Thales Australia has an enduring role as the steward of the defence industrial base. With a workforce of more than 4,500 employees, across 35 sites, Thales is helping to secure the nation through the sea, cyber, land and air domains in defence, aerospace, civil and security sectors.
Thales’ history, it’s stewardship of critical defence capabilities and its commitment to providing opportunities and positive experiences for veterans reinforces that supporting the veteran community isn’t just a responsibility – it’s part of Thales’ identity. Thales is recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice via the Veteran Employment Commitment.
Thales Australia’s Bendigo site is an industry leader in retaining and championing veterans and their partners. Thales Bendigo’s Veteran Employment Program focuses on holistic support for veterans and partners through targeted programs that address mental well-being, community integration, and recognition of service.
Thales Bendigo’s initiatives have delivered tangible benefits for veteran employment in regional Australia, addressing retention, mental health, and community integration while strengthening the site’s reputation as a veteran-inclusive employer.
A key initiative is the Bendigo Quiet Room, a dedicated space repurposed from a storage area into a tranquil retreat for veterans. Spearheaded by a local Veteran Committee member, this initiative secured central funding to furnish the room with comfortable seating and noise-cancelling headphones, offering respite from the high-pressure manufacturing environment. Complementing this activity, is the Brothers in Books library—sponsored by the Thales Veterans Committee—providing access to literature from all genres, enhancing relaxation and mental engagement.
Recognising the mental health challenges in regional areas, two Bendigo staff completed specialised training to offer on-site support, bridging gaps in local professional services. This proactive measure has been utilised by multiple veterans, reinforcing retention through accessible care.
Beyond numbers, the initiative has strengthened community ties. Partnerships with organisations like Brothers in Books and local mental health providers have created a support ecosystem, ensuring veterans and partners feel valued long-term. Feedback highlights a sense of belonging rarely found in regional industrial settings, with veterans describing Thales Bendigo as a "second home."
In summary, Thales’ Bendigo initiatives have redefined veteran employment in regional Australia, proving that targeted support—spanning well-being, recognition, and community -drives measurable retention, recruitment, and cultural cohesion.
