BAE Systems will be the major partner of the Defence Recognition Program, and will also be the game-day sponsor for AFL ANZAC Round when the Power plays Geelong at Adelaide Oval on April 27th.
The Defence Recognition Program was created by Power Community Ltd in 2012 to engage all levels of the Defence sector in South Australia. The program supports and recognises Veterans and their families, current Defence personnel and their families, and the large Defence Industry in the north of Adelaide.
Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas noted that the club values its community roots dating back to 1870 and is proud to recognise and support such a significant industry in South Australia.
“The Port Adelaide community has its own football club in the AFL and a significant Defence Industry on its doorstep,” Mr Thomas said.
“The significance of the industry to the community is growing every year, and the precinct extends from Port Adelaide into the north with the RAAF Edinburgh Base. It makes sense that we do as much as possible to support and recognise this industry.” Mr Thomas confirmed that the Defence Recognition Program had been embraced by a range of stakeholders including the Defence Teaming Centre, the peak body for the Defence sector in South Australia with over 250 member organisations.
“We have received so much support over the past two years, from the Defence Teaming Centre and Defence SA, to the Federal Government and Veteran’s community, and we are very proud to now have a company like BAE Systems as our Defence Partner,” Mr Thomas said.
“Support from BAE Systems will allow our club through Power Community Ltd to increase its support for the Defence sector as we approach the 2015 ANZAC Day Centenary.”
Power Community Ltd continues to work closely with the key Veteran organisations including Veterans SA, the Returned Services League (RSL), Legacy and Soldier On. The organisations and their clients are hosted at Power games and are provided with fundraising support throughout the year. Eight Port Adelaide players recently visited veterans at the Repatriation Hospital to create awareness and fundraising support for hospital renovations. In addition, the RSL will be the game-day charity for AFL ANZAC Round on Sunday April 27th.
Power Community Ltd has also created a partnership with the 7 RAR Battalion, who moved from Darwin to Adelaide in 2011. The 7 RAR Battalion hosted Port Adelaide players at Edinburgh barracks in 2012 and senior staff from the Battalion recently toured the facilities at Alberton Oval. The Battalion will continue to receive ticketing to Power games in 2014 and some new ideas have been discussed for soldiers and footballers to interact and share ideas during the season.
The Department of Defence have provided funding to Power Community Ltd to engage children of current staff in the Australian Defence Forces. The Optimistic Kids program is facilitated at Alberton Oval and works with children to develop positive mental strength and resilience. The children also meet a Power player, participate in a coaching clinic and see the elite facilities used by AFL footballers. Power players are involved in the delivery of the program and highlight to children the techniques they use to stay mentally strong.
It was the work with the Veteran Community and current Defence personnel that attracted BAE Systems to the program, and they are now the Defence partner of the Port Adelaide Football Club.
David Allott, chief executive of BAE Systems, said his company was excited to partner Port Adelaide in its continued recognition of the Australian Defence Force.
“Our company is very pleased to partner with the Port Adelaide Football Club to show our support for the men and women of the Australian Defence Force,” said Mr Allott.
“BAE Systems is proud to support those who have served and continue to serve our country.”
BAE Systems is a cornerstone of South Australia’s defence industry. With a history of over 60 years and over 1100 locally based employees, the company is delivering some of Australia’s most significant defence projects from South Australia.
The partnership will be acknowledged with all other stakeholders during AFL ANZAC Round, but importantly the relationships and activities will continue throughout the year.
