March On continues to grow each year because of the strength of the community behind it. Across the country, corporate teams are choosing to show up – not just to complete 96 kilometres, but to stand alongside veterans and their families in a practical, visible way.
We are grateful to every organisation and individual who takes part. Your support helps ensure veterans can access the connection, employment and wellbeing services they need.
Hanwha Defence Australia – Continuing the commitment
At Hanwha Defence Australia, March On reflects a broader responsibility to those who have served.
‘Having a team in the March On challenge is significant for Hanwha Defence Australia as a Defence Industry partner as it demonstrates our commitment to ADF personnel, not just during their service but also in their post-service life,’ says Hanwha Defence Australia Instructional Designer Matthew French.
That responsibility is personal for many within the workforce.
‘With many veterans, including myself, within our workforce, we demonstrate our dedication in supporting them.’
Participation will be inclusive and paced appropriately.
‘Our approach will primarily involve individuals participating at their own pace, he says. ‘The key focus is on motivating those who may not typically engage in running or long walks to be active.’
The team’s approach is one of inclusivity and care.
‘Everyone has their own abilities, and we will work within those limits to make sure everyone remains health and safe.’
To add to the sense of purpose of undertaking this year’s March On challenge, team activities will include meaningful locations.
‘We plan to encourage both our team members and the wider company to join us for a morning walk to The Shrine of Remembrance during the challenge alongside group walks at both our sites.’
Matthew says that the internal culture impact matters.
‘It’s about demonstrating our care for veterans, particularly those within our team. About a quarter of the HDA workforce are veterans, something we’re very proud of,’ he says.
‘We all face personal challenges and knowing that we can assist veterans in accessing the support services offered by Soldier On contributes positively to morale.’
Matthew admits this year’s fundraising goal of $30,000 is ambitious but believes it can be achieved.
‘We are determined to give it a red hot go to break our record that has increased every year we’ve participated,’ he says.
‘Over the past three years, we have raised more than $40,000 as our company has expanded, so if anyone can achieve this, it’s team HDA!’
Defence Health – Standing with those who serve
For Defence Health, March On is not an add-on initiative – it reflects the organisation’s core purpose.
‘Supporting the Defence and veteran community is at the heart of why Defence Health exists,’ Defence Health CEO David Brajkovic says.
‘Taking part in March On is a meaningful way for us to stand alongside veterans and their families, and to show our ongoing support for mental health and wellbeing.’
That support extends beyond words. The team has set a fundraising goal with a clear focus on both impact and awareness.
‘Alongside Soldier On we are striving to increase awareness of the importance of veteran mental health. Every contribution helps fund programs that make a real difference for veterans and their families, and we’re so proud to be playing our part,’ he says.
Internally, March On is as much about connection as it is about kilometres.
‘March On brings people together around a shared purpose, which is incredibly powerful. Supporting veteran mental health aligns strongly with our organisational values, so it reinforces why we do what we do,’ David says.
‘Participating as a team builds connection across different roles and departments, encourages wellbeing, and creates a sense of pride in contributing to something bigger than our day-to-day work.’
David says that many within Defence Health have a personal connection to service.
‘Many of our people have served, or have close family who have served, so this cause is personal. March On gives us a chance to turn that shared commitment into action.’
Throughout March, the team will take a flexible approach to completing the 96 kilometres.
‘Our team will be taking a flexible, inclusive approach, with each person contributing in a way that works for them. That might mean walking, running, or moving a little each day, whether that’s solo, with colleagues, or with family and friends,’ he says.
The emphasis is not on competition, but consistency.
‘The focus isn’t on speed or competition. It’s about showing up consistently across the month, supporting one another, and keeping conversations about mental health front of mind. It’s a collective effort, just like service itself.’
And at its heart, participation is about solidarity.
‘Soldier On does important work helping veterans navigate life after service, particularly when it comes to mental health, connection, and purpose. By participating as a team, we’re not just raising funds, we’re showing solidarity and reinforcing that veterans are not on this journey alone.’
Penske Australia – A shared sense of purpose
For Penske Australia & New Zealand, involvement in March On is anchored in a clear intention.
‘To make a difference,’ says Ben Buckland, Executive General Manager – People & Culture.
That focus is reinforced by its partnership with Soldier On.
‘Penske values the vital work that Soldier On provides to veterans and their families, which is reflected in our recently announced partnership. We are so proud to have veterans and family members across our workforce, and we recognise their experience, dedication and strengths they bring to our business every day.’
Participation is also about reassurance.
‘As an organisation, we are uniquely placed to appreciate that transitioning from service to civilian life can be challenging,’ Ben says.
‘By participating in March On, we want veterans and their families to know that they are not alone and that Penske stands with them. Our goal is not only to raise much needed funds to help Soldier On continue delivering their essential services, but to also actively promote the important role they play within the community.’
The fundraising momentum is already strong.
‘We set a $5,000 fundraising goal for this year’s Challenge in February and we’re proud to have already surpassed it. We’re excited to see what our final tally ends up as momentum continues to build for March On.’
The 96 kilometres will look different for each participant.
Ben says that the team is taking ‘a flexible and supportive approach to completing the 96-kilometre challenge’ this year.
‘Some team members will steadily work through the distance by logging smaller amounts each day, while others plan to tackle a few longer walks or runs over the weekends throughout March to reach their goal.’
Inside the organisation, connection is growing.
‘Being part of the March On Challenge creates a valuable opportunity for employees from across the business to connect with colleagues they may not typically interact with. It brings people together around a meaningful cause, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose,’ he says.
And there is healthy competition.
‘We’ve already seen strong teamwork and encouragement shared between coworkers, with many employees inspiring others to join the team,’ Ben says.
‘We’ve also enjoyed some fun, friendly cross department rivalry, with different departments across the business competing to see who can raise the most in fundraising and who can complete the challenge in the quickest time.’
Navantia Australia – Marching Together Across Cities
At Navantia Australia, March On is about recognising the people already within its ranks.
‘We have lots of veterans in our employment, who do great work and are valuable members of our team,’ says James Cowie, Chief HR Officer, Navantia Australia.
‘Through our partnership with Soldier On and working with our veterans, we know that our heroes and their families can face difficult times – being part of Soldier On’s March On ensures Navantia Australia is doing its bit to recognise veterans and their families and make sure they have the support available to them, if they need it.’
‘We’ll be Marching On in some scheduled team walks in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra which will be fun and bring the team together. Daily walks as individuals or the occasional hike will also be a great way to get the KMs on the board. I like the dawn walks before work and some of us will be out with our dogs too.’
The approach blends camaraderie with consistency – team walks complemented by individual effort throughout the month.
Under the Navantia Australia banner, participation also strengthens internal connection.
‘Undertaking Soldier On’s March On, as Team Navantia Australia is a great way to for us to bond and spur each other on, for such an important cause. Knowing that our efforts can mean so much and doing it together feels great.’
There is also a personal dimension.
‘Many of us get a lot out of this personally too. Making sure we commit to daily walks or longer hikes on the weekend, is great for your own physical and mental health – which really does boost morale.’
When it comes to fundraising, the team is taking a proactive – and slightly cheeky – approach.
‘I recommend and demonstrate some shameless fundraising efforts, such as casually dropping into conversation about March On and posting links to the fundraising pages into meeting chats. The team have made sure that our participation is displayed on the company digital notice boards too.’
The collective aim is clear. ‘We’ve set achievable personal goals which as part of the team effort will come to a good level of support this year and we’re aiming to raise $4000.’
You can follow your favourite team – or individual – on our March On leaderboard and help them build momentum with your donation for veteran mental health services.
