FORMER Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel employed by Veterans in Construction have been part of the team delivering the new car parking facilities at the Australian War Memorial, which includes extended permanent underground car parking facilities as well as additional parking close to the Memorial for visitors with mobility concerns.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said five veterans from Veterans in Construction worked with Lendlease ACT to deliver this project on time and on budget.
“Service in the ADF is overwhelmingly positive — it’s good for the individual, good for the community and is in the national interest, and it sets up our personnel with skills and experience that are highly valued in the civilian workforce,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s great to see organisations such as Lendlease working with veterans and capitalising on their valuable skills and experience to work on projects such as this, particularly at the Australian War Memorial.
“Veterans in Construction continues to excel, having won the 2019 Veteran Employer of the Year – Small award at the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards.”
Lendlease General Manager ACT Ben Owen said Lendlease is an active supporter of programs that provide opportunities for people who experience barriers to employment, including veterans seeking a return to civilian life.
“This partnership on the delivery of the Australian War Memorial car park has enabled us to leverage veterans’ valuable technical skills and experience, while helping upskill the team through additional training and onsite experience,” Mr Owen said.
The partnership between Lendlease and Veterans in Construction was forged in 2018. Its aim is to provide the opportunity to engage returned veterans seeking employment. Veterans in Construction is a veteran owned and operated company that employs retired ADF personnel in civil construction and has partnered with Lendlease on projects in the ACT and Victoria.
