Darren Chester MP

Zoe joined the Australian Army in 2013, working with heavy machinery for six years before deciding it was time for a change. She now works at the @Australian Taxation Office and thanks her military colleagues, friends, family, employment support officer and the support she has received through Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs for helping her with her transition.

Zoe said she left the Army because of injuries that often left her in pain. “I felt like it was time for a change for, myself and my body, to have a better work-life balance.”

Transitioning to civilian life was not an easy journey for Zoe, but keeping in touch with her military and veteran friends helped as they were able to share their experiences and advice.

Her experience with driving and operating trucks and heavy machinery helped her to secure her first job after leaving the military - driving trucks on a cane farm during harvesting season.

Zoe now uses the communications skills she developed in the Army in her office role at the ATO. Zoe’s experiences have also led her to be well prepared to face the challenges of the fast-changing pandemic environment.

Zoe’s advice for transitioning personnel is to, “Go and ask for help…you’re not alone and people want to help. Build meaningful community connections and find support through things you enjoying doing”.

Read more of Zoe’s story: www.dva.gov.au/newsroom/meet-our-veterans

Thank you for your service #TYFYS #OurVeterans

Proud Mara woman and Indigenous Liaison Officer FLTLT Tramaine Dukes recently posted to Royal Australian Air Force Base Pearce. Tramaine took the initiative to create awareness and themed the bases’ fortnightly run/walk to “NAIDOC Friday”.

Read more: https://news.defence.gov.au/people/hit-ground-running

#TYFYS #OurPeople

Gilbert (Clem) Moore was born in Alberton, South Australia, 100 years ago today.

In June 1943, Clem enlisted with the Royal Australian Airforce and served in Papua, New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. Clem was a crew member of a crash boat, rescuing aircraft crews in the sea after they had been shot down by the enemy, saving them from sharks or enemy sniper fire. Clem was a leading aircraftman at discharge.

Clem developed some long-term friendships while serving, particularly with Harry Robb and Rodney Bedford, both sadly deceased. He advises younger serving personnel to ‘do the best you can for your mates’.
After the war, Clem continued his pre-war career as a cabinetmaker and assisted in the family business, Harold J. Moore & Sons Funeral Directors. He and his family then moved to Oodla Wirra, South Australia, and built the roadhouse that is still in operation today. He also started a very successful transport company hauling livestock and wool. Clem was always inspired by his father, who was Lord Mayor of Port Adelaide before, during and after the war.

Clem’s secret to his long life is hard work, exercise and a great marriage of nearly 76 years. A bottle of Coopers stout each day for 30 years also helped.

Happy birthday Clem and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans