Soldier On has been shortlisted for the Australian Defence Industry Awards in 2021.

The Australian Defence Industry Awards recognises excellence from defence professionals, organisations, and businesses across the country and awards them a prestigious accolade for their achievements over the past year.

Soldier On has been recognised as a finalist in the Australian Defence Industry Awards in the categories of Veteran Support Program of the Year, and Training and Mentorship Program of the Year.

Soldier On is Australia’s only national, fully integrated, and holistic support services provider, aiding serving Defence personnel, contemporary veterans, and their families.

Currently reaching more than 5,000 members of the Defence community, Soldier On offers support services including a range of mental health and wellbeing services, employment and transition support and education programs, as well as activities focused on connections with family, friends, and the broader community.

Newcastle-based Soldier On Pathways Officer, Karen Gallacher said that this recognition is a testament to people who make up the Defence industry and the great community that back them.

“The Soldier On team is incredibly proud of what has been achieved for our veteran community both nationally, and locally here in Newcastle,” Karen said.

“The Newcastle business community has truly embraced our serving and ex-serving personnel, recognising the tremendous skills and experiences they bring to the civilian workforce.

“Recognition as finalists in these awards is a testament to not only the Soldier On team, but to the local veteran and business communities.”

The Veteran Support Program of the Year award recognises the veteran support program, association or organisation that has most effectively supported ADF veterans transitioning out of service and/or into new career opportunities post-service.

Soldier On has previously been awarded Veteran Support Program of the Year in 2019, and again in 2020.

The Training and Mentorship Program of the Year award recognises the defence business that has most effectively capitalised on market opportunities and driven demonstrable growth through developing and delivering the most effective training and mentorship program for new industry participants or those defence professionals transitioning into new roles.

Soldier On CEO, Ivan Slavich, said the organisation is thrilled to be recognised as part of the awards alongside esteemed members of the Defence community.

“Soldier On is incredibly proud of the programs that our team delivers to the veteran community, enabling them to thrive in all areas of their life post-service,” Ivan said.

“The Soldier On team is committed to providing our veteran community with the recourses that will see them utilising their exceptional skills and experiences to excel in civilian life.

“Recognition as finalists in these categories is a wonderful compliment to the fantastic work of Soldier On’s dedicated and hardworking team members across the country.”

Defence Connect Director, William Magee congratulated all finalists, remarking that the level of quality seen among the entries was outstanding.

“The sheer number of submissions, plus the ongoing and continued support of our of partners and judges, provides a great level of confidence for Australia’s defence industry and is representative of the depth of talent we have in our sector – I would like to thank all of those who nominated and each entrant for their submissions, and I wish everyone the best of luck on the night,” William said.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala event hosted in Canberra on Tuesday, 7 December.

IMAGE | Soldier On team acknowledged in Australian Defence Industry Awards.