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Omni has pledged $100,000 to Bravery Trust to help fund financial mentors for Australian Defence Force veterans.
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The support is expected to teach financial education to Australia’s veteran community through the employment of a “financial fitness mentor”.
Having reached its 10-year milestone in October, the announcement is the latest instalment in Omni’s history of support to Australia’s veteran community, with many of the company’s staff, veterans themselves.
The commitment was driven by a belief that industry must play a role in supporting Australian veterans with holistic and proactive solutions.
Bravery Trust delivers urgent financial support and counselling to veterans, especially those facing hardship or have been injured during service. Recent statistics released by Bravery Trust have indicated that 70 per cent of those who have sought support are aged 50 or younger.
Jon Hawkins, founder and chief executive officer of Omni, explained that sudden discharge can trigger financial distress, worsening mental health.
“We know financial matters are a key pillar to veteran health and finances have been identified in the royal commission as a key factor in veteran suicide,” Hawkins said.
“At Omni, we understand the importance of the private sector playing a proactive role in helping ADF personnel transition from service. As a veteran-owned and operated company, we are proud to provide opportunities for ex-service personnel to apply their skills and continue contributing to our national security.
“We were pleased to see over $500 million committed to support veterans in the recent federal budget and at Omni, we believe industry must also play a role in supporting our veterans. Not only in providing employment, but by facilitating the training and structures that will prevent crises and provide long-term support.
“The benefits of physical exercise are well known across the Defence Force both in terms of supporting mental and physical wellbeing. Financial fitness, despite being so incredibly important, has not received the same focus and we look forward to partnering with Bravery Trust to assist the veteran community in this space.”
Belinda Wilson, chief executive officer of Bravery Trust, explained that protecting veteran finances is critical.
“Not all veterans and their families experience crisis. But we have an obligation as a nation to support those who do. We ask them to risk their lives for our freedom and far too many are slipping through the cracks, unsure or unable to find help when they most need it,” Wilson said.
“Bravery Trust can assist with immediate financial aid and provide an independent, veteran-specific financial counselling service, to support engaging with creditors, landlords and banks, reducing debt and creating a positive, holistic future pathway.
“The funding announced today by Omni allows us to go one step further and assist veterans before a crisis hits — preparing them financially for life after the ADF. It’s a proactive approach to significantly improve outcomes for veterans after ADF discharge,” Wilson explained.
