The community side of Land Forces

At Parbery we believe in giving back to our community. We work with organisations such as DVCS and Karinya House by providing support in various ways, so they can focus on the amazing work they do for our communities.

There were 990 exhibitors at this year’s Land Forces, ranging from small businesses to global organisations. Seeing that in person really opened my eyes on how many people work with Defence and Defence industry.

And while the protest action kept the media focus on the military equipment side of things, something that caught my attention – besides the Abrams, Chunmoo and Atlas – were the stands that wouldn’t first come to mind when I think ‘Land Forces exposition’.

These were Australian not-for-profits such as:

• Forge Through, who work with ex-military and first responders by hosting 3-day programs to support those who are or have suffered from working in these demanding roles
• Operation Grain Harvest Assist, who trains veterans for a second career in agriculture.
• Defence Community Dogs, a program run by the Defence Bank Foundation. They provide highly trained assistance dogs to current ADF and veterans who need physical and emotional support. Dogs are trained in minimal security correctional facilities by inmates with the help of professional dog trainers.

The recent royal commission has drawn into stark relief the importance of post-transition support for our service personnel. Seeing these organisations having a visible presence at the expo was a reminder of the different ways we can all provide support.

There are many more not-for-profits focused on supporting current and former ADF members, along with those who provide support to the general community, and I’m really proud to work for an organisation that keeps connection to community at its core.

By Alissa Addicks, Senior Manager