This is why we do what we do. Read below what participants and other stakeholders have to say about our Cowork Coplay programs.
“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.”
“Cowork Coplay is an amazing program, not only do you get to meet others who are in the same boat as you but you are introduced to so many new connections. I have made new lifelong friendships and I am now confident in the direction my career is heading. Thank you Cowork Coplay.”
“Participating in Cowork Coplay was a game-changer for me. The program provided practical support and a strong network of like-minded individuals. It helped me carve out time for my career goals while navigating Navy life. Highly recommended for Defence partners seeking career advancement.”
“I learned so much through Cowork Coplay about my strengths and about the personalities, goals and strengths of others. I made friends, I had time to reflect on what I want. And I found the mindfulness training so valuable because I believe that feeling unsettled is the root of all unhappiness. What Claire has created is really great. The program provided a lot of information and the foundation of what I needed. I appreciate how much care Claire has taken to bring it all together and to create an environment and provide the facilities. It’s been amazing for me. I feel a little bit more settled into Defence life. You don’t know what you’re going to go through as a Navy spouse; sometimes when you’re online you see all the people post about the negative but there’s actually a positive side to it. I feel that Claire understands what is helpful and what will practically and deeply make a difference. I am grateful that the Navy is wanting to support families more and receive feedback so they can make things better and provide targeted support.”
“Participating in Cowork Coplay was one of the best decisions I made when posting to Adelaide. It provided me with instant community, connection, and support in a city where I knew no one. It was essential to me being able to pursue my own goals and study in a time where I wouldn’t have otherwise had support to do so. Connecting with other defence partners, learning about available resources, and having care for my daughter while I studied was an invaluable support to me and I’m so glad I found the program and was able to participate!”
“As Defence partners, we are used to our career, study and time not being valued or prioritised. Cowork Coplay switches this around and puts us first. This is an opportunity for us to work on our goal-setting, meeting with other like-minded defence partners, discussing careers, working on study, building community and all with our children looked after nearby. The workshop time allows for self-reflection and analysis to help us re-evaluate our priorities and create a focus on our career and study choices and options. The discussion within the group is incredibly uplifting, with everyone encouraging one another, sharing life experiences, resources and connections to help each person achieve their goals. I believe Cowork Coplay should be an ongoing program that all Defence partners can experience, in every state and every posting. We know our ADF member/partner/spouse is important, but we matter too.”
“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.”
“Cowork Coplay was a program I was hesitant in joining as I wasn’t too keen on putting myself out there. I am so glad I did! Claire has done a magnificent job in putting together something so special. It is such a unique experience, I felt like I could take something away each session and apply to different areas in my life. Pamela, the Program Facilitator for Adelaide was amazing! She was the perfect person to facilitate this course and created such a warm and comfortable environment where I felt like I could be myself and I’m sure many of the other women share this sentiment.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Cowork Coplay is an amazing program, not only do you get to meet others who are in the same boat as you but you are introduced to so many new connections. I have made new lifelong friendships and I am now confident in the direction my career is heading. Thank you Cowork Coplay.”
“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.”
“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
“I have been so grateful to receive a place in this program and I have had an amazing experience. Initially I was nervous having never placed my son in care before, but the first day assured me that the carers were incredible and the program would be so important for my needs also. I missed one week when my son was unwell, I was actually quite upset because I was so looking forward to it, but after some rest we came back and both had a great time.
Thank you so much to Claire, Pamela and Veterans SA for facilitating this program, it has had such a large impact on my life in such a short time. My confidence has improved and I feel a readiness to return to work, something which seemed so daunting not long ago. It was so lovely feeling the sense of community and knowing that everyone had lived experiences in the Defence lifestyle.
I attend activities with my son every day of the week, and I usually end up chasing him around while he gets into mischief, this program has given me a chance to sit down and have a chat with other parents, and I’ve also used it as a chance to dress up and feel girlie for the morning.”
Kimmy Pike, Adelaide
“Cowork Coplay gave me back time to focus on myself and career aspirations while also looking after my family and meeting those commitments. In a decade no other program has provided that unique support.”
Julia Michel, 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
“This program has been great. It has helped me feel welcomed in a new state, given me focus and understanding on getting work and allowed me to meet other like minded individuals.I came into the program feeling lost, unemployed and just didn’t have any direction (also felt a bit lonely). I now feel empowered to get all my resume updated and look for work as well as more welcomed to this new state. I believe it has also put my husband’s mind at ease as he could see I was finding it hard to settle and find work. The extra focus and energy I have to do this now is fantastic.”
“The program gave me community when I was lost, my sense of being and reminded me of my worth as an individual. Personal development workshops have given me the tools to maintain mental wellness whilst independent work sessions have given me a space to work on my personal and professional goals.”
“I became aware of this program through my husband who is a defence Veteran now working for SAAB. Even though it was explained to me what it was about, I really didn’t understand until we were a few weeks in. There was nothing to lose and everything to gain. I gained some great friendships and a new community. I gained information about employment options and opportunities. I gained advice and support in how to update my resume to the current standards. I gained knowledge about the differences between mental health and mental well being and the range of services available to our cohort. I gained time away from wearing my Mum hat and space to dream about things I want in my future and tools to carve out a plan to make it happen.”
“This has been a necessary educational experience.”
““You know, I say I often think that Cowork Coplay was like my Pretty Woman moment. You know, the movie where you just go, like, yeah, is this lady. And then they take them to a hotel and get all dressed up. And then she gets catering.“And it’s a just crazy moment of happiness that you know is something that should not happen to her. But then it just happened. So this magical moment of You know, they’re showing me all these skills and all these resources. It’s a hub for information as well. It’s a space where you can ask questions. You can say how bad or how good the week was. Also, they feed you, you know also your kid Mattias goes to the ladies and they look after him and it’s just amazing.”
“Cowork Coplay helped me feel more confident and motivated. It gave me time to focus on my career and reminded me that I’m not alone. I took real steps toward finding work and felt supported every week.”
“Human Quotient Group is this year’s Small Employer of the Year at the Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Awards.
Matt Keogh, Minister for Defence Personnel
“Cowork Coplay was genuinely uplifting for me. As a defence spouse with a non linear career, I often felt unsure about how to present my experience after motherhood and relocations. The program helped ease that anxiety and gave me the confidence to value my skills and my journey.
The child minding, networking and practical resources were incredibly helpful, and I discovered defence programs I didn’t even know existed. I also made some lovely connections.
Overall, it boosted my confidence and had a positive impact on both me and my family.”
Anna Breckenridge, Darwin
“I wasn’t sure what I was signing up for but just knew I needed support to be heading in the right direction (or more correctly, any direction!) the Cowork Coplay program helped me understand my goals, needs and desires which I hadn’t realised I had stopped pursuing whilst trying to juggle defence life, family, paid employment and settling into a new location. The program facilitators were just like me, defence and veteran spouses who are also just trying to work it all out too. The program helped me feel confident to work on my project but also that it’s ok to share my fears, set backs and currently unmet desires which other women struggling with similiar challenges. This was the program that I didn’t know I needed but has changed so much for me!”
“I really love the opportunity to network with different people in a more professional capacity and to hear different stories from everyone’s lived experience about their own careers and where their career trajectory is taking them because it has really given me a chance to become more confident and reflect on what I want out of my career as well.”
“Participating in Cowork Coplay was a true turning point in my life. After a long period of isolation, I was able to rebuild my sense of self, regain emotional strength, and understand the hidden risks and pressures that Defence spouses often carry.
The program helped me clarify my career direction and even develop and trial a piano-based suicide-prevention program for Defence spouses and mothers. My emotional wellbeing improved significantly, and this positive change impacted my entire family—my husband gained a deeper understanding of who I am, and my children now feel inspired and no longer worried about me.
Cowork Coplay is not just a program; it is a place where Defence families can rediscover hope, courage, and a new beginning.”
“Cowork Coplay is a fantastic program that allows spouses to explore their needs while navigating military life. If you have children they provide the care and you get to do you. If your children need to be with you don’t worry they can be and no one worries about a little noise or play alongside sessions. It is a welcoming space to build a network of friends, share your struggles and be guided by a great team to enhance your overall wellbeing and career pathways.”
“Cowork Coplay is a valuable program that builds connections with defense spouses, helping each other, and the program presents opportunities to reallocate them to jobs or new careers.”
“I’m less isolated than I was before I started the program. Having just moved here this year, my main focus has been navigating this huge life change with an infant in tow. I had not placed much value on being part of the defence community in those early days, nor did I have the space to intentionally form friendship and build community.
I can wholeheartedly say that I feel much more a part of the Darwin community and the defence community. It’s little things like catching up over ice cream after the sessions, making plans like taking our babies swimming, or bumping into one another outside of the program that has made me feel so much more optimistic and part of the bigger puzzle piece that is our community.”
Captain Bernadette Alexander, Commanding Officer, HMAS Coonawarra
Warrant Officer Dennis Bentley, Command Warrant Officer, HMAS Coonawarra
“The Cowork Coplay program is a wonderful opportunity for partners of ADF members and veterans to find support for both career development and wellbeing, in an environment that understands and supports the real and unique needs of mothers in the veteran community. As childrens’ needs are supported too, the women can more easily connect with others, facing similar challenges.”
Linda Allen, Grow Australia, Cowork Coplay Darwin mentor
“Cowork Coplay is an amazing program, not only do you get to meet others who are in the same boat as you but you are introduced to so many new connections. I have made new lifelong friendships and I am now confident in the direction my career is heading. Thank you Cowork Coplay.”
Lauren Eibisch, Perth