Programs

Are you the partner of a current- or former-serving Defence member?

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With unrealised dreams?

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Seeking to pursue your personal/employment goals?

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Wanting to feel connected to others?

Cowork Coplay participants in Adelaide, laughing and talking

Defence service life can be challenging. Resettling with each posting, managing changes in your career, setting up your life and your family’s life (again & again). It’s not always easy, yet there is opportunity.

That’s why we created the Cowork Coplay program.

So you can:

Pursue what matters to you in a welcoming environment.
Focus on your career and work opportunities.
Connect with others that ‘get’ you and can empathise with your pathway and Defence experience.
Learn new skills and walk away with worksheets and plans for your life and career goals, wellbeing, networking and self-care.
Get targeted advice from experts and mentors about booming industries and good employers.
Take advantage of on-site child care.
Find out about local supports, including from government organisations.

In the Northern Territory? Want to participate?

Express your interest in our 2026 NT programs

Find out more

“Joining this program was a game-changer. As a mum, I constantly felt stretched thin. Knowing my children were happy and safe while I focused on my goals was incredibly empowering. It gave me the time and mental space to recharge and rediscover myself. I went from feeling behind to feeling energised and fulfilled, both as a mum and an individual.”

Stephanie Cartlidge,
Perth participant

Check out other testimonials.

What’s included in a Cowork Coplay program?

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Time for your projects

Time to work solo on a career-related project that’s important to you.

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Networking opportunities

Opportunities to network and learn with others, build relationships, collaborate and become part of a supportive, inclusive community.

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Professional development

Facilitated learning, professional and self-development sessions, tailored to the needs of the group.

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Morning tea

Have a break and a chat (and some caffeine!).

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Child care

Children cared for by professionals.

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WIFI and modern facilities

Space for working and being connected online.

Interested in a program in your location? Let us know where you are and stay in the loop for future programs.

“When I started this program, all I wanted was to get some tasks done so I wasn’t working until the late hours of the night and get some time back in the evenings for myself. After the first couple of sessions I realised that there was so much out there for me. There are career opportunities that can easily work with our Defence lifestyle. I now have a new outlook and direction towards my future employment opportunities thanks to the Cowork Coplay program.”

Kelly Winter,
Perth participant

Cowork Coplay participants in a room together Credit Claire Harris 750px

Thanks to our 2023, 2024 & 2025 partners

The 2023 & 2024 Adelaide programs were sponsored by Veterans SA.

The 2024 Perth program for Navy spouses was supported by Navy and run as part of their Stay Onboard – People First campaign.

The 2025 Adelaide program was sponsored by Veterans SA, WorkSec and APOD.

“Cowork Coplay programs have been designed to offer a modern way to engage with the new ‘world of work’. Programs offer participants the opportunity to pursue what truly matters to them, connect with other people and ultimately step into their own power.”

Claire Harris,
Cowork Coplay Lead

Commander Tony Ryder, Commanding Officer, HMAS Encounter, SA

“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

Colonel Adam Hay, Deputy Commander, 9th Brigade, Australian Army

“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

“It helped me to inspire my kids to see mum study and care about her professional development.”

Mitsu Morales Chamber

Perth

“Participating in Cowork Coplay has been a truly transformative experience for me. It provided me with the tools and the time necessary to pursue my career goals, all within a supportive community that deeply understands the unique challenges faced by military families. This program not only helped me gain valuable certifications and knowledge crucial for my professional growth but also taught me the importance of setting aside time for my own development, which has been empowering. The most profound impact, however, has been the sense of connection. Cowork Coplay introduced me to a community of like-minded individuals, particularly other Defence and veteran spouses who share similar experiences. This has significantly alleviated feelings of isolation that often accompany defence life.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity Cowork Coplay provided, and I strongly
recommend it to any Defence or veteran spouse looking to enhance their professional skills or simply to find a community that gets it. This program has not only helped me grow professionally but has also enriched my personal life, making a lasting difference.”

Jodie Caddy

Adelaide

“The Cowork Coplay program has been life-changing. It’s given me a real sense of belonging in the defence community. I’ve been able to connect with other spouses that just ‘get it’. So often, as defence spouses we are made to feel like our whole life should revolve around the serving member, and little thought is given to our career development. Claire has carefully chosen weekly speakers that help us to identify our career goals and focus on improving our employment prospects.”

Elise Knight

Adelaide

“Cowork Coplay helped me realise what I am trying to achieve for myself and helped guide me to get there. Meeting other partners helped me in knowing that I am not alone, and that there is help out there, no matter how small or big the problem is. Before this I felt very lost and alone in what I wanted to do, but having this program helped me
see what I want my next steps to be and gave me the help to take them.”

Renae Young

Adelaide

“Cowork Coplay has allowed me to get some childfree time to work on my new business adventure! It also allowed my daughter to become more independent and enjoy playing without me being around but knowing I am close by.”

Anna Westcott

Perth

“When I started this program, all I wanted was to get some tasks done so I wasn’t working until the late hours of the night and get some time back in the evenings for myself. After the first couple of sessions I realised that there was so much out there for me. There are career opportunities that can easily work with our Defence lifestyle. I now have a new outlook and direction towards my future employment opportunities thanks to the Cowork Coplay program.”

Kelly Winter

Perth