Defence in Business were pleased to have Simon Sauer, CEO Mates4Mates as the keynote speaker at the 26 Oct networking event at Deloitte. Veteran service organisation Mates4Mates has developed a successful blueprint for helping to tackle the alarming number of Defence personnel and veterans taking their own lives. CEO Simon Sauer said thousands of current and ex-serving personnel, and their families, had found a renewed sense of purpose, friendships and practical support through Mates4Mates programs. “For several years, we have been uncovering what works not only in supporting wounded, injured and ill Defence personnel when they transition out of service, but also supporting their family and loved ones”. Simon Sauer was joined by Deloitte and Defence in Business for a panel Q&A discussion on veteran career coaching, mentoring, education, training and employment support opportunities. The evening provided a high calibre presentation and discussion with prominent Defence leaders.

1. Finding Purpose and Saving Lives
Supporting Those Who Have Served
Simon Sauer

2. Blake Barrett
Defence in Business –
Queensland
Ambassador
Opening & Introductions

3. Sponsor Share Julian Dolby
Lead Partner
Operations Consulting

4. Simon SauerKeynote presentation
CEO Mates4Mates

5. Keynote presentation
Scope
• Military Service
• Why transition
• About Mates4Mates
• Observations regarding transition

6. Keynote presentation
Military Service
• RAAF – Ground Defence
• 26 years / RMC Graduate
• Three deployments
• Kuwait, East Timor, Afghanistan
• 7 ½ years as a Commanding Officer
• Five opportunities
• Training / Operational Units
• Command on Ops
• Last job
• Chief of Staff, Combat Support Group

7. Keynote presentation
Why did I transition
• Family / location stability
• Career progression meant Canberra or Canberra
• Timing / Opportunity

8. Keynote presentation
Mates4Mates
• Mates4Mates supports current and ex-
serving ADF members (and their family) who
have suffered physical or psychological
wounds, injuries or illnesses as a result of
their service.

9. Keynote presentation
Mates4Mates
• Physical Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Services
• Psychological Services
• Employment and Education Support Services
• Rehabilitation Adventure Challenges
• Social Connection Activities

10. Keynote presentation
Observations re transition
• Why transition
• Forced / Voluntary
• Happy / unhappy
• Timing
• Time in uniform
• Lead time / planning to get out
• Entitlements
• Medical / DVA
• Transition Support
• Service Approach / location
• Lack of standardisation

11. Q&A

12. Next event – Tuesday 6 Dec with
Boeing MD Ken Shaw
2017 dates tbc

13. Networking

14. Networking

15. Enabling organisations and people
to leverage defence expertise.