Recognising the service and sacrifice of Australia’s defence and veteran community is at the heart of everything APOD stands for.
As Australia’s official defence discount program, APOD works alongside the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and a wide network of business partners to deliver meaningful, everyday savings to Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans, and their families. But beyond the offers themselves, the program plays a vital role in something even more important — recognition.
In collaboration with members of the defence and veteran community, as well as Mitsubishi Motors Australia, APOD explored why recognition matters and the impact it can have on those who serve.
For Vietnam veteran Lance Mossop, recognition has not always been a given. Reflecting on his service with the Third Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in 1971, he recalls a time when veterans were not always welcomed or acknowledged.
“In our era in the seventies, we weren’t recognised,” he shared. “It’s good to know that some of those big companies — and smaller ones too — are out there supporting us.”
His experience highlights the importance of progress and the role organisations now play in acknowledging service in meaningful ways.
Veteran and author Dan Pronk also spoke about the value of recognition, noting that while service is not about entitlement, appreciation still matters.
“I don’t feel any sense of entitlement for having served,” he said. “But it’s nice when that service does get recognised.”
From a business perspective, Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia, emphasised the responsibility organisations have in giving back.
“We are very proud of the work that Australian defence personnel and veterans do in supporting the country, and we are very proud to serve those who serve us,” he said.
Through partnerships like this, businesses are able to directly support the defence community — not only through words, but through tangible benefits that make a difference in everyday life.
Current serving ADF member and Disaster Relief Australia volunteer Chantelle Bradford also highlighted the growing number of businesses stepping forward to support the community through platforms like APOD.
At the centre of it all is APOD’s mission to bridge the gap between businesses and the defence community, ensuring that recognition is not just symbolic, but practical and ongoing.
APOD CEO Paul Broadbridge reinforced this, noting the unseen challenges faced by defence families.
“There’s a lot of impact on defence and veteran families that the general public wouldn’t see — from deployments to frequent relocations and the pressures that come with service,” he said.
With more than 100,000 members already part of the APOD community — and over 500,000 veteran families across Australia — the opportunity to expand this recognition remains significant.
By continuing to grow partnerships and awareness, APOD aims to ensure more families feel seen, supported, and appreciated for the role they play in serving the nation.
