Veterans SA supports community programs that bring South Australian veterans and Defence families together. These programs strengthen connection, build confidence and resilience, and create practical pathways for personal and professional growth. By supporting initiatives shaped around the real needs of our veteran community, we help create inclusive spaces where people can learn, share experiences and support one another to thrive.
Skills to Industry Program
The Skills to Industry Program is a fully funded employment transition program for current and former ADF personnel, supported by Veterans SA.
Delivered by Aimpoint and MESHA, the program supports participants gain a nationally recognised Diploma of Project Management while building a pathway into civilian employment through accredited training, career coaching and industry engagement. It focuses on translating Defence experience into industry language, strengthening job readiness and connecting participants with employers and professional networks.
The program will run over three weeks, from 15 June to 3 July 2026, and is designed for transitioning ADF personnel and veterans, particularly those with experience in leadership, logistics, operations, engineering, technical roles and project delivery.
Applications close on 8 June 2026, with limited places available. Apply via [email protected].
Veterans SA is proud to continue its support of the Cowork Coplay program, an innovative eight‑week initiative designed to support partners and spouses of current and former-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members (including former-spouses and widows).
The program reflects Veterans SA’s commitment to strengthening wellbeing and career pathways for defence families. Cowork Coplay helps participants build social connection while progressing their career or study goals through a supportive, community-focused environment.
Participants also have access to modern coworking facilities, onsite child-minding, workshops with mentors and a range of learning and networking opportunities.
Applications for the 2026 intake are now open.
Established in 2021 by Power Community Limited (PCL) – the Port Adelaide Football Club’s not-for-profit charity arm – the ADF Veterans Program supports current and former ADF members as they transition from service into civilian life.
The first initiative of its kind to be run by an AFL club, the program draws on the shared experiences of ex-AFL players and ADF members in transitioning from high‑performance environments.
Over six-weeks, participants explore themes such as resilience, goal setting, relationships and leadership, equipping them with practical tools they can use throughout transition and beyond.
In 2024, Veterans SA committed $240,000 over four years to support the continuation and expansion of the program.
Applications for the 2026 ADF Veterans Program are now open, with sessions set to commence in late April.
For enquiries contact Community Programs Coordinator, Will Northeast at [email protected]
The Skills Transition Education Program (STEP) supports ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families with tailored career guidance to navigate life after service.
STEP is designed to pinpoint training and career objectives while charting the most effective route to attain them through tailored career guidance. Participants can work through eligibility for funding, arrange an interpretation of prior training and experience record, and identify any required gap-training.
In 2026, Veterans SA has partnered with the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) to co-fund a new scholarship pilot supporting South Australian veterans to develop as future leaders within the defence industry.
Demonstrating Veterans SA’s commitment to strengthening veteran pathways into meaningful civilian careers, the scholarship will support one local veteran to participate in the highly regarded 2026 Defence Industry Leadership Program (DILP). The nine-month program, commencing in March, builds strategic leadership capability through workshops, mentoring and industry engagement.
Applications are now closed.
