By Tamara Paton
Tamara was the Cowork Coplay Program Facilitator for the Perth Program in early 2024. She shares her experience leading up to her move to Western Australia and what she gained from her experience in the role with Human Quotient Group.
Life as a defence spouse is not for the fainthearted. It’s often hard work. We are acknowledged as resilient and we’re often encouraged with ‘you can do this!’. But sometimes I think, we’re resilient, adaptable and tough because we have to be, not necessarily because we want to be or started out that way. We embrace Defence life to support our family and to serve the country.
As a Defence spouse with two young children, I understand the struggles that many spouses in service life face daily. Twice last year alone, I tried selling both moves as ‘an adventure’ to our 2 kids (6 & 4) as I wiped the tears from their faces. I’m still not sure if I was trying to convince the kids or myself that everything would be okay. Sounds a little like the latest Bluey episode, ‘The Sign’ (where the Heeler home is up for sale and Bluey’s unhappy) right?
The move to Perth was the toughest to date. We discovered problems with the house after we’d moved in. The move itself wasn’t great… Available schooling and daycare were almost non-existent; unfortunately, my kids are in 2 different schools.
So, I finally got the kids settled and now I need to find work. Only my qualifications aren’t recognised in this state. No worries, I’m resilient! I enrolled to upgrade my Cert IV in training and assessment. My husband found out about PEAP, which I’d never heard of previously.
Opportunity knocks after seeking career step
Through my wonderful career coach, I learnt about the role of Program Facilitator in Perth for an upcoming program called Cowork Coplay, designed specifically for Defence and veteran spouses.
This program is delivered by the veteran & female-led social enterprise, Human Quotient. It piqued my interest as I’d never come across anything like this before. The program provides Defence partners with time and space to pursue career projects, community building, and access to child care.
As we got into the program, I met a wonderful and diverse group of Navy spouses/partners. Some were pursuing career planning, others study, and some were starting their own businesses. Interests and struggles varied but as Defence spouses/partners, everyone just ‘got’ it.
Part of the program involved sessions from career specialists: career coach, wellbeing coach, and job skills coordinator. Open Arms also came to talk about assistance they provide to families. The information each specialist provided was invaluable.
The combination of bringing in external mentors, resources provided to all participants and peer support, where people shared what they knew, was so valuable. The most common quote to be heard in the room from all participants each week was, “How can we not have known about this?!?”
Over the program, I’ve seen an incredible transformation among the participants, including: confidence, skills, peer support, emotional wellbeing uplift, learning about Defence and ex-service organisations providing support, what the Navy offers families etc.
Empowering massive change in a short time
This program has opened my eyes to the untapped abilities and enthusiasm of our Defence spouses and the positive impact from targeted support and space for these people to shine! Also, the ripple effect of positive change it can have for not only themselves but for their children, Defence members, our national security and the community at large.
If I could be granted 2 wishes, one would be that the Cowork Coplay program would be rolled out to all Defence spouses across Australia. This program is not a luxury, it is a necessary link that all Defence spouses/partners need access to with each and every posting.
In the words of Mark Hammond, Chief of Navy, “Our power at sea is derived from the power at home”.
I’ve found it brilliant to work with a Defence-specific company and have also seen immense benefit from growing an ecosystem for spouses to work together and grow their personal networks and community. The role gave me a fantastic chance to use my skills and experience into the first role I’ve had since COVID took my job away. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to seeing the Cowork Coplay program expand for all Defence spouses, including to those employed in the role of Program Facilitator, helping our community grow from strength to strength.
