Working well for partners
Tess Ikonomou
DEFENCE Families of Australia’s Partner Employment Initiatives has extended to creating partnerships with defence friendly employers.
DFA National Delegate, Northern Queensland Chandell Derham said the group sought to educate employers.
“One of the biggest challenges is having to move to different locations and it’s not easy to find employment,” she said. “DFA is linking partners with employers who understand the lifestyles we lead and don’t expect a resume history to be perfectly chronological.
“We have also put out a checklist that means employers can identify themselves as interested in being contacted.”
An ADF families survey snapshot of 2017 found 81 per cent of civilian partners said they had made employment sacrifices because of their partner’s career. They also experienced a higher unemployment rate than the national average.
Sally- Ann Lawrence is founding director of Experience Works, which offers The Townsville Defence Partner Employment Program, helping family members of Defence personnel, transition into the workforce.
Ms Lawrence said Defence partners were often very qualified but experienced career disruption.
“They know it’s going to be hard to go back to their profession,” she said. “An example can be a nurse who’s expected to work nights and weekends but Defence partners don’t know in advance whether their partners will be there to help look after children.”
Kira Walshaw, a Defence Employment Liaison at Experience Works, knows first- hand some of the challenges faced by Defence families, as her own partner has served in the ADF for 10 years.
Ms Walshaw said the uncertainty of the lifestyle could take an emotional toll on the partners.
“Many Defence spouses feel as if their life is on hold while the serving partner establishes their career or are away due to childcare or relocation responsibilities,” she said.
“Because they are always doing things for others, they start to have self- esteem issues that affect every aspect of their lives, whether that be meeting new friends or job prospects.”
Alyce Oldham is also a Defence partner and Defence Employment Liaison.
“I’ve always worked in roles that have been flexible and I’ve always been adaptable to our lifestyle, it does come with its unique challenges but I see it only as another opportunity for us,” Ms Oldham said.
For details, email Ms Lawrence at Sally@ experienceworks. org. au or call 4728 3032.