Soldier On receives $130,000 joint investment by NT Government, Sitzler

Chief Minister Eva Lawler has confirmed a joint investment of $130,000 was made to ensure a full-time staff member could support Top End-based veterans in joining the Territory’s civilian workforce.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Veterans Affairs Minister Brent Potter. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The NT Government has made a quiet investment towards a veteran charity with a view to luring former servicemen into the Territory’s civilian workforce.

This month, the Territory government partnered with local construction company Sitzler to make a joint investment of $130,000 towards charity Soldier On, which provides support services to veterans and their families.

The investment will enable Soldier On to employ a full time, Darwin-based staff member to deliver employment support and learning programs for veterans stepping into the civilian world.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said headhunting veterans would bolster the Territory’s economy. Picture: Annie Richardson

Chief Minister Eva Lawler confirmed the government had made the subtle contribution.

“The Territory Labor Government committed in 2020 to increase employment opportunities for veterans and their families and we continue to deliver on our commitment,” she said.

“(Our investment) into Soldier On, a nationally integrated ADF charity, will see veterans who have strong traits of leadership, commitment and discipline enter our workforce and add value to our communities.”

Ms Lawler said it was important to provide veterans a mission in post-service life and said she believed veterans possessed the “strong traits” necessary to bolster the Territory’s economy.

“(Our government) is supporting and honouring our Defence veterans and one vital aspect of support is finding ex-servicemen and women meaningful employment,” she said.

“Employment is a significant factor for veterans, it achieves and maintains a sense of purpose, but it also benefits our workforce and adds to our economy and community.”

Veterans Affairs Minister Brent Potter said both veterans and the economy would benefit from the investment. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The latest investment follows Operation Thrive in November – a multifaceted action plan focused on veteran health.

Under the 2024 Budget, $3.1 million will be invested into initiatives under Operation Thrive in an effort to support the 10,000 veterans based across the Territory.

Veterans Affairs Minister Brent Potter, who previously served in the Australian Army, said the investment was mutually beneficial.

“For many veterans, finding work post service is key to successfully transitioning into civilian life which is why (the government) continues to support initiatives which support veterans,” he said.

“Generating quality employment opportunism for ex-serving personnel directly supports the Territory Labor Government’s strategy to increasing the NT’s skilling population.”

Originally published as Soldier On receives $130,000 joint investment by NT Government, Sitzler