Beyond the Badge is a not-for-profit organisation supporting first responders and Veterans across Australia, who need support navigating through a career transition. 

The charity was founded by Sean Haran and Simon Bradstock who have personally experienced the struggle of moving from life as a first responder into the regular workforce, and understand the challenges faced along the way. They wanted to help others going through the same thing. 

Bankstown Sports has helped them on their mission by providing $22,500 in funding for a Career Transition Program for marginalised first responders. The Club also provided room hire, AV set up and catering through ClubGRANTS, which means there was no out-of-pocket cost for them. 

The program was held at Bankstown Sports and included a mix of 14 former and current police officers and paramedics who have begun their career transition journey with Beyond The Badge and want to gain a better understanding of what work is like outside of their agencies. 

Bankstown Sports People and Culture Manager David Watt, Learning and Development Partner Justine Fisher, and Community and Wellbeing Adviser Bella Cini, were given the opportunity to speak on a panel, and to chat to participants about employment opportunities within registered Clubs. They also spoke about what employers look for when reviewing a job application and how to leverage existing skills to make yourself stand out! 

For more information about Beyond The Badge - https://beyondthebadge.com.au/about-us/