Over 2,100 veterans in Forde will be eligible for discounts from businesses across Australia with a Veteran Card, as part of the new Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant.
The Covenant is also supported by the Veteran Lapel Pin and Oath and will help identify veterans when they’re not wearing their uniform or medals.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen is encouraging local businesses and community organisations to support the Covenant by offering exclusive benefits to defence force personnel and their families.
“There are more than 12,000 small to medium-sized businesses in Forde and I would say to each of them, please get on board and show your support to our veterans and their sacrifice for our country,” Mr van Manen said.
Businesses can sign up to support the Covenant at apod.com.au/about/advertise while community organisations can register with DVA through recognition.dva.gov.au.
Over 500 businesses have already registered with the Australian Partners of Defence (APOD) nationwide, making more than 10,000 offers available for Veteran Card holders, both over the counter and online.
Businesses include retailers, travel and tourism operators, accommodation and car hire, entertainment, hospitality, restaurants, and service and trade industries ranging from gym memberships to automotive mechanics and legal.
Veteran special offers will range from 2.5 per cent to 40 per cent off on selected items and services at participating businesses.
Mr van Manen said veterans should apply for their Veteran Card online using MyService. Over 33,000 veterans and reservists have already successfully applied to the Covenant.
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the new Veteran Card is available to all veterans as a practical demonstration of respect and recognition for their service.
“We are proud to be partnering with APOD — an organisation founded and run by veteran families for veteran families — to ensure veterans can easily find local businesses in their area that are showing that respect and recognition of their service, “Mr Chester said.
“Our Government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and we provide more than $11 billion every year in support for veterans and their families.”
Outlets offering discounts to veterans Australia-wide:
- Caltex – 5c a litre off petrol at Star Mart and Foodary locations
- Williams – 15 per cent off online
- JB HiFi – up to 40 per cent off online quotes/purchases
- Specsavers – 25 per cent off frames and lenses using online voucher in-store
- Prouds – 10 per cent off in-store
- Hilton – 12 per cent off bookings online or over the phone in Australia and New Zealand
- Thrifty – 12 per cent off online bookings
- Sleepys – 40 per cent off in-store