Adelaide 2025 Cowork Coplay program: Success and looking forward

Cowork Coplay Adelaide 2025 concludes with powerful reflections and drive to expand support for veteran families

Delivered by Human Quotient Group with financial and in-kind support from Veterans SA, WorkSec, and APOD, the program once again demonstrated the enduring need for practical, human-centred initiatives that support the wellbeing, empowerment, and careers of Defence and veteran families.

Created by Claire Harris, Co-Founder and Strategic Director of Human Quotient Group, Cowork Coplay is a first-of-its-kind model that combines guided personal and career development, wellbeing learning and networking activities with structured coworking and on-site childcare. 

Proven framework, delivering powerful results

Since its initial delivery, twice in Canberra pre-COVID, and subsequent success in Perth (2024) and Adelaide (2023, 2024 & 2025), the program is a proven framework that supports spouses to connect with their passions, interests and skills; develop new skills; and build strong community connections, without needing to choose between their family and their future.

“Cowork Coplay was created to respond to some of the barriers experienced by Defence and veteran families, such as disrupted careers and lack of peer support and access to practical learning opportunities,” said Claire.

“Spouses are often invisible in traditional veteran support models. Yet, they are important to Defence capability, our societies who need their talents in the workforce and of course, all members of families have a right to thrive. This program enables them to focus on their own needs and careers, find direction and confidence, all in an empowering and supportive environment.”

– Claire Harris

Incredible talent in range of industries

This third iteration in South Australia brought together participants from a variety of backgrounds, from different stages of navigating the complexities of Defence life. Just over 40% of the participants had relocated to Adelaide in the past 12 months, with just under 60% of participants being associated with the Royal Australian Air Force, 23% with the Australian Army, and just over 17% with the Royal Australian Navy.

Participants brought with them experience across 10 different industries, with healthcare and associated services (for example, a GP in training and more than one nurse), administration and support, education and training, and retail being the most represented. The cohort also reflected a wide range of life and career stages, with participants aged between 25 and 54, and more than 90% holding a tertiary qualification, out of which almost 30% at Masters level.

Program offers ‘choose your own adventure’

Through weekly workshops, guest mentors, and peer support, participants set and achieved personal and professional goals—ranging from launching businesses and applying for jobs, to rediscovering personal identity and boosting their wellbeing. One of the participants, Jodi Menezes said one of the best things about the program was that it allowed people to ‘choose their own adventure’. Jodi, a GP in training, is juggling studies and the early days of first-time motherhood, and is on maternity leave. Jodi came to the Cowork Coplay program to manage the juggle of career and children and to meet others. She loved the wellbeing focus and embraced mindfulness as a tool to navigate the demands of her roles. This helped her manage stress, deepen her connection with her son and enhanced her ability to focus on her studies.

“Cowork Coplay linked me with other Defence and veteran spouses helping me realise I am not going through this alone and that so many people have successfully navigated the Defence experience before me. The program provided me with the tools to maintain my mental wellbeing and I now have some powerful resources to use. I already feel a sense of community, despite being brand new to South Australia, and all of the new networks and information has equipped me to thrive well into the future.”

– Jodi Menezes

Some participants developed career plans, updated CVs, or applied for roles, while others researched university courses, completed assignments or business plans, or explored licensing and legal requirements, navigated NDIS, Centrelink and other supports such as the Partner Employment Assistance Program and supports available from Open Arms. Additionally, many began to reconnect with themselves and rekindle creative and fitness activities ranging from painting to swimming and beyond.

Each week built on the last. In the early sessions, participants explored values, career direction and goal setting with the bespoke curriculum from Human Quotient Group as well as guest mentors like Tina Tedesco-Vella from EmployCare and EmployCareer. Participants gained valuable life coping skills through a powerful session and resources on wellbeing, with Leila Belle from Nature Science Love (photo below).

In the latter half of the program, Rosslyn Ward from Workforce Australia brought insights into local job opportunities as well as practical tips to engage with employers, while Vicki from Open Arms presented a powerful workshop on asking for help and accessing peer support. Each week, the room buzzed with enthusiasm and celebration as participants shared their questions, ideas and how far they had come.

Celebrating the finale of the Cowork Coplay Adelaide program

At the wrap-up celebration held at the Para Hills Community Hub on 30th June, participants shared personal reflections on how far they had come. A return to the “Wheel of Life” activity from Week 1 allowed everyone to measure their progress and speak to the program’s direct impact on their lives. The laughter, stories, and shared growth filled the space with energy and pride.

Diverse stakeholders from across government, the not-for-profit sector, business and industry, each playing a role in the broader ecosystem supporting veteran and Defence families, were there to witness the momentum first-hand.

Speakers included South Australia’s Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, The Hon Joe Szakacs MP, and Brigadier Tim Orders (middle in photo below), Commander of the 9th Brigade, both of whom acknowledged the significance of Cowork Coplay’s impact. Other key attendees included representatives from Veterans SA, WorkSec, APOD, and Federal MP Tony Zappia (second in from right in photo below).

Participants share stories of growth, connection and renewed purpose, highlighting the program’s transformative impact

Program facilitator Pamela Turner, who led the weekly sessions with empathy and insight, witnessed the evolution and achievements within the group.

“The change over 8 weeks has been extraordinary. From nervous introductions in week 1 to confident conversations about career goals and business ideas by week 8, the personal and collective growth has been undeniable. This program creates the space Defence and veteran families have long needed,” she said.

Participant feedback echoed this sentiment. Many expressed deep appreciation for the variety of learning opportunities, peer accountability, expert mentoring, and—most importantly—the presence of on-site child carers, which allowed them to focus fully on their development.

Joanne, a stay-at-home mum and program participant found Cowork Coplay life-changing. She rediscovered her strenghts, updated her resume, and gained the confidence to see her true worth, all while generously supporting fellow participants. 

“Programs like Cowork Coplay help you rebuild your confidence and give you a toolbox full of practical tools to draw from. Honestly, I’d love to do it again—next time I know I’d uncover even more I didn’t realise I had in me.”

– Joanne

Hayley, a veteran spouse with three young boys, adapted her floristry business using the tools and insights she gained from Cowork Coplay. Armed with new knowledge, she felt ready to apply when a new job opportunity came up. Reflecting on her experience, she said:

“Aside from making great friends, it’s been really, really good in being able to relate to other likeminded women who experience the same things that I experience. Business-wise it’s been excellent, because it’s got me thinking about things I wouldn’t have otherwise thought about. Because between juggling a business and children, there’s not a lot of time that I set aside to think about things. And that’s what this space has done for me, is to be able to plan for things, think about things I would have not otherwise thought about and also plan for my future re-entry into the professional workforce. Now I have a pathway, and I’m very excited about that.” 

– Hayley

Katie (left in photo above), with a background is in nursing and nutrition, took her business to the next level, developing business cards, launching her website, and forming friendships that fueled both personal and professional growth. Reflecting on her journey and experience, she said:

“It’s been really good. I think it’s been really positive and supportive, and has given me some space and encouragement to finalise some things for my small business and tick off a few things that I had, sort of, didn’t really have the time to get around to doing. I’m kind of sad that it’s ended. I’ll miss the Monday mornings with the group that we were with and I look forward to catching up with them. But I think it’s given me a lot of tools to move forward and given me a lot of other options as well.”

– Katie

Ongoing connections and future expansion

While the 2025 program experience is over, participants are staying connected and supporting one another through their WhatsApp group and have already met in July for a couple of social gatherings with Pamela. 

Their message to decision-makers and the broader community is clear: the Cowork Coplay provides incredible value—and is needed.

The Human Quotient Group extends its gratitude to Veterans SA for championing the program over 3 years in South Australia, to APOD and WorkSec for supporting the 2025 Adelaide program and to all partners, mentors, carers, and supporters who contributed to its success.

With a strong foundation established and growing demand across the country, Cowork Coplay will return to Adelaide in 2026. Human Quotient group is also focused on expanding this proven model to new locations, including the Northern Territory and progressing towards the vision of nationally available contemporary career and wellbeing support for partners and families in the veteran community.

Human Quotient Group has created an online program called Explore for partners and veterans and this is open now for experessions of interest.

Interested in joining or supporting a future Cowork Coplay program?

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