben Farinazzo Anthony gill Dave joined the Australian Army Ben was an Australian Army Anthony a full-time Dad with as a rifleman in 1999. Officer and deployed on an ARA wife. He tells us the active service as part of the reason he stands out in a crowd He undertook a Physical Training International Force in East is because of his chocolate Instructor (PTI) course at HMAS Timor (INTERFET) in 1999. He Labrador service dog, Jack. Cerberus before being posted to successfully transitioned from Darwin as a brigade PTI in 2001. Anthony served nine and a the military and had several half years in the Army in the Dave completed training for the senior leadership roles including Royal Australian Engineers SASR selection course in 2003 CEO of Outward Bound Australia as an Emergency Responder and spent the remainder of and a founding Director on the in a variety of situations both his career in the SASR until he Board of Soldier On. nationally and internationally. discharged in 2016. During this He was diagnosed with PTSD, time Dave deployed on six tours Due to chronic injuries and a anxiety and depression as a of Afghanistan, one tour to East diagnosis of PTSD, Anthony result of his military service, and Timor and also spent time in was medically discharged in also sustained severe injuries Iraq. He was awarded the Medal 2013. Following this discharge, following a mountain bike for Gallantry for his bravery Anthony says he was aimless accident. during a large enemy encounter and searching for a cause or in Afghanistan in 2005. Ben has represented some meaning. In January of Australia in rowing and 2018 Anthony’s wife registered Dave started Veterans in powerlifting at the Invictus him for a deep-sea fishing trip Construction (VC) in 2018, Games where he won Gold. hosted by Soldier On. providing veterans in the Civil Construction Industry with Whilst an Ambassador for meaningful employment. Dave Soldier On, Anthony wishes to believes creating jobs for service raise awareness of Soldier On, personnel brings enormous and assist people and families to benefits for both the employer understand that reaching out for and the service member. help is not shameful or weak.

16 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION our ambassadors (continued)

Sarah Watson Phil Hayes-St Clair Brian Heilbronn Pollie Pedal Phil Hayes St Clair is a serial Brian joined the Australian entrepreneur and investor. He Army in 2005 and was part started his first venture aged 10 of the First Battalion, Royal and joined the Australian Army Australian Regiment for 12 as a Rifleman after graduating years. He was deployed to East high school. He went on to lead Timor and Afghanistan and product teams at Suncorp and received commendations for AMP before starting his first distinguished service. software-based venture in 2008. In 2014 Brian’s former Platoon Today, Phil is the CEO Commander, Captain Paul and Co-Founder of Drop Mckay, took his life after Bio, a personalised health struggling with PTSD. Brian has biotechnology venture based on honoured his legacy by raising Ben Farinazzo the predictive potential of blood. awareness of PTSD and funds Stronger Together Previously, he built Air Share, a for Soldier On through the Paul world-first audio recognition and Mckay Memorial Shield, where interaction technology for radio. soldiers compete in a marathon wearing body armour. Phil holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (QUT) and Brian was commissioned MBA (AGSM, UNSW), has as a Lieutenant in the Royal written over 350 essays on Australian Army Medical Corps business growth on his blog in 2017 and is now an active and hosts a podcast called Army Reservist and Invictus Founder To Founder. He also Games coach. supports women entrepreneurs As an Associate Lecturer and as an Ambassador at clinical educator, Brian is Inspiring Rare Birds and has undertaking research into injury represented Australia on prevention through applied Jordan Ivone the national triathlon team. strength and conditioning. Sydney Gala Ball

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 17 ORGANISATION

our ambassadors (continued)

Gabrielle ivone Jordan Ivone Jess Love Gabrielle and Jordan met during Jordan joined the Royal Jess is the author of two the first week of Jordan’s Darwin Australian Regiment, followed by children’s books, ‘Soon’ and posting. Over many years, they a tour in Afghanistan. ‘Sometimes’ which provide have experienced the ups and a child’s perspective on After five years, the effects of his downs of military life, including deployment based on her own service, coupled with prolonged a 10 month deployment to experiences. unemployment once he Afghanistan, months apart for discharged and the associated The daughter of an Army officer training, and interstate moves financial strain, resulted in ‘Soon’ and ‘Sometimes’ reflect away from family and friends. depression and anxiety. on her emotions when her dad Jordan discharged from the was deployed in 2008. Defence Jordan’s partner Gabrielle Australia Defence Force in 2014 Health kindly sponsored motivated him to seek help, hoping to build a civilian career, publishing and both books are and he credits Soldier On contribute to the community now included in deployment with helping him to access and to his and Gabrielle’s future. packages around Australia. support and gain meaningful To assist Jordan in this pursuit, employment with PwC where In 2015 Jess was awarded Gabrielle left her family and job he is now a Senior Associate. the Chief of Defence Force in media, to move to NSW, then In 2019, Jordan received the Commendation for her work WA, then back to NT, all before PMs Veteran Employee of the with defence children and settling in the ACT. They began Year Award, for his contribution building of awareness through to find stability following the to PwC and in helping other her childrens books. welcome and ongoing support veterans to thrive. they received from Soldier On, Jess has been an Ambassador including social and mental Jordan is completing a double with Soldier On since 2016. health support, education and degree in Law and Politics She is also a highly involved employment support. Their and International Relations. member of her local Rural Fire journey remains a challenge, He is an advocate for helping Service and is undertaking study but being part of the Soldier On veterans successfully transition to obtain a double degree in community has given them a from the Defence Force Nursing and Paramedicine. chance to build a better life. through veteran employment and education initiatives.

18 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION our ambassadors (continued)

Emma Milliss James Milliss Jeremy Satchell When Emma’s husband, James, James enlisted in the Australian A small town upbringing taught returned from Afghanistan, Army in 1996 and was posted Jeremy the importance of she noticed he was different. to Townsville, followed by community. After 13 fullfilling Once fun-loving, he had become a posting in 1999 to 4RAR years in the Army, Jeremy short-tempered and difficult (Commando) as a Company experienced the mateship, to live with. He isolated himself medic, and a deployment to community and service and he and only focused on work East Timor in 2001. In 2004 credits the support of his family and surfing. he left the Regular Army to and mentors for his successful join the NSW Ambulance transition to civilian life. Emma recounts James visited Service, but remained an active Army psychologists but walked He is enthusiastic in recognising Reserve member with the 1st out feeling angry, refusing to talk assistance and helping those in Commando Regiment. to Emma about his experiences. need of support, particularly in Emma saw a post on Facebook In 2007 James was deployed to finding meaningful employment about Soldier On, and called TAGE, and Afghanistan SOTG after military life. in desperation, which enabled rotation V111 in 2009. When Jeremy works for the SA a meeting to be arranged for he returned home he struggled Government, continues to James and another returned to fit into home life, and loud serve as an Army reservist, combat member. noises and crowds caused volunteers at his local footy club, discomfort. Once outgoing, After this meeting, Emma saw is a father of two, and husband James had become reclusive her husband smile for the first to his supportive wife. Jeremy and said he was only happy time in years. This was the appreciates the importance of when surfing. James’ wife beginning in his journey toward balance, between work, family, connected him with a Soldier recovery and reintegration. sport, and helping others. On representative, who offered Emma is passionate about James and his family a surfing Training and mentoring young supporting Soldier On, and to holiday with other affected soldiers and officers gave see them continue to support service personnel. This was their Jeremy a passion for helping future generations of returned first family holiday since his others realise their goals. He is servicemen and women, their deployment, and the catalyst for humbled and proud to be able partners and families. James to seek help. to contribute and to support Soldier On.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 19 ORGANISATION

our ambassadors (continued)

David Savage, AM Ronit Sher Darren Thomas David was an AusAID Ronit Sher is an educator and Darren joined the Army in 2000 Stabilisation Advisor in team leader at one of Victoria’s and has deployed to Afghanistan Afghanistan from 2011-12. He leading private schools, where twice, and Timor Leste once. became Australia’s first civilian she has been employed for the Whilst posted to NQ Darren casualty in Afghanistan when his last 11 years. She is qualified to had the unique and privileged patrol was attacked by a child teach both Special Education opportunity to deploy on two suicide bomber. and LOTE (Language Other Than Cyclone Assist operations English). Prior to migrating to David was with the Australian helping the communities Australia, she was an Officer Federal Police for 20 years affected by these natural in the Israeli Defence Force where he served overseas on disasters. Upon post before earning her Bachelor of UN Peacekeeping Operations, deployments reflection, he has Education degree and teaching before joining the United become an Army Cadet Chaplain in Israel. Ronit is an avid Nations as a Human Rights with 33 Battalion AAC (Vic) and volunteer who is dedicated to and War Crimes investigator. an Ordination candidate for the supporting charitable causes He also worked for the Anglican Dioceses of Melbourne. in our community. She is International Crisis Group, the committed to assisting military Darren has enjoyed the Afghan Independent Human veterans and their families, in leadership challenges, in Rights Commission, and other appreciation of their sacrifices both barracks and deployed organisations in South, and and ongoing challenges and environments, but he has found South-East Asia. He is now a struggles that they face on a helping others to be the most Visiting Fellow at the daily basis. Ronit is the sister- rewarding. Asia-Pacific College of in-law of PTE Gregory Sher, Diplomacy at The Australian Darren has volunteered with who was Killed in Afghanistan National University. David Solider On for many years, and in 2009. She is married to an was made a Member of the has spoken at various events ADF Reservist and is a devoted Order of Australia (AM) in 2014 about the challenges faced by mother of three small children. for International Relations, service personnel and their Peacekeeping and Human Rights families. Investigations and was an ACT Darren remains a full-time ADF finalist in the 2015 Australian member, and aims to continue of the Year awards. to support Soldier On.

20 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION our ambassadors (continued)

Natalie Watson Sarah Watson David Welch Natalie joined the Royal Sarah commenced Officer David Welch joined the Australian Air Force in 1986 Training at ADFA in 1997 and Australian Army in 1978 directly and was based at Richmond. graduated with a BA Politics. from secondary school. He Natalie served in Somalia, Iraq In 2000, following a year at the undertook officer training at and Afghanistan and spent Royal Military College Duntroon, RMC Duntroon and graduated time on exchange to the US Air she joined the Australian in 1982 with a degree in Force with 92nd Air Refuelling Intelligence Corps where she mechanical engineering and Squadron. served in several Intelligence was commissioned into the Roles in the Australian Army. Royal Australian Electrical and In 2001 Natalie was posted to Sarah was diagnosed with PTSD Mechanical Engineers. 34 Squadron (VIP operations) in and Major Depressive Disorder Canberra. Deployments affected After transitioning out of the and was medically discharged her family life, and led her to Army in 2011 David has become from the Army in 2015. After helping other families deal with aware of the difficulties many joining the Soldier On team to separation. After her second veterans face integrating into compete in the Trois Étapes son was born and discharging the wider Australian community. cycling race in Italy, Sarah from the RAAF in 2006, her As a Service Ambassador to gained a new lease on life. transition to civilian life was Soldier On, David aims to raise Whilst training, she and fellow difficult, with the pressures of community awareness of the teammates, including celebrities parenting, relocation and finding difficulties faced by many Hamish Blake and Cadel Evans, a community outside Defence. veterans and to assist them and forged an unbreakable bond their families. Natalie has represented that still holds today. Since this Australia at an elite level, and event she has entered cycling In recent years David has taken she participated in Soldier On’s events, races and the 2017 up cycling as his preferred Pollie Pedal where she made Invictus Games held in Canada sport and recreation. He lifelong friendships. where she won Silver and Gold. leads a cycling group in Canberra each Sunday, and Natalie now works in the Sarah continues to speak for has represented Soldier On in Helicopter Emergency Medical Soldier On throughout Australia, the annual Pollie Pedal ride. Services field and aims to assist helping to reduce the stigma of families through education and mental illness and give hope to social connection activities. others.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 21 ORGANISATION

our ambassadors (continued)

Adrian Whitby Amanda williamson Gary Wilson Adrian joined the Royal Amanda served in the Australian Gary is a soldier in the Australian Australian Navy in 1989 as Army for 25 years, including Army and part of the Australian an Aircraft Maintenance deployments to East Timor, Defence Force (ADF) for 18 Engineer. He served on various Indonesia, and Afghanistan, and years. He began his career ships, squadrons, and aircraft served in several Executive roles. with the Third Battalion, Royal workshops over 30 years Australian Regiment, and Upon leaving the military, deployed to East Timor in 2000 Following major deployments Amanda joined the Emergency and 2002. to the Middle East, Adrian Services sector, leading discharged from the Navy in emergency responders In 2005, Gary became an 2019. during large-scale disasters. Electronic Warfare Operator In 2016, she became WA’s with the Royal Australian At age 44, Adrian was diagnosed first female Superintendent, Corps of Signals, and provided with Prostate Cancer and leading volunteer emergency strategic support to the underwent major surgery. In responders in natural disasters. Australian Government and 2017 Adrian developed Major ADF before posting into the 2nd Depressive Disorder. Currently the Assistant Commando Regiment. Commander of the 13th Brigade Adrian has been involved in in the Army Reserve Amanda In 2010 Gary deployed to sailing through Soldier On and continues to serve soldiers, Afghanistan. Days before his the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht while also managing her own deployment ended he sustained Club, participated in the 2017 leadership consultancy and life-threatening injuries and fell Invictus Games Australia, and being a sought after keynote into a coma. Soldier On’s Pollie Pedal in speaker. 2018. Adrian embraces sport for Gary has represented Australia rehabilitation and encourages Amanda has been a board twice at the United States others to be active . member of the Premier’s Marine Corps trials and at the Veterans Advisory Council 2016 and 2017 Invictus Games, Adrian participates in social and the Duke of Edinburgh winning Bronze in the seated connection activities with Soldier International Award. Amanda discus. Gary’s recovery is a On and is a qualified sailing has received a number of story of remarkable resilience, instructor who enjoys surfing, accolades for her outstanding determination and love, as he cycling, sailing, kayaking, and service in the community. has defied all odds. travelling.

22 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION sporting partners

Giants The GIANTS are proud community partners of Soldier On, working on a range of initiatives in Western Sydney and the ACT to enhance recovery, inspire communities and empower Australians who have suffered physical and psychological injuries while in the Defence forces.

st kilda St Kilda Football Club is the home AFL football and fuses elite performance with the creative, progressive and human centred spirit of St Kilda. The club engenders an open and inclusive environment where everyone belongs. The Saints partnership with Soldier On is is one they have embraced.

wests tigers The Wests Tigers formed in 2000 through the merger of Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies. The club’s mission statement ‘Enriching the Lives of Our Community’ is realised through their partnership with Soldier On. The similarities between rugby league players and service personnel, particularly where they find themselves needing to transition into the workforce and other elements of society, make this a great partnership. The Wests Tigers are based close to Soldier On’s Sydney branch, and while this is a new partnership, we have achieved a lot together.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 23 ORGANISATION corporate partners principal partners

principal in-kind partners

major partners

24 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION corporate partners (continued) in-kind supporters

champions

associates

with special thanks to

Movember Foundation The Howarth Foundation Ian Potter Foundation The Victorian Government

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 25 ORGANISATION our centres

2

4 9 10 8 1 7 5 3 1 Innovation Hub, North Head NSW 6

2 Brisbane Office, Samford Valley QLD

3 Albury Office, Albury NSW

4 Jason Brown Centre, Perth WA

5 Robert Poate Centre and HQ, Crace ACT

6 Gregory Sher Centre, Parkville VIC

7 Adelaide Office, Adelaide SA

8 Michael Fussell Centre, Concord NSW

9 Port Macquarie Office, Port Macquarie NSW

10 Newcastle Office, Newcastle NSW

26 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 ORGANISATION

Each of our Soldier On centres are supported by generous sponsors, who help us make services more available to veterans and their families around the country. 1

2 3

4 5

5 6

7 8

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 27 HEALTH AND WELLBEING psychological services

Over the 2018-2019 financial year the Psychology Services Team had 79 new referrals. Over 953 appointments were scheduled, with the team maintaining an attendance rate over 90%. In the last financial year, the team billed 484 appointments, with the billing rate over 56%. This would be higher however cancelled/re-scheduled appointments, are not eligible for bulk billing, and a number of clients have used their allocated bulk billed appointments for the calendar year. The referral and appointment numbers for this financial year are down on last year due to vacancies in psychologist positions in Canberra and Perth, as well as having three of our four locations (Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne) at capacity and no longer accepting new referrals.

The psychology team undertook an analysis of in depression, 86% a reduction in anxiety, and outcomes data to review and refine the way that 84% a reduction in stress following treatment. treatment outcomes are tracked. Client’s data There was an average degree of improvement who started (and finished) treatment between for Depression of 23%, for Anxiety 14%, and for 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018 were Stress 23%. The average length of treatment included in the analysis, this included 91 people. across all clients was 8 sessions. These results The results of this analysis revealed that of have been used to recommend improvements the clients who were screened for PTSD, 51% to the tests that are administered at the start had scores indicative of PTSD. Of these clients and end of treatment, and to consider how 72% showed an improvement in their PTSD to monitor the efficacy of treatment more symptoms following treatment, there was an consistently. average reduction of PTSD symptom severity Bisson JI, Roberts NP, Andrew M, Cooper R, of 38%. This is consistent with the literature Lewis C. (2013). Psychological therapies for whereby the average treatment response rate chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for individual’s with PTSD are between 50% and in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic 75% (Bisson et al., 2013). Of the clients who Reviews 2013, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD003388. Doi: were screened with a measure of depression, 10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4. anxiety and stress, 78% showed a reduction

28 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The psychology team has been involved in crossover of participation from their individual numerous projects and programs over the clients into the program. This represents past 12 months, including our psychologist in positive use of the HELP model and how the Brisbane who attended the Clyde Pearce Cup services streams can be integrated to benefit in Wales, to support the participants. In late our participants in their recovery journey. July, two of the team attended the inaugural Soldier On continues to be approached Military and Veteran Mental Health conference about potential opportunities for research held in Melbourne. This was organised by a collaborations over the past year. This included consortium involving the ADF, DVA and VVCS, discussion with Phoenix Australia and their and Phoenix Australia. Leading experts in the recently established Centenary of ANZAC Centre treatment of PTSD within military populations as well as with the academic who organised the presented masterclasses practice-focused Sydney Ideas event. We are frequently asked by sessions, this presented a good opportunity researchers to promote their research through to network with relevant stakeholders. Two our networks. This research aims to further of our psychologists were involved with the develop the current knowledge base about Vet Connect program in Perth, Adelaide, and issues faced by veterans and to continue to Brisbane representing the beginning of the final build effective treatments. The psychology team three pilot sites for this program. One of our continue to develop monthly Mental Health psychologists was involved in the Family Ties Monday emails. This involves summarising weekends, developing and delivering content to peer-reviewed research relevant to veterans, help support contemporary veterans and their their families and mental health, to help families. The psychology services team provided increase understanding and link theory back to clinical expertise through screening participants practice. The team has also produced a number for the Pollie Pedal ride in July 2019. This of short articles on a range of relevant topics helped to ensure that participants were able to included in the Soldier On Journal published safely engage in activities and were not placed each quarter. These brief articles are designed in positions which would exacerbate their to increase mental health understanding in our symptoms or impact their recovery. This was the population by providing brief and easy to digest first time all these psychologists worked with information. the Activities team on these programs and saw

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 29 HEALTH AND WELLBEING serving on

Soldier On, with the generous support of the Rotary Club of Sydney, developed and implemented the ‘Serving On’ program over the course of 2018 and into 2019. Serving On is a volunteer program designed to engage veterans and provide an opportunity to continue their service in their everyday lives.

The objectives of Serving On are to: In 2018, over 100 volunteer veterans from • Support social connection of contemporary the Sydney region expressed an interest in service personnel who may otherwise face joining the program and 78 volunteers (7.6 exclusion and loss of social networks; volunteers per project) participated in different community projects and volunteer events. Of • Offer opportunities to continue their those surveyed, 90% rated the activity as very contribution to society through purposeful positive and 100% stated they would do another volunteer work and value-adding, local volunteering event in the future. community projects; • Assist with reintegration and employment The projects were a success and engaged new opportunities by providing skills and participants and supporters. The community experience, while working alongside peers, also developed a new appreciation of local professionals and community leaders; veterans. Soldier On hopes to launch this program in other states, and we have just • Promote the public image of contemporary completed a pilot project in Perth WA. Our service personnel as valuable and volunteers wore Serving On branded attire and contributing members of the community; assisted a local RSL on their 100th anniversary • Identify suitable veteran volunteers to be to refresh a shared space in their heritage trained as project team leaders. listed building, and this event was featured by The Serving On program involved monthly Channel 9 news on ANZAC day. projects at various locations, which covered a balance of social, environmental and veteran specific focus. This involved collaboration with other organisations and a dedicated Soldier On staff member to coordinate and provide support during the projects and on site.

30 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 HEALTH AND WELLBEING vet connect

Soldier On’s Program for Men is supported by the Movember Foundation as part of the international Social Innovator’s Challenge, and looks to rebuild that sense of brotherhood and camaraderie of service. Designed specifically to connect male service personnel to a healthy lifestyle, solid friendships, and access to their local community this program comprises of 3-weekend workshops held over 6 months with a small group format. Vet Connect is a national program that Soldier On developed over the course of 2016-2018 and has been piloted in 5 states around Australia, with 29 veterans plus their supporters participating in the program. A lot of work went into the 15 weekends over the last year from both the Psychology and Activities teams, however, this was a real team effort with the involvement of 20+ Soldier On staff who supported the development and implementation of this innovative pilot program.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 31 HEALTH AND WELLBEING family ties

Strengthening inter-generational individual and family resilience through strengthened connections. Soldier On’s Family Support Program strengthens family bonds and provides tools for getting and staying connected in the future. In 2015, Family Ties was brain-stormed by Dr Michelle Buchholz (Psychology Services Director) and her team. From here the National Activities team, with support from Psychology Services developed and delivered the program in Canberra and Melbourne. We were fortunate to have this fully funded by the Ian Potter Foundation and along the way by independent sponsors such as the YCW Camp Committee Patriotic Fund. Canberra launched the program in 2017 and had a blend of families from all over Australia, the highlights being the Outward Bound weekend and the couples team games at the centre. Melbourne kicked off in late 2018 with five families (over 20 individuals) and we trialed the format of local families only and this allowed for more connections outside of the program. The highlights there were the YMCA family camp at Phillip Island and the food. Ambassador Darren Thomas also got in there for the last two VIC weekends, as did his wife Tracey. They were integral to the program and did it all on a volunteer basis. The Ian Potter Foundation funding is now completed and we are actively applying for It brought us closer together. We new funding to see the program back in the learnt more about each other’s planner for 2020, perhaps in a new location. feelings towards each other. We had a great escape from reality which did us the world of good. VIC participant

32 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 EMPLOYMENT SERVICES the pledge

In recognition of the skills, leadership, and training of those who have served Australia in a national security capacity, more than 150 organisations have signed the Pledge and committed to supporting the employment and reintegration of service personnel. The Soldier On Pledge allows corporate Australia to demonstrate practical support of Australian Defence Force Personnel for their service and to recognise the exemplary skills, leadership and training of those who have served Australia. The Pledge is a non-binding agreement to support Australian Defence personnel, contemporary veterans and their families, by offering support to find work based on their skills, experience and qualifications. As part of the Pledge, the Soldier On employment team provide support and advocacy for candidates who are Soldier On participants as part of existing recruitment processes within departments and companies. The Pledge and Employment Program form a channel by which Defence personnel, contemporary veterans and families, can identify supportive Australian organisations to recruit the skills, talent and abilities of those who have served Australia. Pledge Company support Soldier On works directly with ‘Pledge’ companies to provide advice about employing and recruiting Defence personnel, contemporary veterans and family members, along with assistance in providing quality applicants suited to any roles on offer. Participating companies can have jobs posted on our Job Board where we currently have over 400 jobs available . Support for Pledge companies is ongoing to ensure the most effective and streamlined processes are in place. Companies are also invited to attend Pathways Networking Events which provide a relaxed and comfortable event over two hours in one of Soldier On locations or hosted by one of our Pledge partners.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 33 EMPLOYMENT SERVICES pathways program The Soldier On Employment and Education Programs have been rebranded as the Soldier On Pathways Program and this year has seen a huge amount of growth and success in supporting veteran and family pathways to secure their future.

A great highlight of the year was the Soldier they transition. We are focused on enabling On Pathways Program being shortlisted for the participants to reach their goals their way, Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Award with our guidance. This process has resulted in as a finalist in the Excellence in Supporting more than 150 veterans and family members Veteran Employment. “The Prime Minister’s securing roles with the support of the Pathways Veterans’ Employment Awards recognise the Program. The Programs’ growth has also seen achievements of organisations and individuals a huge amount of support from corporate in creating employment opportunities for Australia with Soldier On pledge companies veterans and supporting their transition into the growing from 95 to 156. There has also been civilian workforce”. Soldier On was honoured growth in the education space with the number to be recognised as a finalist, reflecting the of education partners doubling to 22 resulting work of the Pathways Program over 2018 and in more than 2000 courses being available to the support the program has received through veterans and families and enrolments in courses collaboration with the Pledge companies and continuing to grow. The Soldier On Pathways Education providers to assist veterans and team supports participants across Australia and families to secure their future. Congratulations has officers in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, to all the winners and nominees at the awards Newcastle, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. for supporting veteran employment. The Pathways Program has included a range of The Pathways Program and the support it additional opportunities including internships, provides to veterans and families has grown Prep 4 pathways breakfasts and Pathways significantly over the year. At years end, the Networking Events. Over the year, Soldier On Soldier On Pathways program was supporting has held 21 Pathways across Australia in seven over 1700 participants (veterans and their locations. More than 574 veterans and family families), an increase of over 260% with more members attended these 2-hour networking than 1007 new participants in the past 12 events that connected with more than 277 months. The veterans and family members Soldier On Pledge companies and Education receive individualised and holistic support and Partners. These events built connections, Program Officers support participants with, provided advice and tips and started but not limited to, CV and interview assistance, recruitment conversations that followed job matching and post placement support. up with more than 80 direct interviews. The program is led by the participants as veterans and families Thank you to all the veterans and families who attended, the Pledge companies and Education Providers who supported these events and especially the companies who hosted the events over the year. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead HELPing veterans and families secure their futures though transitions and training to successful civilian employment.

34 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 EMPLOYMENT SERVICES some feedback from the events

I think it’s so valuable to get experience Networking and being provided actually speaking and networking. an opportunity to meet companies It’s a non-threatening environment and gives in a less stressful environment. the opportunity to actually speak face to face. The experience gives me the chance to build confidence and to focus on what I offer or areas to polish up so yes it does help to secure a job.

Great information and opportunities I would not have imagined.

I found the event helpful in many ways. Socially interacting with other persons seeking employment or investigating employment options, discussing employment questions (question specific to defence families.. e.g. quandaries specific to spousal employment with multiple employers in a safe, honest and open environment. Specific matters such as employment gap and posting location time and uncertainty for spousal employment terms discussed and employers offered honest feedback about how these issues could be managed, thus reducing anxieties re these obstacles, and helping with strategies re how to address/ approach when applying for employment or attending interviews.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 35 EMPLOYMENT SERVICES jobs

The Soldier On Job Board works to bring a focus and awareness among contemporary veterans and their families about Soldier On Pledge companies and veteran friendly opportunities at these companies. It also forms an additional way to communicate job vacancies to Soldier On participants and the wider veteran community. Jobs are created using Soldier On CRM and then published to the Job Board. Jobs posting options include both individual and specific roles and expressions of interest. Over the year more than 2000 roles were added to the Soldier On Job board with an average of 480 roles open and active at any time.

I am so appreciative of the assistance from Lyndsay at Soldier On who took my messed up resume and within an hour had it reformatted for me to present at an interview earlier this year. I have gained a part time job and walking the path of life again.

Without the contacts and efforts of Soldier On, I feel I would not have progressed to the final interviews. Having secured the role, I know Soldier On was working behind the scenes to make things happen.

36 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES education program

Soldier On is supported by many education providers and offer courses throughout Australia that can be delivered face to face, online, or a combination of the two. Our Education Team assists participants to get started. Soldier On would like to thank the 22 education partners for their support of veteran and family education opportunities. Soldier On’s education program ensures the abilities, attributes, and skills gained during service are recognised in the civilian workforce. Our education program is: Effective: Participants obtain qualifications and skills that will assistthem in civilian life. Efficient: Qualifications and skills are obtained through the shortest route and with minimal cost. Scalable: Available nationally, with qualifications and skills adjusted sa required. Sustainable: Quality skills and qualifications are obtained with our experienced partners. RECOGNISE SKILLS, ADVANCE, AND DEVELOP NEW QUALIFICATIONS Our partner education and training organisations offer a wide range of courses that can help service personnel and their families develop new skills, get recognition for existing skills, build on current skills and experience as well as explore new skills and vocational areas. Areas of courses Soldier On education partners offer include: 1. Working with Registered Training Organisations, Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families can have their current skills and experiences translated and reviewed. This can be in the form of Recognition of Prior Learning fast tracking a civilian career. 2. Career direction and personal skills which can be used by Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families across many aspects and areas of their lives from time management, communication, mentoring, and work-life balance. The opportunity to upskill in numerous disciplines. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Business • Leadership and Management • Business Admin • Education Support (Teacher’s Aide) • Finance (Financial Planning, Finance and • IT and Cybersecurity Mortgage Broking) • Investigations • Real Estate and Property Services • Firearms Safety • Risk Management • Community Justice Services • Project Management • Fitness, including Master Trainer and • Security and Risk Management Remedial Massage (QLD only at this stage) • Work Health and Safety • Fire Safety Adviser Course • Security Operations • Trades and Apprenticeships (Many specialisations and national reach) • Marketing and Communications • And many more! • Human Resources

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 37 PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL CONNECTION participant engagement This has been a busy year for the Participant Engagement team, with staffing changes and participant numbers increasing 125% from the previous FY to currently be supporting over 450 veterans and family members. Our goal has been to focus on social connection through varied and tailored opportunities, be it coffee catch ups, walking groups, cooking and family fun days. Collaboration with Defence, ESO’s and the community has been critical to the success of these programs. We have found that running regular coffee catch ups is a great way to bring a group of people together, who have shared experiences as well as a good way of having initial contact with us. In this environment, participants feel safe, part of a team again, and can meet new friends. Depending on the location, we run fortnightly coffee catch ups, either at one of our Centres, or out in the community, at a coffee shop or RSL.

There are also a number of people who have reached out to us asking for help and/or guidance for themselves or family members and friends. In the 18/19 financial year, we received 1,021 such calls or emails. With the requests ranging from, “I need someone to help with DVA”, “I am homeless”, “our family is in financial difficulty”, or most commonly, “I just need to talk to someone”. The case coordinators work with participants by meeting with them (in person or over the phone) and working on a plan, set goals, then either refer them to Soldier On services, or if we don’t have the required service referring to external sources, be it other ESO’s or general community services. Referrals are supported by providing guidance and follow up, to ensure the participant is given the best opportunity of achieving their goal. We have 2 case coordinators in Albury and Port Macquarie, with support being provided by the manager in the ACT. The team and the support they provide to our participants has been a real keystone to the work of Soldier on. It is important to note that we can’t do it all and have worked closely with the likes of Bravery Trust, Open Arms, RSL DefenceCare, and various sub-branches, to ensure the participants’ goals are reached.

The team regularly visits bases, Bandiana, Victoria Barracks – Melbourne, Kapooka, HMAS Kuttabul, RAAF Richmond, and Williamtown, and attend quarterly ESO talks to the recruits at RAAF Wagga. volunteers Our refreshed Volunteer program has had some great success, with just over 200 Volunteers nationally giving up their time to help us out, from office work, and event set up, to manning stands and various fundraising initiatives. These activities include game days with AFL teams St Kilda and GWS, NRL with the West Tigers, an ADFRU Community day and an the Adelaide United A League team.

We have also had some great support from some of our corporate partners, BAE Systems, KPMG, IPAR, SAGE, and Telstra.

And we are well on the way to achieve one our goals for the year, of being compliant with The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, being managed by Volunteering Australia.

38 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL CONNECTION

Speaker requests We are frequently asked by Corporates and the community, to have a Veteran or staff member come along and speak about the challenges modern day Veterans and their families face, as well as having the opportunity to let the audience know about the work that we do. Over the last 12 months, we have had representatives speak to classrooms as small as 15 to addresses at National Conferences. These are great opportunities for Soldier On to communicate with corporates, Government(s), sporting clubs and the general community and we welcome any opportunity to undertake them. Service Ambassadors Once again, our Service Ambassadors have played an important role in raising the profile of Soldier On, as well as a number of them having the opportunity to share their journeys. There has been media opportunities with the Daily Telegraph, various radio and TV shows and being a part of the Governor Generals Anzac Day commemorative address. A couple of our Service Ambassadors have had the privilege of representing Australia at the 2018 Sydney Invictus games, and various Iron Man events around the world. Jordan Ivone was also named the Veteran employee at the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards in March.

As of June 2019 our Service Ambassadors are:

1. Todd Berry 13. James Milliss

2. Marc Bryant 14. Jeremy Satchell

3. Rodney Davis 15. David Savage, AM

4. Dave Farrell 16. Ronit Sher

5. Ben Farinazzo 17. Darren Thomas

6. Anthony Gill 18. Natalie Watson

7. Phil Hays-St Clair 19. Sarah Watson

8. Brian Heilbronn 20. David Welch

9. Gabrielle Ivone 21. Adrian Whitby

10. Jordan Ivone 22. Amanda Williamson

11. Jessica Love 23. Gary Wilson

12. Emma Milliss

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 39 PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL CONNECTION activities AND sports Soldier On offers a range of social connection activities and sporting programs to encourage defence personnel and their family members to reconnect with themselves, each other and to build links with the wider community. From our ‘Surf Therapy’ Program to yoga classes to creative writing workshops, these programs and activities have a range of purposes and benefits to meet the various needs of those we support. These benefits include the formation of a network that provides support from the community, other service personnel and families and ultimately provides meaningful connections with others. It may also be a part of a physical or mental health treatment program. social Connection Activities In 2018/2019 Soldier On offered a range of social connection activities and programs, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from: • Art workshops • Photography classes • Creative writing workshops • Book club • Fortnightly walks and lunch outings • Meditation • Music groups • Men’s and women’s weekend workshops • Trips to the rugby and AFL • Lawn bowls • Camping and 4WD trips

40 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL CONNECTION

Sports Programs Physical exercise and sports recovery have been proven to improve mental health and this has been demonstrated with great success for veterans who participate in therapy programs at all levels. In 2018/2019 Soldier On offered a range of sporting activities and programs on land and on sea! Water sports • Surf Therapy Program, funded by Surfing Australia and Nudie Juice Sailing Supported by RPAYC and • Sailing Toronto Motor Yacht Club • Rowing • Dragon boating • Deep sea fishing • Paddling • Kayaking • Long distance swimming • Surf patrol

Land sports • Yoga Surfing Supported by Surfing Australia • Golf (Clyde Pearce Cup Golf tournament - and Nudie Juice Wales August 2018) • Hydrotherapy • Adventure therapy • Bushwalking • Mountain biking workshops • Road cycling bunch rides and track cycling

Enquiries about what is offered in each state, can be made by emailing [email protected] Veterans Surf Patrol Supported by Kirra SLSC

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 41 PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL CONNECTION soldier on sport recovery heroes

Donning the riding kit in support of Soldier On, Pollie Pedal 19 was launched in July 2019 with CPL Lindsey Smith and Diane Elfleet competed long standing supporter Mr Tony Abbott and our in the Revolve 24 Cycling Event at Tailem Bend Ambassador Natalie Watson seen here wearing Motor Racing Circuit in SA with great results. the riding kit that she designed. Thanks Nat!

Some of our Sydney ladies (currently serving Veterans Surf Patrol at Kirra Beach QLD and veterans) in Soldier On active singlets whilst splashing out in the Soldier On Budgy tackling the 30km walk with Coastrek! Smugglers.

42 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL CONNECTION soldier on sport recovery heroes

Commander Grant Edwards who is seen here Canberra AFP/ADF and spouses got strong over representing Soldier On at the pool. a 4 week rowing challenge.

Sydney to Gong Ride representing Soldier On over 83km. Ambassador Todd Berry (front, second from right) and with Soldier On staff and supporters.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 43 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES Fundraising update The 2018/19 financial year has seen Soldier On’s fundraising activities focussed on two key areas - growing revenue from our existing donor programs and introducing several new fundraising campaigns. We grew our Regular Giving revenue by 200% this year by launching a new initiative to reconnect a selection of lapsed donors with Soldier On. By highlighting the success of our Coffee Catch-up program and the way it re-socialises veterans over a coffee, we proposed that lapsed donors re- connect with Soldier On for as little as $5 per week – the cost of a coffee. This pilot initiative was so successful in growing our long-term sustainable donor base revenue that it will be rolled out to a wider audience in FY19/20. Our Community Fundraisers continue to astound us with their enthusiasm and boundless ways in which they raise money for Soldier On. This year we’ve seen motorbike rides across deserts, swims of the English Channel, ultra-marathons, adventure treks, lunches, events and donations made in lieu of gifts at birthdays. Community Fundraising continues to be an area of great potential for Soldier On with a strategy having been developed for FY19/20 to harness even more of the communities’ willingness to raise funds for us. Stronger Together Christmas campaign November 2018 December 2018 To mark Remembrance Day 2018, Soldier On Christmas is widely acknowledged as a time underwent our most ambitious fundraising when our veteran community may experience campaign to date - Stronger Together. The heightened psychological challenges, so to campaign secured significant public and media mitigate this Soldier On developed resources support as people took the challenge of setting to help guide our participants through the a world record for the friendliest arm wrestles Christmas period. Generous Soldier On donors in one day, a gesture symbolising the support of funded the development and distribution of the community for our contemporary veterans. these resources as a gesture of support during Underpinning this publicity campaign was the Christmas period. a fundraising event which saw every dollar donated by the public on November 9, doubled by a host of corporate and philanthropic sponsors. This campaign raised in excess of $650,000, becoming the most successful fundraising campaign in Soldier On’s history.

44 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

ANZAC appeal April 2019 To mark 100 years since our diggers returned from World War I, we ran an awareness campaign in collaboration with the Australian War Memorial, with a fundraising appeal over the ANZAC long weekend. The awareness campaign highlighted how the impact of war hasn’t changed by comparing stories of WWI diggers and contemporary service personnel. These stories were shared with our Pledge Partner companies, supporter base and social media followers. The campaign attracted national media coverage, raising over $250,000.

Tax Appeal June 2019 Building on the Soldier On Tax Appeal in 2017, more Trusts and Foundations, philanthropists and individuals got behind our call for tax-time donations raising an incredible $237,000, a $40,000 increase on the preceding year. Supporters An enormous thank you to our wonderful individual donors, philanthropists, regular givers, community fundraisers and corporate sponsors for their ongoing support throughout the year. It’s thanks to the generosity of so many that Soldier On is able to make a difference to the lives of so many veterans and their families.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 45 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES pollie pedal Whilst everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ISPS Handa Pollie Pedal, they also let out a sigh of relief when they were able to jump off their bikes in Brisbane. Soldier On would like to thank everyone who participated in the ride, and those who were part of the support team. We would also like to thank the various organisations and businesses, big and small, that supported the 2019 ISPS Handa Pollie Pedal. The proceeds of Pollie Pedal 2019 are going towards developing Soldier On’s rehabilitation For the third year in a row, Soldier On was facilities. Through these centres, service the charity partner for the 2019 ISPS Handa personnel and their families will have access to Pollie Pedal. This year, the route took veterans, best practice education, training, employment politicians and others, through South East placement and social connectedness programs, Queensland, starting at Currumbin RSL and as well as world leading physical recovery and finishing at Geebung RSL in Brisbane. rehabilitation programs. This year we had 10 service riders from diverse backgrounds - some had been in the thick of combat, others operated behind the scenes, and one served in Vietnam. They were joined by our incredibly supportive corporate representatives This year’s riders were: and politicians including Ben Morton, David Gillespie, and Andrew Wallace. Tony Abbott • Tony Abbott, joined the riders, as did Angus Taylor MP, who Founder of Pollie Pedal this year became the patron of Pollie Pedal. • Adam Campbell-RAAF Fortunately, the weather was kinder than last • David Welch-ARMY year; the route took the riders through areas of • Dee-Ann Jackson-ARMY Australia that have been hit hard by the drought, and at every stop both veterans and politicians • Gareth Rochester-ARMY spoke with members of local communities • Lindsey Smith-RAN about the drought and the impact it was having. • Natalie Watson-RAAF The riders used the week-long ride as an • Neil Stanton-ARMY opportunity to talk about life as a member of the Australian Defence Force. Informal • Pauline Burgemeister-RAN presentations were happily undertaken at • Peter Renshaw-ARMY the various towns and RSL’s where everyone • Sarah Watson-ARMY stopped to refuel and refresh. • The Hon Andrew Wallace MP This year, Pollie Pedal had an extra level of competitiveness: a yellow jersey. This jersey was • The Hon Angus Taylor MP offered to the highest fundraiser each day and • The Hon Ben Morton MP the battle was pretty consistent throughout the • The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP ride, leap-frogging between Pollie Pedal stalwart Tony Abbott and Angus Taylor MP.

46 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

[Pollie Pedal] has helped Extremely positive impact with new me rediscover my enjoyment for riding friendships created and my bike, it has encouraged me to start being self-confidence reinstated. more socially connected again, and it has helped to boost my self confidence that I am still capable of challenging myself to undertake a mentally and physically difficult team activity.

Some of the events/speakers/content were a powerful trigger on my past emotions/experiences (in a good way). The Pollie Pedal journey was amazing and more The event reinforced for me the importantly, the experience gave me closure benefits of both physical exercise and on some things from my past. I have come connectedness as critical for personal away a stronger, more hopeful person. well being.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 47 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES gala events Soldier On 5th National Fundraising Ball The 5th Soldier On National Fundraising Ball, held September 15th at the National Arboretum, began with the Australian Military Wives Choir – Canberra, serenading people to their tables. Our incredible MC, actor and entertainer Joel Jackson, joined the Choir and the Band of the Royal Military College on stage and launched into a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain, made even more powerful by the explanation on the night that family members of defence personnel are the ‘Chain’ that keeps the Defence Force running. Joel, whose sister is the wife of a United States Marine, said how honoured he was to be a part of the night.

Keynote speaker, Grant Edwards, APM, brought We would like to thank the guests who attended a number of people to their feet with his and gave generously through direct donations, powerful and raw speech titled ‘Who Protects and participated in the live and silent auctions, the Protectors’ delving into the many issues raising just over $200,000. that members of the police (both AFP and state We would also like to thank our Principal police) face on a daily basis and the impact this Sponsor for the evening, Raytheon Australia, has on their life. Grant finished with the poem and our many other event sponsors including “You’re a Policeman” by W. H. Drane Lester, BAE Systems, KPMG, Northrop Grumman, an Inspector from the FBI. Manpower Group, Accenture and Boeing. Following the formalities, guests filled the dancefloor as the RMC Band performed.

48 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

Melbourne Fundraising Gala Dinner Soldier On’s 1st Melbourne Fundraising Gala Dinner, held 2nd November, at the beautiful National Gallery of Victoria, showcased the work of Soldier On and St Kilda Football Club in the development of Australia’s first joint facility to support the transition of service personnel and AFL’s elite athletes. The funds raised on the night went to the delivery of services at the Moorabbin facility and other Soldier On programs across Victoria.

Lance Corporal Elizabeth Smith and Australian Shanahan spoke at different points during the actor and entertainer Joel Jackson serenaded night about their journeys, the challenges they guests to their seats before our MC, Mick Molloy, had faced, and what they had done to work welcomed the VIPs and guests. through them. We also had a short video of Soldier On Ambassador Sarah Watson, in which Soldier On Chairman, Lt Gen Peter Leahy she talked about her life and challenges. AC (Ret’d) spoke, and representatives from Lendlease and SAAB Australia talked about the Soldier On would like to thank the guests who work their respective companies are doing to attended and gave generously through direct support and help the veteran community, and donations, and participated in the live and silent Matt Finnis, CEO of the St Kilda Football Club, auctions. We would like to thank our Principal spoke about the relationship between the AFL Sponsors for the evening, Lendlease and SAAB club and Soldier On. Our keynote speakers, Australia, as well as St Kilda Football Club who former AFL player Sam Fisher, Australian donated a number of experiences for the champion and three-time Olympian Sally Kehoe, auction, and the numerous organisations who and co-founder of Walk Of The War Within, John supported the evening.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 49 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

Sydney Fundraising Gala Dinner The 2nd Annual Soldier On Sydney Gala, proudly presented by Macquarie Group and Sykes, was held on 17 May 2019 in the ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel. Among the 320 guests were Julie Bishop and John Howard OM, AC, along with Network Ten presenter Sandra Sully, and Wests Tigers player Luke Garner. Our MC was Sunrise co-host, Samantha Armytage.

John Williamson opened with a tribute to The importance of Fussell House was Gallipoli soldiers and a moving performance highlighted with videos featuring Ambassadors of “True Blue”. and their families, who spoke about the positive impact this facility would have had on their Damien Leith, Australian Idol winner, performed recovery. It was clear that having their loved several songs, including the heartfelt ‘Take Me ones supported and nearby, was paramount Home’ composed with Donna Dyson. to their recovery. The wife of one Ambassador Our keynote speaker for the night was the spoke of how amazing it would be if they had Honorary Dr Brendan Nelson, AO who spoke of a place they could go and not feel alone. the issues faced by contemporary veterans and Later in the evening, guests filled the dance their families, and the importance of providing floor as The Lancer Band performed a number them with support. of hit songs. Michael Fussell’s brother Dan also spoke, We would like to thank the guests who attended praising Soldier On for raising awareness of the and gave generously. The auctions raised over challenges faced by veterans and their families. $320,000 toward Fussell House operating costs. Dan shared how honoured he and his parents are to have Fussell House named after Michael. We would also like to thank our Principal Sponsors of the event; Macquarie Group and Jordan Ivone spoke of his experience during and Sykes, along with the many other sponsors after serving in the Australian Defence Force, including Australian Capital Equity, Aitken and how integral Soldier On’s support has been Investment Management and Hospital to his success after serving. Jordan, who is one Products Australia. of our Ambassadors was the winner of the 2019 Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Award.

Representatives from Macquairie Group and Sykes, our principal sponsors of the event, reaffirmed the commitment from corporate Australia.

As guests dined, quotes from Soldier On participants were displayed, including one which illustrates the power of the services we provide.

The support that was offered to me by Soldier On through employment and education opportunities has changed my life.

50 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 NATIONAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

Grants • Social Innovators Challenge - Movember

• Ian Potter

• Supporting Younger Veterans - DVA

• Gold Coast City Council

• Anzac Day Trust – WA Government

• ACT Veteran COMMUNITY DONATIONS and sponsorhips • Victorian YCW Patriotic Fund - Family Ties

• Matt Hart - WA Activities

• Timothy Dean and local supporters - Deep Sea Fishing NSW

• Defence Housing Australia - Newcastle Activities

English Channel Fundraiser AHQ 24 Hour Challenge 2018

Walking off the war within Caltex

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 51 STATE STORIES

NSW Catch and Cook During Veterans Health Week 2018, Soldier On and DVA held a ‘Catch and Cook’ day. Attendees headed out in kayaks on Lake Hume, with instructors teaching them about fish in the region, and how best to cook their catch. Attendees had a great time and said it was something they would like to do again.

Cooking classes Cooking classes with Geoffrey Michael, patissier have continued over 2018 and 2019, with attendees enjoying the chance to bake something different, and connect with other defence families in the area. surfing Women in the defence community learnt how Thanks again it was so much fun! to surf, with Austin from the Manly Surf School I loved the class. It gave me some running a 4-week beginners class earlier this me time. I love cooking/baking. I have such year. This activity was possible through the a full on schedule with 3 children it was nice generous backing of Surfing Australia and to have a little time to focus on what i like Nudie Juice. doing with some adult company, thanks Soldier On. - NSW Participant Really profound. It was really beneficial to my overall wellbeing and has given me something to focus myself on and pursue. My partner has noticed some really positive changes in me after the activity and I would absolutely love to go back. Easily one of the greatest experiences I’ve had! - NSW Participant

52 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 STATE STORIES

Deep Sea Fishing in Port Stephens Bowling Soldier On participants experienced the benefits Soldier On connected with the Port Macquarie of deep sea fishing again, thanks to Tim Dean of defence community when they took some of the Calypso Fishing Adventures. local defence families bowling. Feedback from the event shows that everyone had a great time. Tim has seen the positive impact deep-sea fishing has had with both US and Australian service members as he’s watched them share time on the water. Calypso Fishing and Soldier On hosted the first annual Offshore Fishing Adventure in 2015 with 25 participants. Since then, this annual event has grown, with more than 60 ex-service personnel and their families participating in 2019. Tim engaged up to 20 professional We had lots of fun. It was lovely to game fishing vessels with skippers and crew, meet new people and link back in with making this year’s activity one of the biggest Soldier On. supported by Soldier On. This has meant taking on new supporters, including Paul Lennon of – NSW Participant Port Stephens Estuary Charters who loaned his boats. We are also grateful to D’Albora Marina, Twilight Sailing Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fishing Thanks to the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Club, Alfabs Mining and Engineering Group, for participants joined a sailing crew to learn about their support. yacht racing. This activity allowed participants a new experience, relaxation and an opportunity to build their support network.

It was good to push my comfort zone and try a new activity while meeting new people… Felt that I had broken through a fear barrier. - NSW Participant

RPAYC Sailing It was a fantastic couple of days and Sydney participants went sailing thanks to the whilst Pat and I did not catch any fish, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) who it was a great opportunity for us a spend continue to support the defence community. some real quality time together which is not We are grateful to the RPAYC for allowing very often given Pat is living in Tasmania. participants with much needed time to relax. The organisation was outstanding and the generosity of the skippers and crews made the whole event something to truly remember. So a wholehearted round of thanks to you all. - NSW Participant

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 53 STATE STORIES

WA

Stretch and Release Women’s Catch Up Stretch and Release classes have been running Following the success of the Women’s Day in Perth thanks to Active Body Conditioning’s picnics, the Soldier On WA team have organised experienced Exercise Physiologists. The class a number of Women’s Catch Ups over the is held after our Cycling Group Rides, allowing last 12 months. These events are held on a our riders to take part in this hour-long session semi-regular basis, with Bark Subiaco opening where participants are given tips and tricks on especially for the group, and we would like to post-exercise recovery, using a foam roller and/ thank them for their support. or a trigger point ball. The class also encourages mindfulness.

Dungeons & Dragons In 2018, our WA team started a Dungeons and Dragons group, with veterans and supporters getting together every fortnight to play the classic tabletop game. Whilst they have had to change venues a few times, the determination to come together and head off on an adventure has seen them overcome the difficulties in securing a permanent location.

54 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 STATE STORIES

VIC

St Kilda Tickets We’d like to thank one of our sporting partners, St Kilda Football Club, for their continued support of our participants, gifting unlimited general admission tickets for participants and their families to attend home games, contributing to families building stronger relationships. Around the Bay in a Day Soldier On VIC collaborated with RSL Active, Just wanted to thank both Soldier On helping to build our team for the 2018 Around and the Saint Kilda Football Club for the Bay Bike Ride held 7th October. inviting Defence personnel to attend the The day started at 6.00am and continued into match on the weekend. Neither my wife or the evening, with daylight savings allowing the children had ever been to a football match last riders to cross the finish line during daylight. before. My daughter is now a Saints fan and wants to go to more games. We all had a There were three riding distances to cater for great weekend in Melbourne. Thanks again. all abilities, including 50km, 100km or 210km – WA Participant rides around Melbourne and Sorrento, with our participants standing out in their fantastic Soldier On/RSL Active jerseys. Path Of The Horse Our partnership with Path of The Horse has Please pass on our gratitude to the continued, with participants enjoying the equine team at Soldier On for the wonderful therapy program. The Path of The Horse is a experience gained from my daughter and charity in Victoria that supports people suffering I attending the Around the Bay event. PTSD, anxiety and depression, including It was a lovely day and after 100km of riding, veterans, emergency service personnel and their it certainly was a fantastic experience. My families. Veterans and their families were able to daughter is 13 and it is the furthest ride she, experience the outdoors through horse riding, and I, have ever done! hiking and connecting with others. - WA Participant

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 55 STATE STORIES

act Wellbeing Wednesdays This activity is for anyone who enjoys exploring our national capital. Participants can enjoy a range of activities including lake walks, picnics, sailng and dragon boating, as well as regular coffee catch-ups. Activities take place on the first and third Wednesday of every month and currently serving defence personnel, contemporary veterans and their family members. It’s an ideal way for those new to Canberra to meet other Defence families. Women of Courage course Soldier On supported a participant to attend an Outward Bound Australia’s Women of Courage course in October 2018. Women’s Self-Defence Workshop This five-day wilderness program is intended for On a blustery Canberra Saturday, participants women who have experienced trauma, and are spent just over two hours learning and applying ready to challenge themselves in a new setting. a range of self-defence principles. This included The course is aimed at increasing independence, how to dissuade an attack using the voice and self-esteem and self-reliance, and builds posture, and how to deal with close and far- supportive relationships with other women as range physical contact. The class was conducted they take on new challenges together. Activities by Sally Bromley, a highly qualified personal can include hiking, camping, abseiling, rock trainer, sports scientist and coach in strength climbing, rafting, wilderness hiking expeditions and conditioning and martial arts, who runs her and personal development sessions. These own strength and conditioning business. activities encompass the philosophy of ‘challenge by choice’.

This was one of the best training sessions I have ever attended in any field. The hands-on realistic approach was perfect and the relaxed, calm approach from the lead instructor was reassuring and allowed us to enjoy this workshop rather than fear what may happen. - ACT Participant

If it weren’t for the generous [support] I received through Soldier On, I wouldn’t have been able to partake in this program!! I’m very grateful for the generosity and the opportunity I was offered. It has had an immediate [and] profound effect on my life!! - ACT Participant

56 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 STATE STORIES qld CrossFit Currumbin Over the last 12 months, Crossfit Currumbin, have supported Soldier On participants in the local area to promote health and wellbeing. CrossFit Currumbin is owned and operated by Jason, who is a veteran himself, and works to combine functional movements into workouts that anyone from every day gym goers to athletes can participate in. Life Saving Club Soldier On has teamed with Kirra Surf Lifesaving Club (KSLC) to offer all Soldier On participants the chance to undertake the Museum visit Bronze Medallion Program, for free! This course Soldier On QLD visited the Queensland Museum awards participants the nationally recognised with a group of participants to take them qualification PUA21012 - Certificate II in Public through the ANZAC Gallery. The main attraction Safety (Aquatic Rescue). KSLC has a strong of the Gallery is the Mephisto tank, the rarest affiliation and club base with current serving tank in the world as it is the only surviving and ex-serving members involved with training example of a World War 1 German A7V tank. and patrols on the beach. This training is The visit was a success, as evidenced by the delivered either outside working hours or as a following quote. continuous course at the surf club, depending on the participant requirements.

Great work Soldier On! Thanks for Three Soldier On participants; Rob, Kris and hosting events. It gives an opportunity Jason successfully completed the pilot course in for involvement, you only need to open time to assist on the beaches over the Christmas a door one day, one time for one person break. Immediately following their qualification, that need connection. Keep the fantastic Rob and Kris placed second in the Point work up team. Danger Branch First Aid competition. The Point – Qld Participant. Danger Branch had 11 Surf Life Saving Clubs participating and this achievement by Rob and Kris means they will be off to compete in the next State Titles. A big thanks goes out to Peter Barry from KSLC who dedicated his time and knowledge to assist fellow veterans across the line in this program.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 57 STATE STORIES

sa

Keeping busy Our SA team were kept busy leading up to the The SA team were invited to attend the 10th end of 2018. In January the team attended a Annual Classic Car Show for Charity, which is meeting at the Macclesfield RSL, where The Hon organised by Gary Carr, who started the car Darren Chester MP discussed veteran’s issues show in his front yard 10 years ago. Now, he with interested groups and local RSL’s. This was receives accolades from enthusiasts for his time, organised by the Federal Member for Mayo, passion, and hard work. Rebekha Sharkie MP, who also attended. The team also attended 2019 ISPS Handa Australian Open at The Grange Golf Club, a great sponsor for the service and defence community who worked with them over several golf days in clinics, providing some great opportunities for veterans and their partners to gain access to one of the most beautiful golf courses in Australia.

Along with volunteers from BAE (a major supporter and pledge partner of Soldier On) over $1000 was raised. The SA team also held a number of social activities to provide participant opportunities to get out and meet others, including lawn bowls and regular coffee catch ups to encourage participants in South Australia to build new friendships, or strengthen old ties.

58 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 DIRECTOR’S REPORT DIRECTOR’S REPORT

SOLDIER ON LIMITED ABN 24 811 760 786 DIRECTORS’ REPORT

INFORMATION ON DIRECTORS

Vision Soldier On’s vision is to have the best supported generation of ADF service men and women – and their families – in Australia’s history.

Mission Soldier On’s mission is to work side by side with those who serve and protect Australia, and their families, helping them to thrive.

Objectives Soldier On is a company limited by guarantee with five (5) directors. The company is established as a not-for-profit, non-political charitable entity to raise and administer funds for the purpose of relieving the suffering, and supporting the health and wellbeing of current and ex-serving ADF personnel whose physical and/or mental health and wellbeing is being adversely impacted as a result of serving their nation since 1990; and the family members of these individuals where those family members are being adversely impacted as a result of the physical and/or mental health and wellbeing issues being experienced by these individuals from their service. Soldier On commenced operation as an incorporated association in January 2012. On 20 February 2014 the Association became a Company. The objectives as well as the services and programs provided by the organisation as an Association continue to be provided as a Company

Board Chair: Peter Leahy

Responsibilities The Board consists of Directors who have extensive relevant experience to bring independence, accountability and judgement to the Board’s deliberations. This ensures the Board acts in good faith, in Soldier On’s best interests, and primarily for the benefit of service personnel and their families. The Board also ensures that Soldier On operates within an effective corporate governance framework. In particular, the Board: • Ensures legal, regulatory and financial obligations are being met; • Sets and reviews strategic direction; • Monitors the operating and financial performance of the company; and • Evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and senior management. In preparing this statement the Board has focused on its structure, principles and core values.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 59 DIRECTOR’S REPORT

DIRECTOR’S REPORT (continued)

Structure The Soldier On Constitution provides for a minimum of five (5) and not more than ten (10) Directors. There are currently five (5) volunteer Directors. The Chairperson is appointed by the Directors from amongst their numbers. A Director will be ineligible for reappointment after serving two consecutive terms in office unless approved by all Directors to serve a further term(s) in office. A Director must however retire from office at the conclusion of the third annual general meeting after the Director was last appointed. The Directors may, by resolution appoint additional or replacement Directors.

Members and Contributions on Winding Up As at the date of this report there were five (5) members of Soldier On. If the company was wound up, each member would be required to contribute $2.

Company Secretary Joanne Gonsalves (BA, EMBA) is the Company Secretary.

Committees The Board has created a number of Board Committees to assist with its role in governing the organisation. All Committees operate under formal terms of reference which are updated as necessary. The Board does not however delegate major decisions to Committees. Committees are responsible for considering relevant issues and making recommendations to the Board within the scope of their respective terms of reference.

Audit and Risk Committee The Audit and Risk Committee assists the Board in meeting its audit, accounting and reporting obligations, financial management, risk management and ensures compliance with legal and statutory obligations. Chair: Carlo Cappuccio Members: Anthony Court, Brook Adcock (appointed 27 February 2019), Neil Flett (resigned 10 July 2019)

Fundraising Committee The Fundraising Committee assists the Board in the planning, coordination and implementation of all fundraising activities in support of the services and activities of the organisation. Chair: Neil Flett (resigned 10 July 2019) Members: Mark Hindle, David McMurdo, Bryant Stokes (appointed 27 February 2019), Phil Hayes-St Claire (resigned 19 September 2018).

60 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 DIRECTOR’S REPORT

DIRECTOR’S REPORT (continued)

Remunerations and Nomination Committee The Remuneration and Nominations Committee advises the board in its oversight of the remuneration arrangements for the CEO (including performance appraisal methodology), evaluation of Board performance and Board appointments. Chair: Michele Miller Members: Anthony Court

Processes Meetings are structured to encourage active participation by all Directors at all meetings. Directors have access to information subject to maintaining its confidentiality. The Board receives regular management reports from company personnel. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer certify the accuracy and completeness of financial information provided to the Board. The Board operates under a formal Code of Conduct. The Board periodically conducts a review of its performance and effectiveness.

External Auditor Independence The Board monitors the independence of the external auditors. The Audit and Risk Committee meets regularly including on an annual basis with external auditors.

Strategy for Achieving Objectives Our strategic priorities include: • Establish a National Centre for Excellence to deliver world-leading programs to service personnel and their families; • Increase incidences of early intervention and help-seeking behaviour; • Develop and implement strategies to ensure long term relevance and sustainability; and • Develop and enhance strategic relationships with our corporate partners, ex-service organisations and government. Principal Activities Soldier On meets its vision and objectives by working side by side with those who serve and protect Australia, and their families, helping them to secure their future. Our services aim to help individuals build resilience, create and expand meaningful connections with family, community and employers through: • Health and wellbeing – Psychology, social activities and programs, sporting activities and programs and service initiatives; • Employment – Transition services, employment support, career development assistance; • Learning – Education and training programs, vocational training; and • Participation – Social activities and programs focused on connections with family, friends, and the broader community, volunteering and sports programs.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 61 DIRECTOR’S REPORT

DIRECTOR’S REPORT (continued)

Performance Measures Soldier On measures and reports on both financial and non-financial data to the Board. These reports include financial performance as well as information on service delivery, work health and safety, human resource matters, and governance.

Financial Results The Company incurred a deficit of $534,075 for the financial year to 30 June 2019.

After Balance Day Events No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the company, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the company in future financial years.

Future Developments The company expects to maintain the present status and level of operations, hence there are no other likely developments in the company’s operations.

Meetings of Directors During the financial year seven (7) meetings of Directors were held. Attendance by each Director is as follows:

Meetings eligible Name Meetings attended to attend

Peter Leahy 7 7

John Bale 7 7

Anthony Court 7 6

Michele Miller 7 7

Michael Brennan 7 6

Bryant Stokes (appointed 27 Feb 2019) 3 3

Paul Alexander (resigned 1 November 2018) 2 1

Neil Flett 7 7

Hugh Riminton (resigned 27 September 2018) 1 1

62 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 DIRECTOR’S REPORT

DIRECTOR’S REPORT (continued)

EXPENSE DISTRIBUTION

In-kind Expenses These expenses relate to goods and services donated to Soldier On by other organisations or individuals. These contributions are valued conservatively and reflect necessary expenses that must otherwise be paid by Soldier On.

Cost of Sales These expenses to relate to cost of merchandise.

Employment Expenses Majority of Soldier On staff responsibilities include directly providing services and programs to veterans and their families. Employment expenses incorporate wages for professionals to deliver these services and programs. Services and programs include Psychology sessions, social connectedness activities and preparation for employment and education programs. One hundred percent of staff are involved in raising awareness and fundraising activities to enable the delivery of these services and programs.

Event and Fundraising Expenses These expenses are associated with event expense and general community fundraising expense. In-house expertise continues to be used where possible to reduce event expenses.

IT Expenses IT expenses include licences, hardware, software and implementation costs.

Occupancy Expenses This includes rent for office space and Soldier On program delivery centres, as well as maintenance of our buildings.

Office Expenses Office expenses are the logistics and operational cost of Soldier On program delivery including but not limited to coffee catch-ups, family, men’s and women’s weekends, learn to surf weekends and sporting events. Office Expenses also include utilities, insurance, postage and general office operational expenses.

Professional Expenses The majority of these expenses are for technical services not able to be delivered in-house. Expenses include technical, human resource advisory, audit, professional training and education. Most professional services delivered to Soldier On are provided at no charge and a much-reduced rate by our corporate partners.

Travel Expenses Travel expenses include international and domestic travel for program delivery and operational requirements. One hundred percent of all international travel expenses are allocated to program delivery, seeing Soldier On participants take part in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 63 FINANCIAL REPORT financial REPORT

STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2019

2019 2018 $ $ Revenue Fundraising 4,150,473 5,058,872 Merchandising 4,191 14,096 Other income 61,007 103,916 4,215,671 5,176,884

Expenses In Kind expense 368,100 351,708 Cost of sales - 90,972 Employment expenses 3,242,493 3,323,091 Event and Fundraising expenses 308,684 210,734 IT expenses 85,883 6,096 Occupancy expenses 6,755 10,013 Office expenses 548,996 787,265 Professional expenses 82,530 139,012 Travel expenses 106,305 125,748 4,749,746 5,044,639

Surplus (Deficit) before income tax (534,075) 132,245 Income tax expense - -

Surplus (Deficit) after income tax expense for the year attributable to members of Soldier On Limited (534,075) 132,245 Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax - -

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to members of Soldier On Limited (534,075) 132,245

64 SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 FINANCIAL REPORT financial REPORT (continued)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2019

ASSETS 2019 2018 $ $ CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 649,531 956,133 Other current assets 316,192 184,351 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 965,723 1,140,484

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Fixed assets 67,736 19,078 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 67,736 19,078 TOTAL ASSETS 1,033,459 1,159,562

CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 800,724 392,752 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 800,724 392,752

TOTAL LIABILITIES 800,724 392,752

NET ASSETS 232,735 766,810

EQUITY Contributed Equity 640,144 620,144 Retained surpluses (407,409) 146,666

TOTAL EQUITY 232,735 766,810

SOLDIER ON YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 / 2019 65