This National Volunteer Week (18–24 May), Soldier On is proud to recognise the incredible volunteers who help strengthen and support our veteran community every day.
Across Australia, volunteers generously give their time, experience and passion to help veterans and families thrive beyond service. From mentors supporting career transitions to ambassadors advocating for the veteran community, volunteers play an essential role in helping Soldier On deliver meaningful connection, encouragement and opportunity.
Many of Soldier On’s volunteers bring lived experience from military service or Defence family life, offering understanding and insight that can make a lasting difference to someone navigating transition, employment, study or wellbeing challenges.
Among these volunteers are the dedicated mentors who support participants through Soldier On’s mentoring programs. Through both the organisation’s established 18-week mentoring program and new Micro Mentoring Program, volunteers provide practical career guidance, encouragement and industry insight to veterans and family members looking to build confidence and navigate their next chapter.
These mentoring relationships often become powerful sources of connection and reassurance.
Whether helping someone prepare for civilian employment, explore a new career path, expand professional networks or simply feel more confident in their next steps, Soldier On mentors help create real and lasting outcomes for participants across the country.
Soldier On’s ambassadors also continue to play an important volunteer role in raising awareness, advocating for veterans and families, and helping share stories that strengthen understanding across the broader community.
Soldier On’s network of committed ambassadors includes veterans, Defence family members and community advocates who donate their time and effort to support the organisation and champion the experiences of those who have served.
Through community events, media opportunities, workshops and advocacy initiatives, they help amplify the voices of veterans and encourage important conversations around transition, wellbeing, employment and connection.
Sharing support beyond service
Soldier On Ambassador and RAAF veteran Karen Gallacher says volunteering is about helping veterans and families stay connected and supported beyond military service.
Through regular veteran dinners, coffee catch ups and community initiatives, Karen helps create safe and welcoming spaces where veterans and families can reconnect, share experiences and build supportive networks.
Karen also advocates for veteran wellbeing and transition support through mentoring, employment and community initiatives, drawing on both her military and civilian career experience.
‘Service creates lifelong bonds, and I believe no veteran or family should feel isolated once military service ends,’ Karen said.
‘Supporting veterans to reconnect with community, rebuild confidence and find purpose beyond service is something I am incredibly passionate about. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to give back to a community that has shaped so much of who I am.’
Helping create connections
Veteran and Soldier On volunteer George Sutton says creating spaces for connection can have a powerful impact for veterans adjusting to life after service.
‘When you leave Defence, you lose a built-in community overnight,’ George says. ‘Suddenly, you don’t have that same structure or those people around you.’
George helps facilitate welcoming, low-pressure activities that give veterans a regular place to connect, whether over a coffee, a walk or a casual conversation.
George says volunteering is not about replacing military service but continuing the same values in a different way.
‘You don’t stop caring just because you take the uniform off,’ he says. ‘You just find different ways to look after people.’
Leaving a legacy of genuine impact
Soldier On Chief Executive Officer Paul Singer said volunteers remain central to the organisation’s impact and culture.
‘Volunteers are an incredibly important part of the Soldier On community. Their generosity, compassion and commitment help create meaningful opportunities and connections for veterans and families across Australia,’ Paul said.
‘Whether they are mentoring participants, representing Soldier On in the community, sharing their lived experience or supporting programs and events, our volunteers continue a spirit of service that has a profound impact on others.’
Your year to volunteer
This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, recognises the extraordinary contribution volunteers make across Australia while encouraging more people to get involved and make a difference in their communities.
At Soldier On, we know these connections can help reduce isolation and remind veterans and families that they are not alone.
To every mentor, ambassador, advocate and volunteer who contributes to Soldier On’s mission – thank you. Your support, generosity and dedication continue to help veterans and families thrive.
If you are interested in supporting our veteran community as a volunteer, you can learn more or register your interest by contacting volunteering@soldieron.org.au.
