Standing With Those Who Serve

Behind every uniform is a family — we’re here to honour their service, restore hope, and empower their path forward.

APOD Community is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Australia’s Defence, veteran, and first-responder families. We exist to support those who serve, and the families who stand beside them, by helping them build financial stability, mental wellbeing and opportunities for growth.

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People reached, raising awareness
and connection
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People actively connecting with APOD’s mission
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Individuals supported in looking for work and purpose
$ 0 M
In savings, helping families reduce cost-of-living pressures

Three Ways We Strengthen Our Community

Building Financial Resilience

We help Defence and first-responder families become more financially secure through access to savings, resources, and practical support in times of need.

Strengthening Mental Wellbeing

Through programs, networks, and community initiatives, we promote positive mental health and belonging for those who serve and the families who support them.

Inspiring Growth and Opportunity

We empower members of our Defence and first-responder communities to pursue education, innovation, and entrepreneurship through grants, scholarships, and professional development.

Turning Purpose Into Action

Partners

Frontline Labs

Category

Growth and Opportunity

Founded

2025

Police & Emergency Services Entrepreneur Training (PESET-1)

The Police & Emergency Services Entrepreneur Training (PESET-1) program is a new learning pathway designed to help Police, Fire Fighters, Paramedics and Emergency Service personnel and their spouses launch or grow a small business with clarity and confidence.

Partners

InstructAnt Accounting and Financial Solutions

Category

Financial Resilience

Founded

2019

Financial Foundations

Financial Foundations helps defence and first responder families strengthen their money management and future planning skills. Led by Andrew — a RAAF Reservist and experienced financial expert — the program offers practical guidance on budgeting, retirement, property, and business to build lasting financial confidence and independence.

Partners

Frontline Labs

Category

Growth and Opportunity

Founded

2020

From Service to Start-Up

Empowering veterans and their families to ignite ideas and build businesses with purpose, this initiative fosters entrepreneurship as a pathway to independence beyond service. With expert mentoring, hands-on training and a supportive peer network, participants gain the confidence to grow enterprises that create lasting community impact.

Partners

Human Quotient Group

Category

Growth and Opportunity

Founded

2023

Careers & Conversations

A relaxed space for partners of serving and former ADF members to connect, share experiences and explore career goals. Over a cuppa, participants gain practical guidance, local insights and self-development tips to help balance work, life and purpose beyond service.

Celebrating Leadership and Service

2026 SA Australian of the Year Nominee

APOD is proud to celebrate the leadership of our Chief Executive Officer, Paul Broadbridge (MBA, MAICD, MIMC, JP), who has been recognised as a finalist in the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards in South Australia. Paul’s dedication to supporting Australia’s Defence and first-responder families has been instrumental in shaping APOD’s mission to create meaningful, lasting impact through connection, wellbeing, and opportunity. His recognition honours not only his personal commitment but also the collective efforts of the APOD team and partners who continue to stand beside those who serve our nation and their families.

Voices of Impact

Hear from Defence and first-responder families whose lives have been strengthened through APOD Community’s programs and collective support.

Hon. Joe Szakacs MP South Australian Minister for Veterans Affairs

"We see the great value that APOD brings to the veterans community, veteran service organisations, and businesses in putting veterans and their families front and centre."

Julie Hall Senior Manager, CommBank for Veterans

"At CommBank we’re deeply proud to support APOD and to walk alongside them. On a personal note, my family and I have used APOD many times - the kind of support we get isn’t just about money, it’s a tangible way of saying thank you to the veteran community."

Wing Commander Craig Keane CSC, Royal Australian Air Force

"There are practical benefits that APOD produces that we can use every day. It’s not just about the dollar saved, it’s about recognition, belonging, and ensuring that the defence and veteran family always feel supported."

Connecting Australia’s Defence Community

The APOD App gives Defence and first-responder families instant access to exclusive discounts, savings, and opportunities — all in one place.

Together,

We Can Do More

Join us in creating lasting change for Australia’s Defence and first-responder families. Your generosity ensures help is there when it’s needed most.