This is why we do what we do. Read what people in the Defence and veteran community have to say about our transformational programs.
“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
“Thank you to Claire of Cowork Coplay and the Veterans SA team for putting together and implementing such a critical program. Defence partners often feel isolated, unseen / unheard, and that their sacrifice goes unrecognised whenever they post to new locations. We often have to restart again: new schools, new friendship groups, new
jobs, and often choose work that is convenient rather than meaningful to us. Cowork Coplay gave me the time, space and support I needed to pursue my career goals, commence postgraduate study, and make meaningful friendships with other supportive, driven Defence partners.”
Phoebe Wise, Adelaide
“I’m so grateful for Cowork Coplay. It’s given me confidence, a renewed sense of purpose, and something to genuinely look forward to each Monday.
I’ve learned mindfulness techniques that I now use in both my personal and professional life, and I’ve gained practical tools for job searching. I only wish Cowork Coplay had been available at my previous posting locations!”
“Cowork Coplay helped me feel more confident and motivated. It gave me time to focus on my career and reminded me that I’m not alone. I took real steps toward finding work and felt supported every week.”
“I became aware of this program through my husband who is a defence Veteran now working for SAAB. Even though it was explained to me what it was about, I really didn’t understand until we were a few weeks in. There was nothing to lose and everything to gain. I gained some great friendships and a new community. I gained information about employment options and opportunities. I gained advice and support in how to update my resume to the current standards. I gained knowledge about the differences between mental health and mental well being and the range of services available to our cohort. I gained time away from wearing my Mum hat and space to dream about things I want in my future and tools to carve out a plan to make it happen.”
“This has been a necessary educational experience.”
“Cowork Coplay has given me the grounding, the tools and a brighter, more empowered outlook to face the prospect of embracing this new city, on my own with my children.
For the first time, I’ve had access to so many useful resources all in one program, directly connecting me to opportunities in Adelaide I didn’t know existed.
It introduced me to new ways of thinking about self-care, my career, personal branding and how to face the job market with fresh eyes.”
“Cowork Coplay offered me something I didn’t realise I needed so deeply. Space, connection, and permission to reflect.
The program helped me reframe my time out of the workforce from fear and self-doubt to optimism and confidence in the long-term value of this season.
I found a community that truly understands the realities of Defence life.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Cowork Coplay program.
The program included so many different topics from updating LinkedIn profiles and resumes, to self-care and the resources available to current-serving Defence and veteran partners.
Prior to starting the program, I had been finalising my health and nutrition business. It was great to bounce ideas off the participants and program staff. I really appreciated their shared enthusiasm when I launched my website, ordered business cards, and ticked off other goals.
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to connect with such a warm, friendly and supportive group of women.”
Katie Harrigan, Adelaide
“Cowork Coplay has given me the time and space to work towards completing my Graduate Diploma in Child Health, which I’m doing while on maternity leave from my General Practitioner training program.
It also 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.”
Jodilee Menezes, Adelaide
“Today was our third session, and it touched something deep inside me. Each week, I was simply coming to reflect and learn – but today, it felt different. Today, I felt the quiet courage in the room.
Many of the women I met were Defence spouses. They’re strong, adaptabe, and endlessly giving – but behind that strength, there’s a quiet ache. The loneliness of constant change, the uncertainty of where ‘home’ really is, and the gentle smile that hides the words ‘I’m fine’ when they’re not.
As we shared our stories, I realised how healing it can be to simply listen – to sit beside someone, nod, and say, ‘I know what you mean’. That simple act of understanding became our bridge – a moment of pure empathy that made us all breathe a little easier.
I’m deeply grateful to the Human Quotient Group team and organisers for creating such a safe, reflective, and empowering space. It’s not just a program, it’s a community that helps us rediscover our strength, not by pretending to be okay, but by being real together.
I truly hope more people get to experience gatherings like this, places where we can put down our masks, share our stories, and remember that healing begins the moment we feel seen.
To all the strong, quiet hearts especially Defence wives, you may not wear a uniform, but your courage shines just as bright.”
Michelle Jarrett, Darwin
“The Cowork Coplay program is a wonderful opportunity for partners of ADF members and veterans to find support for both career development and wellbeing, in an environment that understands and supports the real and unique needs of mothers in the veteran community. As childrens’ needs are supported too, the women can more easily connect with others, facing similar challenges.”
Linda Allen, Grow Australia, Cowork Coplay Darwin mentor
“Cowork Coplay is an amazing program, not only do you get to meet others who are in the same boat as you but you are introduced to so many new connections. I have made new lifelong friendships and I am now confident in the direction my career is heading. Thank you Cowork Coplay.”
Lauren Eibisch, Perth
“I have been so grateful to receive a place in this program and I have had an amazing experience. Initially I was nervous having never placed my son in care before, but the first day assured me that the carers were incredible and the program would be so important for my needs also.”
Kimmy Pike, Adelaide