Honouring our veterans this Remembrance Day

As we observe Remembrance Day, a day of solemn reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices of our veterans, it is fitting to share a story of hope, partnership and support.

In 2022, Nova Systems embarked on a meaningful journey by partnering with Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA) to sponsor a series of one-day, veteran-led workshops called #StoryRight. These workshops help current and ex-serving Defence Australia (ADF) members transition into civilian careers by providing them with the tools and skills to articulate their talents and experiences in a way that potential employers can comprehend.

As a veteran-founded organisation, we understand the significance of supporting our own, as well as fellow, veterans as they transition to civilian life. By partnering with MESHA, Nova was able to sponsor seven #StoryRight workshops across Australia in 2022, supporting a total of 74 particiants.

Beyond the ADF, Nova also extended its support to Emergency Services personnel, resulting in the successful delivery of a pilot #MindRight workshop for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in June 2023.

Project Manager Alexandrea Forman (Alex) is a Novan who has previously attended and currently continues to support the #StoryRight workshops.

After more than 13 years in the Navy, first in a permanent role, then as a Reservist, Alex attended a pilot #StoryRight workshop in 2020.

“My biggest takeaway from the workshop wasn’t just the tools on how to translate ADF skills and experiences into civilian language, but how to interpret and unpack the language used in job advertisements to avoid underemployment.”

In 2021 Alex was invited to become a mentor and facilitator for #StoryRight, and found out about Nova Systems when a guest speaker from Nova presented at a workshop she was facilitating. Less than a year later, she saw an opportunity at the company, and by January 2022 she had officially joined Nova.

She says she values the support Nova offer to servicepeople and veterans.

“Nova Systems is a Veteran founded company – Jim Whalley and Pete Nikoloff openly share their transition story from the Royal Australian Air Force and how it motivated them to start their own company – and it means a lot to me that Nova Systems continues to support the StoryRight workshops and in turn assist fellow veterans / emergency service personnel transition between service and civilian employment.”

Nova appreciates the valuable contributions of our Defence men and women, veterans and reservists and the role they play in keeping our nation safe and secure. This is why we’re proud to continue our support to the Defence community through MESHA and the #StoryRight program in 2023 and beyond, in addition to offering additional support for Novans involved in the ADF, such as dedicated reservists leave.

This Remembrance Day, we honour the memory of those who served and sacrificed, for Australia, New Zealand, and our allied nations. Nova Systems takes pride in not only remembering, but actively supporting our veterans.

Lest we forget.