Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), founded in 2017, unites the skills of military veterans and volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters. The organisation offers veterans a valuable opportunity to grow beyond their military careers, while assisting communities and benefiting volunteers through service and action. Recently, DRA’s efforts were recognized at the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards, where former CEO Geoff Evans was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Veteran and/or Partner Employment award.
Thales Australia has been a strong supporter of DRA’s mission. The results of DRA’s Wellbeing Study have shown a direct link between veteran volunteers and improvements in mental health, highlighting the importance of their work. Thales has proudly partnered with DRA, championing veterans and their invaluable skills, and continues to work together with them to support local communities.
“We are proud to partner with DRA to work together for our communities, while championing veterans and their invaluable skills and contributions,” said Nick de Bont, Chair of Thales Australia & New Zealand Veterans Committee, Colonel in the Australian Army Reserve, and Chief Security Officer at Thales Australia.
DRA’s Chief Executive David Smith AM, CSC, DSM, expressed his appreciation for Thales’ commitment to corporate volunteering. “Thales is helping to set the agenda when it comes to corporate volunteering,” Smith said. “We welcome Thales’ decision to include Disaster Relief Australia within its volunteer leave policy. Corporate Australia is instrumental in assisting with community disaster recovery. Providing employees with the flexibility and support to help where it is needed most is significant. I urge employers across Australia to follow Thales’ lead.”
Thales Australia’s Chief Security Officer, Nick de Bont, emphasized that the partnership with DRA sets a positive example for the wider business community. “The relationship between DRA and Thales sets a positive example to the wider business community on how business can support their communities both locally and at a larger national scale,” he said. “One of the reasons veterans transition to work in Defence Industry is to continue a sense of service to their country. While Thales’ DRA paid volunteer leave policy extends to all employees, DRA’s mission and operations provide communal purpose, a sense of community, and camaraderie that speaks to the over 400 veterans that work at Thales.”
DRA also acknowledged the role Thales plays as a valuable resource for their operations. “As a defence industry employer with many veterans as part of the workforce, Thales is a valuable resource for DRA and we look forward to forging a valuable and enduring relationship. We hope Thales’ initiative is the start of many more between business and DRA,” said Smith.
The partnership between Thales and DRA has garnered further recognition from the Australian government. The Hon. Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, lauded the initiative at the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards on 26 November 2024. “This initiative between DRA and Thales is an excellent example of cooperation between business and not-for-profit organisations to support our communities in need,” said Minister Keogh. “Volunteering is the lifeblood of our community, and enabling veterans to contribute their skills through organisations like DRA is a fantastic way Defence Industry can support Aussies in need and contribute to capability at home.”
The collaboration between Thales and DRA highlights the positive impact that veterans and volunteers can have on communities in times of crisis, while also providing valuable opportunities for veterans to continue their sense of service.
