Working Spirit Ltd

At Working Spirit, we’re here to help employers connect with this incredible talent pool through our Transition Employment Portal (TEP). Whether you're looking for skilled employees or strategies to support military families, we can assist you every step of the way. Learn more: www.workingspirit.org.au #TEP #CaptureTheTalent #VeteranEmployment #MilitaryFamilies

Season’s Greetings from Working Spirit As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of achievements made possible by the support of our veteran and family community, corporate partners, and volunteers. This year, Working Spirit helped 77 veterans, family members, and emergency responders transition into meaningful employment. These outcomes are a testament to the dedication of our team and supporters. Key Highlights from 2024 Transition Employment Portal (TEP): In partnership with RSLWA, the TEP continues to transform lives, providing veterans and their families with smoother transitions to civilian careers. Learn more at www.tep.org.au. Networking Events: Events like the Military and Families Career Summit at Irwin Barracks and the Emergency Responders Networking Event at Leeuwin Barracks created opportunities for veterans, families, and employers to connect. Community Engagement: We attended the International Military Spouse Employment Summit, the 13th Brigade Army Open Day, Invictus Australia WA Open Day, and the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference. Employer Recognition: Our inaugural Military Employers Lunch honoured companies committed to hiring veterans and their families through the TEP. International Women’s Day Lunch: This event celebrated the important contributions of women in the veteran and family community. Looking Ahead We are excited for 2025 and the opportunities it holds. Working Spirit remains committed to helping veterans and their families transition into meaningful careers. Follow us on social media for upcoming announcements. Support for Veterans During the Holidays For some veterans, the holidays can be challenging. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available: - Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 (confidential, 24/7) - Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 - Safe Zone Support: 1800 142 072 (anonymous, 24/7) - Local RSL Australia and veteran centres Additionally: - Doctors can admit DVA patients into hospitals over the holiday period, with retrospective approval available when full services resume. - Providers can access pharmaceutical approvals 24/7 through the Veteran Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre on 1800 552 580. Our office will close on 23 December 2024 and reopen on 6 January 2025. Thank you to everyone who supported us this year. Your commitment has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this important work in 2025. Merry Christmas from the Working Spirit Team Karyn Hinder Sherry Baxter Karen Ormesher

***** Community Post ***** The Athena Project Aus: Empowering Veteran Survivor-Advocates and Their Partners At its core, the Athena Project is a veteran support organisation dedicated to empowering those who have endured and survived sexual violence. With an unwavering commitment to healing and advocacy, the Athena Project serves both veterans and their partners, providing a safe and supportive community. Who they Support: The Athena Project’s primary service, the Survivor Advocate Network, is accessible to: Current serving members of the Australian Defence Force Previous serving members, ensuring lifelong support for veterans, Partners and spouses of veterans, acknowledging the critical role of loved ones in the healing journey. This inclusive approach ensures that all affected individuals have a place to turn for support, guidance, and advocacy. A Safe Space for Healing: The Athena Project offers more than just services—it provides a community. By connecting survivor-advocates with resources, peer support, and professional assistance, the program fosters hope and resilience. Breaking the Silence: Sexual violence within the Defence community remains an issue often overlooked or shunned. The Athena Project stands against this silence, advocating for change, accountability, and understanding within and beyond the Defence community. You Are Not Alone: Whether you are a veteran, a serving member, or the spouse of someone who has served, the Athena Project is here to help. No one should face this journey alone, and there is hope for a brighter future. Learn more about how the Athena Project can help: https://lnkd.in/gjQrNbjW. Photo - Karyn Hinder (Working Spirit) with Jordyn Gray (The Athena Project) #VeteranSupport #BreakingTheSilence #DefenceCommunity #sexualviolenceawareness Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs Royal Australian Navy Australian Army Royal Australian Air Force Sherry Baxter Karen Ormesher

Working Spirit recently had the honour of meeting Chantelle Stratford PSM, a distinguished advocate for gender equality, who serves as a Member of the Women’s Economic Working Group and Chair of the Global Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy. Chantelle brings extensive experience from her roles with G20 Brasil 2024 and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), driving impactful reforms in areas such as pay transparency, gender budgeting, and addressing gender-based violence. Our discussion focused on the unique challenges female veterans face during their transition to civilian life, particularly in finding flexible employment opportunities. We explored initiatives like the Women Veterans Network (WOVEN), a support network that fosters connections among women veterans to enhance wellness, relationships and career satisfaction. We also highlighted Working Spirit's Transition Employment Portal (TEP), designed to connect veterans and their families with meaningful employment opportunities. As a charity dedicated to supporting veterans, Working Spirit is committed to helping female veterans in their search for flexible work arrangements that suit their needs during this crucial transition. Collaborating with leaders like Chantelle Stratford PSM reinforces our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of female veterans. We look forward to integrating these insights into our programs to better serve those who have served our nation. Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs Karyn Hinder Sherry Baxter Karen Ormesher

This week, Working Spirit had the privilege of meeting with Simon and Rebecca from the epartment of Veterans Department of Veterans’ Affairs Queensland. Our discussion centred around how Working Spirit is now available to assist Queensland veterans and their families, exploring any potential challenges, and identifying opportunities to make a meaningful impact for veterans and their families in the Sunshine State.   We also showcased the Transition Employment Portal (TEP)—a platform designed to connect veterans, transitioning military personnel, and their families with employment opportunities. Working Spirit, highlighting how the TEP has become a game-changer in supporting veterans on their journey to meaningful employment.   We’re excited about the potential to collaborate further with DVA Queensland and look forward to supporting more veterans and their families in this region. If you’re a veteran or a family member interested in the TEP, or a business keen to learn about how you can support, visit our website: www.workingspirit.org.au Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs Karyn Hinder Sherry Baxter Karen Ormesher

We are thrilled to announce that Ventia joined us as a supporter last month. Their partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to empower veterans and families transitioning to civilian life. Together, we are setting the stage for impactful changes and meaningful opportunities. Ventia’s commitment to our cause demonstrates their belief in the incredible potential of our veterans and their families. We are eager to see the positive outcomes that will undoubtedly arise from this collaboration. To learn more about how Ventia is making a difference and to explore how your company can also support veterans, please visit www.workingspirit.org.au. Thank you, Ventia, for your trust and commitment. We are thrilled to have you on board and look forward to achieving great things together! Karyn Hinder Sherry Baxter Karen Ormesher

Working Spirit is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from people with a vested interest in supporting veterans and their families into employment to join our Board. Applicants must be highly motivated with demonstrable commitment to Veterans' and their families issues. The candidates will ideally possess previous Board and/or business experience that includes knowledge and skills in our core values. By selecting the right people for the board, Working Spirit can amplify its impact, sustain growth, and solidify its position as a leader in veteran and their families employment. For more information about the roles, please email karynhinder@workingspirit.org.au The roles will commence end of Jan 2025.

Working Spirit is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from people with a vested interest in supporting veterans and their families into employment to join our Board. Applicants must be highly motivated with demonstrable commitment to Veterans' and their families issues. The candidates will ideally possess previous Board and/or business experience that includes knowledge and skills in our core values. By selecting the right people for the board, Working Spirit can amplify its impact, sustain growth, and solidify its position as a leader in veteran and their families employment. For more information about the roles, please email karynhinder@workingspirit.org.au The roles will commence end of Jan 2025.

Yesterday, the Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLC, Minister for Veteran Issues, hosted the Military Employers Lunch at ANZAC House, Perth, along with Working Spirit and RSL WA. What an inspiring day it was! A big thank you to Greg Whitehouse who did a fantastic job as MC. We are incredibly grateful to have welcomed so many supportive businesses and stakeholders. Their involvement is crucial to our mission of veteran and family employment. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the businesses that have signed up for the Transition Employment Portal (TEP). Your continued support is vital to creating meaningful employment opportunities for veterans and their families, and we truly value your commitment. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Employment for veterans and their families is about capturing the talent of individuals who have served with discipline, resilience, and teamwork. If your business wants to be part of this, reach out to us at Working Spirit. Let us create opportunities together! AirFab Pty Ltd ASC Pty Ltd Babcock Australia & New Zealand Budget4WD Byrnecut Chevron Australia Civmec Decem Department of Finance Department of Fire and Emergency Services DomeShelter Australia ERGT Australia - RTO 2534 IKAD ENGINEERING PTY LTD Engineering JFD Global Kinetic IT G&A Lombardi Macmahon MPX Management Public Transport Authority Radlink Communications RCR Mining Technologies Rokh Exploration and Equipment Safeguard Staffing ServiceStream SETS Enterprises SLB South Metropolitan TAFE Ventia Western Power ADF Reserves and Employer Support Brett Chaloner Liam Davies Karyn Hinder Sherry Baxter Karen Ormesher Colleen Adleigh Photos by Callum Smith #VeteranEmployment #MilitaryEmployers #CaptureTheTalent #ANZACTrust

Today, we stand in solemn gratitude for all who have served and sacrificed. Remembrance Day is a time to honour the brave men and women who answered the call to defend our freedoms, often at great personal cost. Their courage, resilience, and dedication remind us of the price of peace and the strength of the human spirit. As we observe a moment of silence, let us carry forward their legacy with respect and remembrance, holding close the values they fought to protect. We remember not only their service but their stories, lives, and families—each one a reminder of the power of unity and sacrifice. Lest we forget.