Welcome to our blog series: Their Stories. We explore what meaningful work and Defence service means to the lives of partners.
Kimmy Pike, Adelaide 2024 Cowork Coplay participant.
Kimmy participated in the Cowork Coplay Program in Adelaide in 2024. She is a driven and versatile professional with a diverse background. While studying at La Trobe University, Kimmy was recognised for her outstanding community service, earning a prestigious Community Service Award. Her experience spans retail management and a range of care roles, including aged care and early childhood education.
Here she shares with us a bit of her background, her experience with the program and the goals she has since continued to pursue.
Kimmy, partner of a Defence member, shares her story
Can you please share what you have achieved or experienced since completing the Cowork Coplay program and meeting other people in your defence/veteran community?
“I made a lot of progress in my studies through the Cowork Coplay program and learned more about local services. It was great to meet other partners too. At the end of 2024 I was about 75% of the way through my uni course. I found my passion for early childhood education in 2020 and it feels so rewarding to almost be a qualified early childhood teacher. I’m also a new mum again after having our second child in February (2025) which is very exciting!”
Can you describe some of the benefits you and your family gained from you participating in the Cowork Coplay program?
“I gained the confidence to enrol my son in early learning 2 days a week and was offered a casual position with an early learning agency which suits my needs. I also use this time to study when not working.
“My son had never been out of my care prior to the program, and I was pleasantly surprised that he had a wonderful time with the carers each week. Seeing my son thrive gave me the confidence to enrol him in an early learning centre.
The program has given me the time I need to focus on my studies and has freed up more time at home to spend with my partner, something that is so valuable.”
What are your career or personal goals at the moment?
“Since the program finished, I set out to finish my last theory units of my course as I knew in 2025 I’d want to be a stay-at-home-parent to my 2 children. I aim to finish my last unit of study and student placement in 2026 and then return to casual early childhood teaching work after I have gained my qualification.”
If you could snap your fingers and make one thing real for Defence/veteran partners like you, what would it be?
“I would like more physical support during emergencies. Over the last year, my son had some scares with recurrent croup while my husband was away. Late night trips to the ER are very difficult to navigate alone. I don’t know exactly what I want, but someone there to provide support or help organise travel to and from hospital would be amazing.”
Kimmy gained an amazing experience through the Cowork Coplay program
“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 then 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, and I was 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 girly for the morning.”
What did you find the most valuable to you about the program?
“Having the time to focus on my own career and study aspirations has been so amazing, the workshops allowed us to have insightful group discussions and think about our own goals and how to get there. The environment was so supportive, and it was comforting to know that everyone understood the challenges of Defence life.”
Long-lasting impact from program
Kimmy’s testimonial showcases the profound impact of Cowork Coplay’s programs on participants sense of agency and their wellbeing. Designed specifically to support partners and spouses of current- and former-serving ADF members, the programs and wrap-around supports tackle the challenges of frequent relocations, empowering them to pursue meaningful employment and personal fulfilment.
The program offers tailored career assistance, community-building opportunities, and childcare services; all aimed at boosting morale, professional development, and overall wellness within the defence and veteran community. To date, the programs have run in Adelaide (2023, 2024 and 2025) and Perth (2024), with new programs coming soon. Read other testimonials on our Impact page.
