Buddy Up Australia is a community for Defence members, First Responders and families. They bring people together through fitness, wellness, social and outdoor activities that create opportunities for participation, connection and long-term wellbeing. Whether someone is looking to stay active, meet new people, try something different or simply be part of a community that understands service life, Buddy Up provides opportunities to get involved. Their focus is on creating positive experiences that help people stay active, connected and engaged during and beyond service. Budy Up Australia is recognised as a Veteran Friendly Employer via the Veteran Employment Commitment.
Buddy Up Australia was created by ex-service people for current and former military personnel, first responders and their families. Consequently, they understand that successful transition involves more than finding employment. People also need connection, confidence, identity and purpose. Their employment and volunteer practices sit within an environment designed to provide all four.
Their lived experience is embedded in how they recruit. They recognise that veterans and partners bring valuable capabilities that may not be obvious from conventional position titles or qualifications.
Buddy Up Australia demonstrates leadership by making veterans and their families central to their identity, workforce and decision-making—not treating veteran employment as a separate or occasional initiative. 75% of their Team Leaders across Australia are Veterans.
As a nationally operating organisation, they provide flexibility in how and where work is undertaken. This is particularly valuable for Defence partners, whose careers may be interrupted by postings, relocations and family responsibilities. Flexible working arrangements also help veterans manage health, wellbeing and transition-related needs while continuing to contribute professionally.
Veterans are not viewed as beneficiaries who need to be “fixed”. They are recognised as capable people with valuable experience, leadership potential and a continuing desire to serve their communities.
Buddy Up Australia therefore provides something distinctive: a workplace and community in which lived experience is respected, purpose is restored and veterans and partners can turn their experience into meaningful contribution, personal development and leadership.
What sets Buddy Up Australia apart is that veteran inclusion is not simply an employment initiative—it is part of their organisation’s origin, identity and everyday operation.
