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.

 

Businesses are finding there are 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' are self-starters, team players, leaders, risk managers, problem solvers, critical thinkers, good communicators and are values-driven. 

 

The Oasis Townsville provides a place to meet and connect with other veterans, their families and friends, including referral to the right Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) in Townsville, and to find 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 current serving soldiers, sailors and aviators and their families, can make a significant impact economically and socially in Townsville when supported appropriately. 

 

The Veterans Business Alliance (VBA) is an alliance of Townsville's veteran-smart businesses with an interest in harnessing the value of veterans in supporting 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 with a common interest of supporting veterans' employment to enhance their business and support the achievement of economic prosperity for Townsville. 

 

Objectives: 

1. Familiarise veterans with the value of long term employment. 

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

3. Facilitate engagements between transitioning veterans and potential employers. 

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

 

MEMBERSHIP 

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Membership of the VBA is by invitation. Businesses are members of the VBA.

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

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Each business, depending on the level of membership, has one, two or three representatives who are welcome to attend monthly O-Group meetings.

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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 on to the Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Program

• signed the VBA Pledge

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The VBA also has 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 which knowledge and positions that can support the effective placement of members of the veteran community into jobs. We value their expertise and advice and welcome their participation in the monthly O-Groups. Advisers are invited to renew at the beginning of each year.