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| Soldier On | |
|---|---|
| Name | Soldier On |
| Formation | 2007 |
| Type | Non-profit charity |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Region served | Australia |
| Services | Rehabilitation, employment assistance, housing, peer support |
Soldier On is an Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting veterans, current serving personnel, and their families affected by injury, illness, or transition from Australian Defence Force service. Founded to provide peer-led rehabilitation and community reintegration, the organisation delivers programs spanning mental health, employment, housing, and adapted recreation. Working closely with clinical, corporate, and veteran service organisations, Soldier On operates across multiple Australian states through community hubs, outreach, and national initiatives.
Soldier On originated in 2007 following advocacy by veteran advocates and service organisations after the return of personnel from operations in East Timor, Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). Early supporters included representatives from the Returned and Services League of Australia, regional veteran groups, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force. The organisation’s model drew on peer-support frameworks established by international charities such as Help for Heroes and Wounded Warrior Project, adapting best practices for Australian contexts like rehabilitation for injuries sustained in training and operations. Over its first decade, Soldier On expanded from a single community hub to national programs, forming partnerships with state veteran agencies, local councils such as City of Sydney, and tertiary institutions including Australian National University for research collaboration.
Soldier On’s mission emphasizes recovery, resilience, and reintegration for veterans and families through practical, peer-based services. Core programs include vocational pathways in partnership with employers like Commonwealth Bank of Australia, supported education through links with institutions such as University of Melbourne, and adapted sports pathways aligned with organisations like Paralympics Australia. Recreational and therapeutic initiatives incorporate activities tied to institutions and events including Mount Kosciuszko expeditions, surf programs in collaboration with Surf Life Saving Australia, and adaptive cycling projects using equipment from Australian Sports Commission grants. The organisation also runs leadership and mentoring courses modelled on programs used by Royal British Legion affiliates and rehabilitation curricula referenced by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (Australia).
Eligibility for Soldier On services typically covers veterans, current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and immediate families affected by service-related injury or illness. Membership and participation pathways are coordinated with statutory bodies such as the Department of Veterans' Affairs (Australia), regional veteran support organisations including the Queensland Veterans' Council, and local health networks like NSW Health. Referrals often arise from clinical partners including Department of Defence medical services, private rehabilitation providers, and community mental health services. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of recipients from diverse operational backgrounds including peacekeeping deployments to Bougainville and combat deployments to Middle East operations.
Soldier On provides a spectrum of services: peer-support networks, employment assistance, transitional housing referrals, accessible sport and recreation, and family support. Employment services include resume building, employer engagement and apprenticeships brokered with companies such as BHP, Telstra, and Qantas. Housing and accommodation support is coordinated with community housing providers like Mission Australia and government programs administered by state housing authorities. Clinical and psychosocial supports operate alongside partnerships with health organisations including Beyond Blue, Black Dog Institute, and private allied health clinics. Adaptive sport initiatives connect participants to competitive pathways run by Australian Paralympic Committee affiliates and regional clubs.
Fundraising strategies combine corporate sponsorship, philanthropic grants, community events, and legacy giving. Major corporate partners and sponsors have included firms from sectors represented by Business Council of Australia membership and multinational donors who have partnered on cause-marketing campaigns. Soldier On collaborates with philanthropic foundations such as the Ian Potter Foundation and community fundraising through events tied to organisations like Rotary International and Lions Clubs International. Government grant funding has been secured via competitive processes overseen by agencies including the Department of Veterans' Affairs (Australia) and state veterans’ offices. High-profile fundraising campaigns have featured endorsements from public figures and athletes associated with Australian Football League clubs and Olympic delegations.
The organisation reports outcomes across employment placements, housing transitions, and participation in adaptive sport and mentoring programs. Evaluations and case studies have been produced in collaboration with universities such as Monash University and think tanks that study veteran reintegration. Soldier On initiatives have received recognition from veteran service awards and community honours, drawing attention in media outlets including national broadcasters like Australian Broadcasting Corporation and newspapers such as The Sydney Morning Herald. Independent audits and reviews by firms with expertise in non-profit governance have reinforced transparency in program delivery.
Soldier On is governed by a board of directors drawn from veteran advocates, corporate executives, and non-profit leaders, often including representatives with experience at organisations like Australian Defence Force, KPMG Australia, and major healthcare providers. Financial oversight follows Australian charity regulation frameworks administered by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. Funding streams combine philanthropic donations, corporate sponsorship, participant fundraising, and government contracts and grants. Annual reporting aligns with standards used by sector bodies such as the Australian Council for International Development and is subject to independent audit and regulatory compliance checks.
Category:Veterans' organisations in Australia Category:Non-profit organizations