Families and veterans thriving through meaningful careers and connected communities.
Cowork Coplay is a proven, face-to-face program designed for Defence partners and veteran families to build meaningful careers, strengthen wellbeing, and stay connected to community, no matter where service life takes them.
Cowork Coplay brings together strengths-based learning, practical career development and genuine connection, creating impact for individuals, families, Defence capability and the broader workforce.
Do you want to move towards meaningful employment (whatever that means to you!) and connect with others in the community?
How does a Cowork Coplay program run?
Cowork Coplay is an 8-week, face-to-face program, with wrap around support, designed to help participants:
- build career management skills and confidence
- pursue meaningful employment, study or business outcomes
- strengthen wellbeing, identity and sense of agency
- develop local social and professional connections.
Participants work on real goals such as career plans, CVs, job applications, study pathways or business ideas while being supported by experienced facilitators and a community who understands Defence life. Our facilitators are employees who are Defence or veteran partners.
Are you a partner of current- or former-serving ADF member?
Grab this unique opportunity, designed by a Defence partner for the Defence/veteran community.
Whether you’re pursuing your career plan, want a job or are undertaking business, study or volunteering… you’re welcome.
Why Cowork Coplay matters?
Defence service life creates unique challenges for partners and families, particularly when it comes to employment and financial security. These challenges can be felt well after service ends.
- When relocating, 8 out of 10 ADF partners are out of work for a period of time.
- 44% change jobs, and 47% earn less than previously.
- Family dissatisfaction is one of the key reasons ADF members leave service.
These challenges are not just personal—they represent a strategic risk to Defence capability, workforce participation and community wellbeing.
Cowork Coplay directly addresses these challenges and creates opportunities by:
- developing human capital through stronger career management skills
- increasing workforce participation and economic contribution
- reducing underutilisation of highly skilled Defence partners
- supporting wellbeing, connection and financial resilience
Employment and meaningful activity, social connection, education and skills, income and financial security are all recognised contributors to wellbeing for Defence and veteran communities. These also impact retention, for current-serving families. Cowork Coplay intentionally works across these factors.
“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
“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.”
Colonel Adam Hay, Deputy Commander, 9th Brigade, Australian Army
Captain Bernadette Alexander, Commanding Officer, HMAS Coonawarra
Meaningful impact for both individuals, and the broader community
Cowork Coplay delivers documented, real world outcomes for participants and communities.
For individuals:
- secured jobs and new career paths
- study commencements and completions
- executed career plans, CVs, job applications and business plans
- improved wellbeing and social connection
- increased sense of choice and agency
- increased confidence around career decision-making
- increased confidence around career goal-setting
- improved knowledge about services and local suppots
- more positive feelings towards ongoing Defence service.
For families and communities:
- increased workforce participation
- happier, more settled families
- children more comfortable in childcare and schooling
- jobs created and local collaborations formed
- stronger family links to local supports and services (e.g. Open Arms, DMFS).
To deliver Cowork Coplay programs, Human Quotient Group directly employs Defence and veteran spouses as program facilitators, keeping capability and leadership within the community.
“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.”
Sarah Cullen, 2025 Darwin Cowork Coplay participant
Focus on your career with Cowork Coplay
Tailored programs providing career support and community connection with child care.
Boosting wellbeing, morale and professional development, to serve the needs of the Defence and veteran community.
Current programs – applications are open now!
Adelaide, South Australia
Cowork Coplay Adelaide is returning for the 4th year in a row. Applications are open now.
Darwin & Katherine, Northern Territory
Cowork Coplay NT programs are open for applications, supporting Defence partners and veteran families in the Northern Territory.
Partner with us
Cowork Coplay is a proven and scalable model, which is designed to be delivered in partnership with organisations committed to Defence, veteran and family wellbeing, workforce participation and regional capability.
We partner with:
- State and Territory governments
- Defence and Defence industry organisations
- Veteran and family wellbeing organisations
- Community and education providers
Partnerships can include funding, in kind support, employment pathways, mentoring, facilities or local service collaboration.
Want to see a program in your region?
Cowork Coplay programs are delivered by Human Quotient Group, a certified social enterprise and veteran community business.
