PREAMBLE 

 

A Veteran is anyone who has joined the Australian Defence Force to serve their country, from their very first day of service. The commitment to serve in the armed forces of Australia warrants recognition and respect. Australia boasts a military that is among the most highly skilled in the world because ADF members receive world-class training. When a veteran leaves the ADF, they take with them a range of qualifications, training and skills that make them valuable in the civilian workforce. In a competitive market for human capital, it makes sense to consider veteran candidates when looking to hire.

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Likewise, hiring an ADF Veteran's Partner brings a unique set of qualities to your team. Their resilience, reliability, and strong work ethic make them stand out as valuable employees. With strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, they are able to excel in any role. Their loyalty, commitment, empathy, and willingness to go above and beyond make them an asset to any organization. Li

 

Businesses are finding many advantages to looking past the typical 'industry experience'- based candidates and are benefiting from hiring veterans who bring new insights, expertise, and innovative thinking to their organisation. Typically, veterans and their partners are self-starters, team players, leaders, risk managers, problem solvers, critical thinkers, good communicators, and values-driven. 

 

The Oasis Townsville provides a place to meet and connect with other veterans, their partners, families, and friends, including referral to the right Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) in Townsville and finding the best services in Townsville to support integration into the community. Our Veteran Community is 20% of Townsville's population. The Veteran Community, including all currently serving soldiers, sailors, aviators, and their families, can significantly impact Townsville economically and socially when supported appropriately. 

 

The Veterans Business Alliance (VBA) is an alliance of Townsville's veteran-smart businesses interested in harnessing veterans' value to support the economic prosperity of Townsville and the region. Businesses that are members of the Alliance appreciate the value of veterans working for them and want to help other employers appreciate the benefits. 

 

PURPOSE 

 

Mission: 

The mission of the Veterans Business Alliance is to bring like-minded businessmen and women together who share a common interest in supporting veterans' and partners' employment, enhancing their businesses, and achieving economic prosperity for Townsville. 

 

Objectives: 

1. Familiarise veterans and partners with the value of long-term employment. 

2. Acquaint employers and business and industry leaders with the benefits of employing veterans and partners. 

3. Facilitate engagements between transitioning veterans and potential employers. 

4. Maintain a vibrant and networked Veterans Business Alliance community. 

 

MEMBERSHIP 

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Businesses are members of the VBA.

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The VBA has a membership comprising businesses in Townsville with owners, managers, and employees who recognise the value of having veterans and veterans' partners in their workforce.

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To be eligible for membership, a business must meet the following criteria: 

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• have an ABN

• attended one or two VBA O-Groups (networking events) as the guest of a current member representative

• signed the VBA Pledge

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The VBA also has Associate Members and Advisors.

 

Associate Members who have been Member Representatives and represented a business but no longer represent that business, having changed jobs. Associate Members have expressed a desire to stay on as it is likely that they will represent another business again within the next 12 months. 

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Advisers are not members of VBA but valued and trusted advisers with knowledge and positions that can support the effective placement of veteran community members into jobs. We value their expertise and advice and welcome participation in the monthly O-Groups.