The power of authentic storytelling and community connection was at the heart of a recent Soldier On Ambassador workshop, featuring respected journalist, broadcaster and proud Soldier On ambassador Hugh Riminton.
Soldier On ambassadors from across Australia came together for the webinar event, which was designed to strengthen advocacy, storytelling and community engagement, reinforcing the important role ambassadors play in amplifying the experiences of current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families within communities, workplaces, schools, events and the media.
As trusted representatives of Soldier On, ambassadors draw on their diverse lived experiences and professional backgrounds to help build awareness of the challenges and opportunities connected to life during and after service, while highlighting the resilience, strengths and contributions of veterans and families across Australia.
Awareness-raising and understanding
The workshop reinforced Soldier On’s HELP model – Health and wellbeing, Employment support, Learning and education, and Participation and social connection – which underpins the organisation’s holistic approach to supporting current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families to thrive beyond service.
Through this framework, Soldier On supports veterans and families to build meaningful civilian lives through programs that focus on mental health and wellbeing, social connection, career development, education pathways and opportunities to reconnect with community.
Championing veterans’ experiences
Throughout the workshop, ambassadors explored ways to communicate the impact of Soldier On’s work more effectively and authentically, while continuing to champion the experiences of veterans and their families in communities across Australia.
Hugh delivered a session during the workshop, sharing valuable insights and practical guidance drawn from his extensive experience in journalism, broadcasting and public communication.
He encouraged ambassadors to embrace authenticity and connection when sharing their stories, highlighting the power of lived experience to foster understanding, challenge misconceptions and encourage conversations around service, transition and wellbeing.
Soldier On CEO Paul Singer said the organisation’s ambassador network played a vital role in helping Soldier On strengthen community awareness and engagement across Australia.
‘Our ambassadors are an important extension of Soldier On’s voice and mission,’ Paul said.
‘Through sharing their experiences and engaging with people in communities, workplaces, events and the media, they help build understanding, connection and support for veterans and their families.
‘The value of authentic storytelling cannot be underestimated. When ambassadors share their lived experience, it helps create genuine connection and encourages greater awareness of both the challenges and opportunities connected to life during and after military service.
‘Our ambassadors help people better understand the importance of connection, purpose, wellbeing and support during transition, while also highlighting the strengths, resilience and contributions of veterans and families within the broader community.’
Building knowledge and capability
Paul said bringing ambassadors together in person was an important opportunity to strengthen relationships, share knowledge and continue building confidence and capability across the network.
‘This workshop was about ensuring our ambassadors feel supported, connected and equipped to continue representing Soldier On and advocating for veterans and families across Australia,’ he said.
‘The passion, professionalism and commitment shown by our ambassadors reflects the strength of the Soldier On community and the positive impact they continue to make through their advocacy and engagement.’
Soldier On extends its sincere appreciation to Hugh for sharing his knowledge, experience and support in helping strengthen and empower the Ambassador network.
To express your interest in engaging a Soldier On Ambassador speaker, please complete and submit a Speaker Request Form with as much detail as possible.
For more information, please contact speakerrequest@soldieron.org.au
