2026 nominee - Champion of Veteran Employment
Growing up in a veteran household, Teegan developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by serving and former Defence families. This early exposure inspired a lifelong commitment to helping veterans and their partners navigate employment, career development and successful transitions into civilian life.
For more than a decade, Teegan has been a passionate advocate for veteran employment, workforce participation and social impact. Beginning her career as a practitioner and later leading RSL Queensland's nationally recognised Employment Program, she has consistently championed initiatives that create tangible opportunities for veterans and Defence families. Under her leadership, the program embraced an evidence-based approach to service delivery, including a partnership with the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation that identified an overall employment placement rate of 38.5%, including 48.6% for veteran partners and 35.5% for veterans, despite the complex barriers many participants faced during transition.
A respected thought leader and advocate, Teegan has represented veteran employment initiatives nationally and internationally. She has presented through the Department of Veterans' Affairs Veteran Employment Program webinar series, spoken at the International Military Spouse Forum and delivered career transition workshops for Australian Defence Force members on and off base. Recognising a significant gap in support for Defence partners, she led the creation of dedicated employment workshops and worked collaboratively with RSL state and territory branches to expand employment support nationally.
Teegan's contribution extends beyond service delivery into policy, advocacy and workforce innovation. She has contributed to the Tasmanian Government's Veterans' Employment Strategy, served on the Department of Veterans' Affairs Lived Experience Framework Working Group and supported the Australian Catholic University's development of veteran employment resources for employers. She also led strategic collaborations between government, industry and training providers to create pathways into high-demand sectors for veterans and Defence families.
Teegan Crump is a passionate advocate for veteran employment, workforce participation and social impact, dedicated to creating career opportunities for veterans, Defence families and underrepresented Australians. A qualified Rehabilitation Counsellor, Teegan has built her career around helping people overcome barriers to employment and achieve long-term personal and professional success. She is widely recognised for her ability to connect individuals, employers, government and community organisations to deliver sustainable workforce outcomes.
Throughout her career, Teegan has championed initiatives that support individuals to transition into employment while assisting organisations to build inclusive and diverse workforces. Her person-centred approach recognises that employment is not simply about securing a job, but about creating purpose, identity, connection and financial security. This philosophy has underpinned her success in designing and leading programs that deliver lasting benefits for individuals, businesses and communities.
Her ability to foster collaboration across sectors has resulted in impactful partnerships that address workforce challenges while supporting those who have served Australia.
Known for her authenticity, empathy and commitment to service, she continues to drive positive change and create opportunities that empower individuals to reach their full potential while strengthening communities and workplaces across Australia.