Across the country, teams have been coming together this March to support veterans and their families – finding simple, everyday ways to stay active while backing a cause that matters.
From walking meetings and weekend hikes to friendly competition and shared goals, organisations are using the March On challenge to build connection within their teams while raising awareness of veteran mental health – and helping Soldier On achieve its best March On result ever.
ASC – Built around connection
At ASC, March On has become a natural extension of the organisation’s focus on both veteran support and employee wellbeing.
Talent Acquisition Manager Karl Edgar says the challenge brings those priorities together.
‘We’ve recently launched an initiative at ASC to strengthen our commitment to veterans within our business, and we’re equally focused on supporting the health and wellbeing of our people,’ he says.
‘The March On challenge brings both of those priorities together perfectly. It gets our team moving, encourages connection, and supports a cause that directly aligns with who we are as an organisation. For us, taking part just makes sense – it’s a meaningful way to show support, build team spirit and make a positive impact, plus the healthy competition is a bit of fun.’
With 20 team members involved, participation looks different for everyone.
‘To be honest, with 19 people in our team, everyone’s tackling the 96 km in their own way. I’m taking as many walking meetings as I can fit into the day, and I’m part of our Monday run club, so that usually adds an extra 5 km right there. A few team members have been smashing out big 10 km+ hikes on the weekends to take a decent bite out of their total. It’s been great seeing everyone find a style that works for them.’
The impact extends beyond physical activity, helping to strengthen team culture and morale.
‘Taking part in the challenge as a team really lifts our sense of connection and purpose. Rallying around veteran mental health is something that genuinely resonates at ASC, so having a shared goal outside of our day-to-day work gives people a reason to come together in a different, positive way.
‘We often talk about working for a ‘deeper purpose’, and this naturally boosts team spirit – everyone encourages each other, compares progress and celebrates wins… some might mistake it for bragging!’
‘It also reinforces the kind of culture we’re building – one that is supportive, engaged and aligned with causes that matter to our people and our organisation. Having something to unite around strengthens the team, both personally and professionally.’
The team has set a fundraising goal of $1,000.
And while the focus is on connection, a little competition still creeps in.
‘I can’t speak for anyone else in the team, but I don’t mind admitting that I’ve checked where I sit on the kms covered leaderboard a few times – so I can only imagine the others are too. At a recent town hall, we even compared our team’s progress with others around the country.’
BESIX Watpac – Supporting veterans beyond service
For BESIX Watpac, taking part in March On is about recognising the contribution veterans make – both during and after service.
CEO Mark Baker says the challenge is a natural fit for the organisation.
‘March On is a meaningful way for BESIX Watpac to show our support and raise awareness for our veterans, reflecting our deep gratitude for the contribution they have made during their service and recognising the significant skills they bring to Australia’s workforce beyond Defence,’ he says.
With a long history delivering Defence infrastructure across Australia, the organisation is focused on strengthening its connection to the veteran community beyond its projects.
‘As we look to the future, we are committed to moving beyond simply delivering infrastructure. We want to play a broader role in supporting the Defence industry – one that reflects a more holistic, long-term partnership with the people, capability and communities that enable it.’
As part of that commitment, BESIX Watpac is also focused on creating pathways for veterans into meaningful careers post service.
‘There is enormous opportunity for veterans and their families to continue to contribute to thriving communities while building purposeful post service careers,’ he says.
‘Soldier On is a fantastic organisation delivering life changing support, and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of their March On event.’
Across the business, the team is taking a simple approach to the 96 km challenge.
‘It’s one step at a time for the BESIX Watpac team. Every step matters – not just toward the 96 km goal, but more importantly toward raising awareness and showing support for our veterans all throughout the month of March.’
Participation has spread across project and corporate teams nationwide, with strong momentum building.
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‘Our Head of Defence and Security Infrastructure, Matt Gallagher CSC has been leading the way, and we have people all over the country taking part. We’ve almost reached our goal of 50 participants across our business and I’m confident we’ll get there,’ Mark says.
For many within the organisation, the cause is also personal.
‘Supporting Soldier On by participating in March On is deeply personal for many at BESIX Watpac, including those who have served and those with family members and loved ones who have served.’
That shared connection is reinforced by a strong internal focus on wellbeing.
‘We look out for one another, and our strong sense of everyone belonging sits at the heart of who we are. That includes making mental health and wellbeing a genuine priority.’
For its first year participating, the organisation is focusing on awareness and engagement, backed by a strong internal fundraising commitment.
‘Our BESIX Watpac Community Fund is donating $100 for the first 50 people across our business to sign up, contributing a total of $5,000,’ Mark says.
And while there is some friendly competition, the focus remains on the bigger picture.
‘We do keep our eye on the leaderboard, but ultimately, it’s about supporting a great cause together. Any competition is all in good fun.’
Ascent – Driven by purpose, united in support
For veteran-owned defence consultancy Ascent, taking part in March On is more than a team challenge – it is a reflection of who they are.
CEO Michael Isherwood says the connection to Soldier On runs deep across the organisation.
‘As a 100% veteran-owned company with 40% of our staff being veterans, Soldier On’s mission sits very close to our hearts,’ he says.
‘Participating in March On is a fantastic way to build camaraderie across our team, raise awareness for the incredible work Soldier On does, and contribute much-needed funds to support our fellow veterans.’
With teams spread across Australia, March On has created a shared focus – bringing people together through movement, connection and purpose.
Across offices, teams have embraced the 96-kilometre challenge in their own way.
In Melbourne, midday walks and Park Runs have become part of the routine, while in Sydney, the challenge has created new opportunities for colleagues to connect outside of work.
‘We have actually never gotten together for a morning walk like this before,’ says NSW team member Amy Mernagh.
‘Taking the time to catch up in the morning has been a positive highlight for our year.’
In Canberra, weekly walks and cycling to work have helped build momentum, while in other locations, team members have found simple ways to stay active – from lunchtime walks to leaving the car at home.
For many, the approach has been straightforward.
‘To be honest, we just take it one step at a time,’ says veteran and team member Pete Lynn.
From a business perspective, the impact has extended well beyond physical activity.
‘March On is not just a fundraising exercise. It is a genuine reflection of who we are as a business,’ Michael says.
‘That shared sense of purpose creates a powerful foundation for team cohesion that goes well beyond the workplace.’
With state-based teams and internal challenges, a sense of friendly competition has helped drive engagement across the organisation.
But the focus remains firmly on the cause.
‘The only competition here is the fight to prevent veteran suicide and the fight for better mental health,’ Lynn says.
Ascent has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $20,000 this year and is already closing in.
‘We are so close to our goal and currently ranked strongly on the leaderboard,’ says SA Team Captain Sam Jovanovich.
While the numbers matter, the broader impact is what resonates most.
Participation has sparked conversations around mental health, strengthened connections between colleagues, and reinforced a culture of support across the business.
For Michael, that alignment is clear.
‘Encouraging people to get moving, stay active and look after themselves aligns directly with the mental health message at the heart of what Soldier On champions,’ he says.
‘When your team feels good, they perform well – and March On helps us reinforce that culture every year.’
And sometimes, the impact is best captured in the simplest terms.
After joining a team walk with the NSW group, eight-year-old Harvey summed up the experience in his own way.
‘It’s good that there are things like this for helping people,’ he says.
As the 2026 March On challenge draws to a close for another successful year, there’s still time to support veteran mental health with your donation.
