Partners play an essential role in the veteran community, often balancing professional ambitions with their partner responsibilities. Their ability to adapt, problem solve and manage multiple priorities can make them an asset in any workplace. Organisations that recognise the strengths of veteran partners, and create opportunities for them, stand to benefit from a highly capable and committed workforce.
Dr. Annabel McGuire and Eden Santos are two partners who have not only built successful careers but have also been recognised for their contributions to veteran employment. In 2024 Annabel was named Partner Entrepreneur of the Year, while Eden was awarded Partner Employee of the Year. Their stories highlight the expertise, dedication and impact veteran partners can bring to organisations.
Dr. Annabel McGuire, Co-founder and Director of Advisory Services at Gripfast Consulting, has spent her career immersed in the veteran community. “I have lived and breathed partner and service life for my entire career,” she explains.
“I have a business that is a Veteran Employer of Choice. We are a veteran owned and veteran partner business, and we employ veterans and partners”. Her leadership at Gripfast Consulting has helped shape an organisation that values the skills of both veterans and partners, offering career opportunities that align with their skills and experiences.
Similarly, Eden Santos, former Engagement Manager at Ironside Resources and a Defence partner herself, has seen first-hand the impact that employment can have on veterans and families. Through her work at Ironside, Eden connected veterans with roles that aligned with their values and skill sets but also advocated for veteran partners. “Defence spouses are the most resilient, hardworking, and adaptable workforce that you will ever get in your business” she says. “Luckily, I found an employer who, the second we talked, recognised the value in me”.
Employers looking to attract veterans and partners can start by joining the Veteran Employment Commitment (VEC), which offers guidance to implement or enhance veteran employment initiatives, aiding in better recruitment and retention of veteran employees. When joining the VEC, organisations can indicate that they employ partners of serving and ex-serving ADF members. Gripfast Consulting and Ironside Resources, who are both recognised as Veteran Employers of Choice through the VEC, are two organisations who employ and recognise the value that partners bring to their workforces.
For veteran partners that may be exploring new career opportunities, the VEC organisation search function makes it easy to find organisations that recognise and support veteran partners in a range of industries across Australia.
For employers, joining the VEC is a step toward attracting skilled and adaptable employees while showcasing their support for the veteran community. Join the VEC today.
