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Soldier On, DEWC Services, Thales Australia and Port Macquarie Hastings Council have scooped defence industry accolades at the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards announced overnight.
The Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards celebrate the exemplary workplaces providing ex-serving veterans with the opportunity to thrive using the unique skills and abilities acquired during their time in uniform.
Winners for the 9th annual Awards, themed ‘Success beyond service’, were announced last night at the Australian War Memorial, showcasing the outstanding contribution veterans make to Australian workplaces.
Conscia’s Nick Marcovich was named 2026 Veteran Employee of the Year, alongside Partner Employee of the Year Jacinta Matthews from M2T Solutions, Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year Allan Dundas from DEWC Services, Major Breakthroughs’ Kylie Bonnor named Partner Entrepreneur of the Year and Boeing Australia named Best Veteran Employment Commitment Initiative.
Core Defence Australia was named Small Employer of the Year, M2T Solutions named Medium Employer of the Year, Thales Australia named Large Employer of the Year, Port Macquarie Hastings Council named Best Regional Veteran Employment Initiative and Soldier On named as Champion of Veteran Employment 2026.
A good job with a supportive employer can ease that pressure and underpin a successful transition for veterans and families of veterans, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“I have the greatest respect for our veterans. Our veterans have served our country with courage and distinction. When they leave the Defence Force, they still have so much to offer,” he said.
“These awards recognise employers who are backing our veterans and recognising the skills and experience they bring to the workplace. Congratulations to the winners and finalists.”
The Awards are a key initiative of the Australian Government’s Veteran Employment Program, delivered by the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, reflecting the Agency’s focus on supporting veterans and families of veterans to thrive beyond service. More than 620 organisations have now signed up to the Veteran Employment Commitment program, up from just under 500 last year.
“It is great to see more and more workplaces right across the country sign up to the Veteran Employment Commitment,” according to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh.
“A good job in a supportive workplace can make all the difference for veterans navigating one of the most transformative periods of their lives as they transition out of the ADF.
“Well done to the winners and finalists in this year’s awards for all you do for the veteran community and example you’re providing to other workplaces.”
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