Connecting business and those who have served their nation.

Vision

Our vision is to be the leading organisation connecting business and those who have served their nation.

Mission

Our mission is to enable people and organisations to leverage Defence expertise for mutual reward through tailored networking, education and career opportunities.

Why this matters

Service members develop distinctive attitudes and qualities through service, deployment, hardship and personal sacrifice. These qualities help organisations prepare and execute complex plans, adapt under pressure, show initiative through change and consistently deliver team results in mission critical situations.

DiB helps veterans capitalise on those strengths and helps organisations understand, meet and employ people with Defence experience.

Objectives

• Provide a highly established business network based on shared values.
• Advocate the benefits of integrating Defence experience into organisations.
• Enable organisations to find, integrate and leverage people with Defence experience.
• Facilitate transition, mentoring and professional development for people with Defence experience.
• Promote in business the strong morals and ethics emphasised by Defence.

Services

• A national LinkedIn community to foster networking and exchange of experience.
• Regular professional development and networking events in Queensland and Victoria.
• Connection opportunities across Defence, industry, government, veteran charities and employers.
• A tailored Recognition of Prior Learning offering.

History

Thomas started the organisation in 2009 in Brisbane, then named Defence Officers in Business, after arriving in Australia having discharged from the German Army. While looking for work he met many ex-servicemen in business and senior hiring positions and recognised an instant rapport.

The first informal gathering in Brisbane attracted 30 people. Over time, the team recognised a broader gap: connecting the business world with active, transitioning and former service members to create business, career and community opportunities. DiB's community has since grown to more than 2,000 following the national launch in November 2011.

Strategic position

DiB builds bridges between Defence, the ex-Defence community and the business community. Unlike Ex-Service Organisations mainly focused on health and lifestyle issues, DiB focuses on business, career and professional networking issues while proactively supporting the important work of ESOs.