A group of like-minded businesses are uniting to support local Australian Defence Force veterans to find meaningful work.

The Veterans Business Alliance (VBA), an initiative of The Oasis Townsville, is a collaboration of Veteran operated businesses and employers committed to providing employment opportunities, advice, and general support to the veteran community.

The Oasis Chair, Lieutenant General John Caligari said the VBA supports employers understanding the benefits of employing veterans and helping veterans and partners find the right jobs in Townsville.

“The Defence force invests heavily in training their ADF personnel to equip them with qualities and capabilities that are highly valued by civilian employers,” Caligari said.

“We know that ADF members leaving the military have significant qualities that are highly sought after by employers including teamwork, leadership, loyalty, discipline and planning skills.

“What they generally do not have is the specific skills and training required of the jobs they would like to undertake and believe they could be good at, and this is where employers working with The Oasis Townsville can be supported by maximising the use of Federal and State employment support programs and funding.”

“The 12 founding members of the VBA from ten businesses who are all passionate about supporting their fellow veterans and are designing the best approach to grow the Alliance,” explains Mr Aaron Cook, Program Manager of the VBA

“The VBA will be supported by our Employment Coordination Service which forms part of our holistic Wellbeing Program” emphasises The Oasis Employment Coordinator, Ms Andrea Smalley

“We know that obtaining meaningful work is one of The Oasis Townsville’s ‘10 Human Needs’ approach to achieving happiness and the VBA will support veterans and employers to find what each looks for and support Townsville’s economic and social prosperity,” said Ms Colleen Wing, Wellbeing Program Manager

The founding organisations include Cubic Defence Australia, NEM Group, Evergreen Financial Advisors, Appliance Tagging Services (ATS), Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety, Australian Expedition Vehicles (AEV), Cate’s Chemist, Aspera Legal and Consulting and of course our very own Dirty Boots Café. All of these businesses are either owned or operated by veterans.

“Our founding partners represent a diverse range of business operating across a range of industries and sectors and we hope to see VBA grow over time,” Caligari said.

To find out more about the VBA contact Andrea Smalley on 07 4759 8727 or visit https://www.theoasistownsville.org.au/coalition-of-employers

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Media contact: Michael Baker; 0417 900 545