Meaningful partnerships in the communities where we live and work

Defence’s greatest asset is its people, and Raytheon Australia understands that retaining these skills within the broader defence ecosystem helps meet the nation’s strategic requirements.

Over one-third of Raytheon Australia’s workforce is made up of former Defence members, but the responsibility to contribute to the broader defence community in which the organisation operates is much larger than just employing veterans.

The organisation believes that it has an important responsibility to give back to the broader military community in which it operates.

Raytheon Australia Managing Director, Ohad Katz, recognises that veterans enrich the workplace culture contributing values of discipline, teamwork, flexibility and leadership that are developed throughout their defence career.

"Veterans bring valuable skills; a strong work ethic and an unmatched level of commitment that can benefit any industry. We have seen the profound impact of these attributes,” said Katz. 

Creating meaningful pathways and programs for members and their families, where they feel valued and supported is at the core of Raytheon Australia’s mission.

Raytheon Australia is privileged to work with partners who have a shared vision around the value veterans bring to the places they live and work, and support the opportunities ahead as they transition into civilian life.

RSL LifeCare is one of Australia’s largest providers of support to veterans, offering free services and programs that help veterans build new skills, manage their health and pursue fulfilling careers in civilian life. Their programs — including DVA claims and advocacy support, housing assistance, wellbeing and social connectivity programs, and employment coaching — provide foundations to support veterans and their families to succeed after service.

Veterans are almost three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population. Tackling veteran homelessness, a particular focus for RSL LifeCare, which is committed to providing veterans with short term, transitional, and long-term housing solutions.

“We align to the purpose of RSL LifeCare; we have maintained this ongoing partnership by supporting events throughout the year, including the Platinum Sponsorship of The Poppy Ball and the annual Anzac Day Sydney Harbour Bridge Dawn Service,” said Katz.

Raytheon Australia is partnering with RSL LifeCare as the Platinum Sponsor of The Poppy Ball for the third year in a row, continuing their commitment as the inaugural sponsor of the event.

The Poppy Ball will take place in Sydney on Saturday, 8 November 2025, aboard HMAS Canberra (III), drawing on the significance of the poppy in Australia’s military history, the event is a fundraising gala with all proceeds going to support services for veterans and their families.

“Supporting The Poppy Ball, held in November each year, alongside the Dawn Service held at sunrise atop the Sydney harbour each Anzac Day, we are contributing to RSL LifeCare’s operational requirements, ensuring they can continue their work helping our veteran community.”

Raytheon Australia Mechanical Engineer Maddi Carr has previously represented the organisation at RSL LifeCare events and was moved by the experience.

“I wanted to pay my respects to all current and ex-serving members, given we work with so many veterans,” Carr said. “I’ve seen firsthand how their experience adds to our workplace and culture, so I felt privileged to give back."

Katz believes that supporting the veteran community should not only be a priority for defence industry, but for the broader Australian business sector.

If Australian businesses realise the value veterans bring to the workplace, supporting initiatives that aid their transition to civilian life should be a priority.

“Through continuing to support veteran-focused events in the community, we reaffirm our commitment and shared vision with RSL LifeCare to help veterans, and their families thrive post-service.”

Supporting veterans is a shared responsibility, and together, we can make a meaningful contribution to their futures and to our nation’s interests.