For more than 40 years, Birdon has worked alongside the Australian Defence Force to deliver complex maritime and Defence capability. This October, the Australian-owned company will continue that connection by supporting veterans and families experiencing financial hardship through its partnership with Bravery Trust.
Birdon will return as a partner of Bravery Trek 2026, Bravery Trust’s national fundraising campaign bringing individuals, teams and workplaces together to raise funds for practical, specialist financial support for the veteran community.
The partnership reflects Birdon’s broader connection to the Defence community. Veterans are part of the company’s workforce, bringing experience from service into roles across the organisation, while Birdon’s work continues to support the capability of the Australian Defence Force.
Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce said supporting veterans was a natural extension of the company’s long-standing relationship with Defence.
“Birdon works alongside Defence every day, and we have a deep appreciation for the commitment, skills and experience of the people who serve,” Mr Bruce said.
“Many veterans bring valuable leadership, technical expertise and a strong sense of purpose into their careers after service. But we also recognise that the transition to civilian life can bring unexpected challenges, and that financial hardship can affect veterans and their families at any stage.”
“Supporting Bravery Trek is a practical way for Birdon to contribute to the wellbeing of the veteran community and help ensure people who have served can access support when they need it.”
Bravery Trek will take place throughout October, with participants able to complete a 120km or 240km virtual challenge across the month, or take part in Dusk till Dawn, a 12-hour overnight team event at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra from 16–17 October.
For Sarah Yuen, General Manager of Assets and Services, the partnership also reflects the contribution veterans continue to make after their service.
“The transition from Defence to civilian employment can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also present challenges that aren’t always visible.
“That’s why I value Birdon’s support of Bravery Trust. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting veterans beyond the workplace and helping ensure those who have served, and their families, can access assistance when they need it.”
“Bravery Trek is a great opportunity for people to come together and make a real difference.”
Bravery Trek raises funds to provide practical financial support to veterans and families experiencing hardship.
Funds raised help Bravery Trust provide immediate financial assistance, financial counselling and financial education to help people manage debt, stabilise their finances and maintain secure housing.
Bravery Trust CEO Garth Callender said partnerships with organisations such as Birdon helped connect the Defence community with practical support beyond service.
“Many veterans successfully transition into civilian life and build new careers, but financial challenges can emerge at any stage – sometimes years after service,” Mr Callender said.
“Birdon’s long-standing connection to Defence gives its people a strong understanding of the contribution veterans make and the challenges some can face after service. Their support of Bravery Trek helps us provide practical assistance when veterans and families need it, while also helping people build greater long-term financial stability.”
In 2025, more than 500 fundraisers took part in Bravery Trek, raising over $264,000 from nearly 1,800 donors – a record result for the campaign. In 2026, Bravery Trust is aiming to build on that momentum and reach more people across Australia.
Since 2012, Bravery Trust has provided more than $9 million in direct financial assistance to more than 6,600 veterans and their families, alongside specialist financial counselling and education.
Bravery Trek will run throughout October, with registration free for the virtual challenge.
To learn more or register, visit www.braverytrek.com.au.
