Welcome to our blog series: Their Stories. We explore what meaningful work and Defence service means to the lives of partners.
Tamara, Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 Program Facilitator
Tamara, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) spouse and Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 Program Facilitator, is a mum of 2 and a passionate advocate for helping others navigate their careers. With a background spanning childcare, aviation training, education, compliance, and customer-focused roles, Tamara brings both professional expertise and lived experience to everything she does.
Now based in Queensland after postings landed her and her family there, Tamara shares her journey: what life has looked like since Western Australia, the realities of starting again, and how her experience facilitating Cowork Coplay continues to shape her path forward.
Starting again in a new location and finding direction
Like many Defence partners, Tamara’s journey has been shaped by constant change—new locations, new communities, and the need to rebuild professionally each time.
Her move from Western Australia to Queensland happened quickly, bringing both opportunity and challenge. While personally she found a sense of belonging sooner than expected, professionally the transition has been more complex.
Returning to a previous field that no longer aligned, Tamara found herself navigating a familiar but frustrating reality: starting again, despite having built meaningful experience elsewhere.
At the same time, her experience facilitating the Perth Cowork Coplay program has continued to influence how she approaches this chapter. The experience reinforced the importance of fulfilment, recognising transferable skills, and creating space for her own goals alongside family life.
Now, she is focused on finding a path that brings those elements together, where her skills, experience, and passion for supporting others can have real impact, particularly within the Defence community.
Tamara during one of the Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 program sessions, with participants in the background.
Tamara, partner of a Defence member, shares her story
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to Cowork Coplay?
“I’ve had quite a varied career. I spent about 10 years in childcare and then I was in aviation and I found my niche. I found my people. It was great. It was customer service. It was compliance. It was black and white, but it was friendly black and white. I loved it.
As a Defence spouse, it’s all been about him but I’m starting to find my own identity, especially as a result of working with Human Quotient Group. I’m really passionate about helping others to succeed, and helping people navigate their careers.”
What did the move to Queensland look like for you and your family?
“That posting discussion happened and we were in Brisbane 3 weeks later.
That sudden change wasn’t so pleasant, and many pieces of furniture were broken when we came over. But I’m loving Brisbane. It’s fantastic here and it just feels like home now.
How has the transition been professionally?
“Oh, professionally, it’s been a nightmare. I went back to the childcare industry, which isn’t where I ultimately want to be. It felt like I’d taken a step backwards in my career. After working in aviation and finding something that really suited me with the Cowork Coplay program facilitation role. Starting again has been challenging.
That’s the reality for a lot of Defence spouses. You rebuild, over and over again. I’m trying to get back either into a training role, or what I would love, is to get out and help other Defence spouses.
The dream is to be able to grow and develop and not have to just settle for a career or a job just because you have to, having something for me as well, feeling fulfilled.”
With strong facilitation experience and a lived understanding of Defence life, Tamara brings a unique blend of empathy, capability, and purpose-driven direction as she explores her next career steps in training and community-focused work.
What did you take away from your experience as a Cowork Coplay Facilitator?
“So much. The biggest thing for me was realising that it’s okay to want something for myself as well. Not in a way that takes away from my family—but in a way that actually supports them.
If I feel fulfilled, my life is better. Which also impacts others around me. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
I’ve learned so many new skills from my time with Human Quotient Group and I take those skills and experiences with me.”
From your perspective, what makes Cowork Coplay so valuable?
“It brings people together who just get it.
You can’t fully understand Defence life unless you live it—the postings, the uncertainty, the time apart, the constant change. Cowork Coplay creates a space where that’s understood without needing to explain it.
And beyond that, the growth is incredible. You’ve got people in the room with so much experience and knowledge. People gain confidence, clarity, and direction.”
Has your experience with facilitating the program and working with Human Quotient Group shifted how you see yourself professionally?
“Yes, definitely. For a long time, everything revolved around my husband’s career—which is part of Defence life. But now, I’m starting to rediscover my own identity within that.
What do I enjoy? What am I good at? What do I want my career to look like?
Cowork Coplay played a big role in that shift. It helped me reconnect with my strengths and think differently about how I can use them.”
If you could snap your fingers and change one thing for Defence partners, what would it be?
“More stability. Having your partner home more, being there for the big moments—birthdays, anniversaries, the everyday things. That would make a huge difference.
And also more support around careers. We move so often, and it’s hard to maintain momentum.”
What impact do you hope to make through your work?
“I want to show my kids that it’s important to work towards what you want—and not give up just because things get hard.
And beyond that, I want to help others feel supported and capable. Especially Defence spouses, because I know how challenging it can be.
If I can help someone feel more confident, more clear on their direction, or just less alone—that’s a big win.”
What would you say to other Defence partners navigating similar challenges?
“Don’t give up. It might not happen straight away, and it might not look how you expected—but keep going. The journey is worth it. And you never know where it’s going to take you.”
Left: Tamara with 2 participants (Tia & Lauren) during Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 program; Middle: Tamara entertaining a child at one of the sessions; Right: Tamara handing out goal sheets to participants.
Rebuilding direction, identity, and momentum
Tamara’s story reflects the ongoing reality many Defence partners face: careers that pause, restart, and reshape with every posting cycle. Even with a strong professional foundation in aviation training, compliance, education, customer-focused roles, and program facilitation the move to Queensland brought many familiar challenges. From re-entering industries that are no longer aligned to re-establishing career direction in a new environment.
What remains constant in Tamara’s journey is her commitment to growth and contribution. Her experience as a Cowork Coplay Program Facilitator in Perth continues to influence how she approaches this next chapter, reinforcing the importance of fulfilment, transferable skills, and the value of creating space for her own aspirations alongside family life.
Turning experience into impact
Tamara’s time as a Cowork Coplay Program Facilitator reflected the strength she brings to supporting others through change. Drawing on both her professional facilitation skills and lived experience as a RAAF spouse, she has a natural ability to create connection, build confidence, and hold space for meaningful growth. As she looks ahead, Tamara is focused on using these strengths in roles that support Defence and veteran families, where her insight and empathy can make a real and lasting difference.
Tamara having great discussions with the Perth Cowork Coplay participants.
Future Cowork Coplay programs
Cowork Coplay is designed specifically for Defence families, combining career development, childcare, and peer connection to help partners build resilience, strengthen wellbeing, and explore new possibilities for work, study, and personal growth.
The program has been delivered for families in Adelaide (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026), Perth (2024), and the Northern Territory (2025, 2026). Cowork Coplay continues to run in South Australia and the Northern Territory with the team at Human Quotient Group having a vision of further expansion.
Thank you, Tamara, for sharing your story with us. We wish you all the very best as you continue to build your life, community, and future in Queensland.
Should you wish to connect with Tamara, click below to find her on social media.