Optus celebrates the strength of veterans

Optus is a passionate supporter of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces where every voice is heard and valued.

Optus has eight employee networks and communities that bring people together with shared identities and their allies to drive greater inclusion. The Optus United and the Optus Disability employee networks recently hosted ex-military man of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Rodney ‘Rocket’ Cottam as keynote speaker at a roundtable and fundraising event at the Optus headquarters in Sydney in support of Invictus Australia. 

United is dedicated to supporting and uniting veterans, volunteers, and their families who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, Police Force, Ambulance Service, Fire Service, and State Emergency Service. The Disability Network is focussed on Optus becoming a disability confident workplace by 2026. 

Rodney shared his inspirational journey following a serious motor vehicle accident that left him paralysed in his left arm. Rather than letting this life changing event overcome him, Rodney’s strong sense of resilience led him to support veteran and family sporting initiatives through Invictus Australia and take on a series of daunting running challenges. 

Rodney’s personal account was followed by a Q&A where Matthew Formston, Sustainability and Sponsorship Executive at Optus and Invictus Australia Ambassador, joined the conversation. Matthew is no ordinary employee or athlete. With less than 3 per cent vision, he's a world champion surfer, cyclist, and Australian Paralympian. Now a renowned motivational speaker and executive coach, he inspires leaders and teams across Australia. 

Both Rodney and Matthew provided a firsthand account of the strength and resilience needed to overcome adversity, the mental health challenges faced by veterans and individuals with disabilities, and the determination required and support structures to move past them. 

The roundtable was joined by Michael Hartung OAM, CEO Invictus Australia, 2020 recipient Order of Australian Medal for service to sport for people with a disability and was hosted by Gladys Berejiklian, MD Enterprise and Business, Executive Sponsor, Optus Culture Connect employee network.  

On average we lose six veterans a month to suicide. Invictus Australia know that sport and recreation has the power to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of veterans and their families, through camaraderie, connection and mateship and from that the ZERO600 campaign was formed.

Following the roundtable, Optus participated in fundraising events such as a BBQ, rowing races, and a wheelchair basketball competition for ZERO600 campaign which was championed by the United Network. Optus employees raised over $3000 which will help fund sport programs that transform the health of military veterans and families. 

Optus is also a proud and ongoing supporter of the Veteran Employment Program and Soldier On.