Veterans SA is pleased to support initiatives that are focused on building the confidence and capacity of South Australian veterans and Defence families.
Veterans SA is proud to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Veterans Program
The ADF Veterans Program is the first of its kind to be run by an AFL club and was established in 2021 by Power Community Limited (PCL) – Port Adelaide Football Club’s not-for-profit charity arm.
Drawing on the similarities between ex-AFL players and former ADF members, the six-week program provides useful tools that participants can use throughout their transition and beyond. The program delves into themes such as purpose, resilience, community connection, goal setting, relationships and leadership.
In 2024, Veterans SA committed $240,000 to support the continuation and expansion of the impactful program over four years. This will see the program opened up to more participants each year, and enable regular events to be held promoting long-term connections between veterans and players after the program ends.
Applications are now closed for the 2024 ADF Veterans Program.
“I can confidently say that PCL’s ADF Veterans program changed my life. It gave me a new sense of community, purpose, and identity outside of the service.
I now work with PCL and co-facilitate the program, and both working and being a part of this community has given me a new lease on life, and a new pathway to focus my energy into. The impact this has had on my life is immeasurable.”
Ash Muir, 2021 program inaugural participant and now co-facilitator
In 2023, Veterans SA worked with Cowork Coplay founder, Claire Harris, to pilot the program for 6 weeks in South Australia.
The innovative program was developed to assist partners and spouses of current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with young children below school age who wish to pursue employment and study interests.
It included learning and networking opportunities, and access to local service providers. Participants were able to build relationships and collaborate with like-minded individuals in an inclusive community environment.
Onsite child-minding facilities gave parents the peace of mind to focus on meaningful employment or career projects.
The Adelaide pilot program was held during February and March 2023. Read more here.
Program Details:
- 6 x weekly 3-hour sessions
- facilitated group learning sessions
- on-site professional childcare
- access to a private online community (Cowork Coplay Alumni Group)
- WiFi access and modern coworking facilities.
How to participate:
The program was open to partners/spouses of current and former serving ADF members:
- with young children aged 0 to 5 years (below school age)
- currently living or will be living in South Australia in 2023.
Veterans SA is supporting this unique program again in 2024 – visit the Cowork Coplay website to apply before 31 January 2024.
Subscribe to our monthly e-Newsletter to stay informed about future programs for Defence families.
