Supporting our Communities: Disaster Relief Australia and Thales Australia partner to support Australian communities in need

Sustainability at Thales
Asia-Pacific
Australia

Type Insight
Published 28 Nov 2024

Thales Australia is the first Defence prime to partner with veteran-led disaster relief not-for-profit organisation, Disaster Relief Australia (DRA). Thales’ 4300+ staff, across every state and territory, will have access to two-weeks ‘DRA paid volunteer leave’ to support their communities.

Founded in 2017, DRA unites the skills and experience of military veterans and other volunteers to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters. DRA provides veterans the opportunity to grow beyond military service while transitioning into civilian life; aiding communities through direct support, and benefiting volunteers through action and service. The positive impact of DRA’s work was recently recognised at the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards, where DRA’s former CEO Geoff Evans was personally awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Veteran and/or Partner Employment award.

The results of DRA’s Wellbeing Study, showed the direct link between veteran volunteers and improvements in mental health. "We are proud to partner with DRA to work together for our communities, while championing veterans and their invaluable skills and contributions.” – Nick de Bont, Chair, Thales Australia & New Zealand Veterans Committee, Colonel in the Australian Army Reserve, and Chief Security Officer at Thales Australia.

We welcome Thales’ decision to include Disaster Relief Australia within its volunteer leave policy. Corporate Australia is instrumental in assisting with community disaster recovery. Providing employees with the flexibility and support to help where it is needed most is significant. I urge employers across Australia to follow Thales’ lead.

David Smith AM, CSC, DSM - Chief Executive, Disaster Relief Australia

One of the reasons veterans’ transition to work in Defence Industry is to continue a sense of service to their country. While Thales’ DRA paid volunteer leave policy extends to all employees, DRA’s mission and operations provide communal purpose, a sense of community, and comradery that speaks to the over 400 veterans that work at Thales.

Nick De Bont - Chief Security Officer, Thales Australia

Volunteering is the lifeblood of our community, enabling veterans to contribute their skills through organisations like DRA is a fantastic way Defence Industry can support Aussies in need and contribute to capability at home.

Hon Matt Keogh MP - Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel