Australian Partners of Defence (APOD) connects more than 200,000 members of the Defence community with Australian businesses who recognise their service.
In the four years to May 2024, APOD helped deliver more than $55 million in savings back to military families, helping households stretch their budgets further and reduce financial pressure.
Today APOD represents one of Australia’s largest digitally connected communities supporting Defence families — while increasingly extending that support to Australia’s First Responders, including police, firefighters, paramedics and emergency services personnel.
We believe recognition for those who serve should extend beyond moments of ceremony into everyday life.
Those who protect and serve our nation and communities — whether in the Australian Defence Force or on the frontline as First Responders — often face unique pressures that affect not only those in uniform but also their families.
By connecting these communities with businesses, opportunities and support, APOD helps ensure their service and sacrifice is recognised in practical and meaningful ways.
Australian Partners of Defence (APOD) is a for-purpose organisation founded in 2012 by Defence spouses Bec and Kerry.
Through their own experiences in the Defence community, they recognised the challenges military families often face — including frequent relocations, disrupted careers and the pressures of service life. At the same time, many Australian businesses were looking for meaningful ways to recognise and support those who serve.
APOD was created to bring these two communities together.
By connecting Defence personnel, veterans and their families with businesses that want to show their appreciation, APOD helps deliver practical everyday recognition and support for military families across Australia.
Over time, the APOD community has continued to grow as more Defence families join and more businesses choose to recognise their service.
APOD strengthens the financial wellbeing of Defence families by connecting them with businesses that recognise their service.
Through the support of members and business partners, APOD has helped deliver over $55 million in savings back to military families in the four years to May 2024.
These everyday savings — whether on fuel, groceries, travel or household essentials — help create a financial buffer that can make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of military families.
From a simple idea to recognise those who serve, APOD has grown into a national community supporting Defence families, veterans, and first responders. Over the years, we’ve evolved alongside the community we serve — building connections, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful recognition every day.
Today, APOD connects a growing national network of members, businesses, and organisations across Australia. Through everyday savings, employment opportunities, and community initiatives, we help deliver meaningful recognition and support to those who serve and the families who stand beside them.
As a for-purpose organisation, APOD continues to reinvest in its community — supporting initiatives through APOD Community, our ACNC registered charity.
APOD founded by Defence spouses Bec and Kerry to recognise the service and sacrifice of Defence personnel and their families.
First network of Australian businesses joins APOD to recognise the Defence community.
The APOD community grows to more than 15,000 members with over 200 participating retailers.
National expansion continues as more businesses and Defence families join the community.
Paul Broadbridge steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer, supporting the organisation through its next stage of growth.
APOD partners with the Australian Government through the Veterans’ Recognition Package, extending benefits to Veteran Card holders across Australia.
Founder Bec passes away, leaving a lasting legacy of recognition and support for Defence families.
Bec Waller is posthumously awarded the Prince’s Trust Australia Defence Family Business Award.
The official APOD App launches, providing members with mobile access to offers, employment opportunities and community benefits.
Following the conclusion of government funding in June 2024, APOD begins transitioning to a community-supported membership model to ensure the long-term sustainability of the APOD community.
The APOD App expands to include employment and volunteering opportunities, connecting members with employers and organisations across Australia.
APOD Community, the organisation’s ACNC registered charity, is incorporated to support programs and initiatives strengthening Defence and First Responder communities.
APOD begins expanding its community to include Australia’s First Responders — police, firefighters, paramedics and emergency services personnel, often referred to as blue-light services.
Many members of the Defence community continue their service in these roles after leaving the military, creating a strong connection between Defence families and Australia’s First Responder community.
APOD is nominated for the Champion of Veteran Employment Award at the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards.
APOD receives Transition Program of the Year at the VESPIIA Awards for Excellence.
The APOD community surpasses 200,000 approved members!
APOD CEO Paul Broadbridge receives the City of West Torrens Civic Award and is nominated for South Australian of the Year.
As APOD continues to grow, our mission remains the same — to ensure the service of Defence personnel, veterans, and their families is recognised not only in moments of ceremony, but in everyday life.
With an expanding national community and a growing focus on supporting First Responders, APOD is committed to strengthening connection, recognition, and practical support for those who serve Australia.
APOD was founded by Defence spouse Bec Waller, whose vision was to ensure the service and sacrifice of Defence personnel and their families was recognised not only in moments of ceremony, but in everyday life.
Through determination and leadership, Bec built the foundations of what has become a national community connecting Defence families with Australian businesses who want to show their support.
Bec passed away in 2021, but the organisation she founded continues to grow in the spirit of the community she created.
Her vision continues to guide the organisation today.