The Working Spirit team was proud to be part of the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) Conference and Exhibition 2026, connecting with representatives from across Defence, government, industry and the broader service community.
Held over several days, IODS provided an important opportunity for Working Spirit to strengthen existing relationships, establish new connections and highlight the value veterans, veteran family members and emergency services personnel can bring to Australian workplaces.
Throughout the event, the team spoke with businesses and industry leaders about workforce capability, practical hiring pathways and the importance of supporting people from the service community not only into employment, but as they integrate into civilian workplaces.
There was strong interest in the transferable skills and experience veterans and other service personnel bring to employers, including leadership, reliability, adaptability, workforce readiness and, in many cases, existing security clearances and experience working in complex environments.
The team also welcomed veterans, family members and emergency services personnel to the stand to discuss employment opportunities, career pathways and the support available through Working Spirit and the Transition Employment Portal (TEP).
While the exhibition provided an opportunity for face-to-face engagement, Working Spirit’s employment team continued supporting candidates and working with employers through the TEP throughout the week, ensuring our employment services continued alongside our presence at IODS.
IODS also brought together representatives from across government, Defence and industry, including WA Minister for Defence Industries Paul Papalia, creating valuable opportunities for conversations about workforce capability and the future needs of Australia’s defence industry.
It was particularly pleasing to reconnect with a number of Working Spirit supporters exhibiting at IODS and to welcome members of the Working Spirit Board to the stand throughout the event. We were also grateful to see Working Spirit acknowledged during presentations and discussions across the week.
Working Spirit sincerely thanks AMDA Foundation Limited, the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference and Exhibition team and Defence West for the opportunity to participate in IODS 2026.
We also thank our supporters, partners, industry representatives and everyone who took the time to visit our stand and speak with the team.
The conversations started at IODS will continue well beyond the exhibition floor. Working Spirit looks forward to building on the relationships and opportunities created throughout the event and continuing to work with employers and industry to create meaningful employment pathways for Australia’s service community.
