Unique career development, wellbeing and community support
Emma Murray, Adelaide
Cowork Coplay programs address
3 core challenges
If you’re the partner/spouse of a Defence member or veteran, you’ve probably experienced disruptions to your career (whether that’s employment, business, studying or any other purpose-based activity).
Feelings of disconnection from friends and family as a result of the military experience are real. Lack of access to professional networks and having to start all over again, every move!, can be exhausting.
If your partner is transitioning out of Defence service, that can put pressure on the family and back onto you, if you’ve been out of the paid workforce for a while.
Higher rates of unemployment and underemployment – where you’re working on something below your qualification/skill or pay level – are prevalent among civilian spouses in the Defence community.
We want to turn that around and guide people towards what they want for their future.
The Cowork Coplay program was designed to respond to 3 core challenges:
Lack of access to meaningful work
often leading to associated feelings of disempowerment and lack of agency over one’s career and life choices.
Isolation from community and family supports
often exacerbated by frequent postings, and commonly resulting in mental ill-health and reduced overall wellbeing.
Reduced opportunities for personal and professional development due to higher caring responsibilities
partners are often fulfilling higher and unpredictable caring loads, that’s why child care for young children (0-5) is a standard part of our programs.
Focus on your career with Cowork Coplay
Tailored programs providing career support and community connection with child care.
See Cowork Coplay on ABC News
Watch the recent ABC News story about Cowork Coplay, filmed in Adelaide. The Adelaide program was sponsored by Veterans SA.
Copyright: ABC, View on ABC website.
Want a program in your region?
“As the Australian government is growing its defence capability, recruitment and retention is a key focus for Defence, especially down here in South Australia. As the Navy footprint continues to grow in Adelaide, the significance of supporting Defence and veteran families cannot be overstated. I believe the Cowork Coplay Adelaide program in 2024 was extremely successful.
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to listen to the testimonials from the participants and understand the importance of listening to members about what’s impacting them and their Service, as our families are a critical factor to capability and retention.”
Commander Tony Ryder, Commanding Officer, HMAS Encounter, SA
“The Cowork Coplay program is an excellent opportunity for Defence and Veteran spouses and partners to pursue their career goals though mentoring, professional development and networking. Listening to Adelaide participants talk about their experiences shows the program delivers benefits on many levels and in a family-friendly environment.
Cowork Coplay helps participants focus on their individual goals whether it is to find and gain employment, develop a business plan, maintain career momentum, or identify professional development opportunities. At the same time, they are connecting with their local community and other Defence families. Participants felt welcome, supported and built confidence through the program. The results are impressive.”
Colonel Adam Hay, Deputy Commander, 9th Brigade, Australian Army
Our recent 2024 programs
Perth program
Cowork Coplay: Perth, sponsored as a trial for Navy partners.
Combining the things that matter: meaningful work, community, family.
Career / work
Kid-free time to pursue what matters to you,
your goals, your strengths, your needs
Learn
Explore, acquire and share knowledge
with others
Connect
Meet others in a supportive environment
and form deep connections
What’s in a program?
A program is a 8 weeks, 1 half-day per week.
Weekly facilitated coworking sessions include:
Time for you
Tailored education and self-development
We provide information and relevant workshops and guidance from experts/mentors.
Community building and peer learning
Accessible child care
Child care, creche-style: a safe location nearby where children are cared for in the same building.
Information about local support
Who we partner with
Find out how Cowork Coplay can deliver value for your communities and raise awareness of your services and mission.
Cowork Coplay News
The Top Ender: Top tips for exploring your next career step
Making a career change or going back to paid work can feel challenging, but you’ve got this! Pull up a chair and a cool beverage, and check out these suggestions from Claire Harris, Director of Human Quotient Group.
Contact: Supporting our supporters with Cowork Coplay
A lively group of program participants, government dignitaries and local Defence leaders celebrated the conclusion of the first Cowork Coplay program in Darwin on December 2.
Defence News: Supporting our supporters with Cowork Coplay
A lively group of program participants, government dignitaries and local Defence leaders celebrated the conclusion of the first Cowork Coplay program in Darwin on December 2.
The 8-week program, developed by Human Quotient Group and delivered by two local Defence and veteran spouses, brought together partners of serving Defence Force members to focus on practical learning, career development, and wellbeing – with the support of onsite childcare.
Their Stories: Marcela
Welcome to our blog series: Their Stories. We explore what meaningful work and Defence service means to the lives of partners.
Meet Marcela Ekin de Castro, a Defence partner who arrived in Adelaide ready for a fresh start. With a Master’s Degree and a varied background across executive-level roles, she came into the Cowork Coplay Adelaide 2025 program with a strong foundation but a desire to reconnect with her professional identity after relocation.
Social Change Central: Subscriber News – November/December 2025
Innovation, leadership and community spirit are on full display as we head into the back end of 2025. Here’s a snapshot of what Social Change Central subscribers are up to – from launching impactful programs to celebrating sector-wide wins and creating new opportunities for communities to thrive.
Cowork Coplay Darwin 2025: Connection, courage & new beginnings
The first Cowork Coplay program delivered in the Northern Territory wrapped up on 2 December. Participants in the 8-week program celebrated and shared their experiences with stakeholders from Defence, government and the local community.
The program delivered learning, wellbeing, self-development and connection opportunities. What did that look like in the room each week? Laughter, vulnerable sharing, small wins, big decisions and the kind of connection that shifts the way you walk into a new year.
