The 2025 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards theme, 'celebrating our growing community', provides the opportunity to not only celebrate the achievements of veterans, partners and employers, but to highlight the collective impact of the veteran employment community.
This community encompasses a range of individuals, organisations and collaborative partnerships undertaking activities to champion employment of veterans and partners with an aim to enhance their employment opportunities and outcomes in civilian workplaces.
One such individual is Garth Callender, who will bring a unique blend of operational experience and veteran advocacy to his role as Master of Ceremonies for the 2025 awards.
Currently CEO of Bravery Trust, Australia's national charity supporting veterans in financial hardship, Garth embodies this year's theme. With nearly 30 years of military service including operational deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, he understands firsthand both the needs of veterans moving to civilian employment and their immense value to Australian workplaces.
Since transitioning from full-time military service, Garth has held a range of high-profile board and executive positions, demonstrating the leadership capabilities veterans bring to civilian roles. His commitment to veteran employment is proven through spearheading the NSW Government's inaugural Veterans Employment Program, placing over 500 veterans in meaningful work and exceeding targets by 150% - 18 months ahead of schedule.
His book "After the Blast", which chronicles his recovery from combat wounds sustained in a 2004 IED attack in Baghdad, won the Nib Military History Award and demonstrates the resilience that defines the veteran community.
Still serving part-time as a Lieutenant Colonel, Garth continues building bridges between military and civilian Australia. His leadership at Bravery Trust and track record in veteran employment make him an ideal voice to celebrate the achievements of those who have served their country and now serve their communities in new ways.
