DVA partners APOD to deliver discounts to veterans

APOD Australian Partners of Defence – has partnered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant initiative.

APOD was founded in 2012 and says it already delivers more than 10,000 offers on behalf of 500 corporate partners from the retail, automotive, entertainment, dining, travel, tourism, and other sectors.

CONTACT offers its free subscription via the APOD site – and gained more than 400 new subscribers in the first two days after the Veterans Covenant was launched.

The DVA partnership means Australian Veteran Card holders now have free access to the full range of benefits and deals offered via APOD.

APOD founder Rebecca Waller described the DVA partnership as a massive boost for the initiative she began seven years ago to honour the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. 

“A lot of hard work and long hours have gone into growing the number of businesses participating in this initiative – it’s certainly been a labour of love,” Ms Waller said. 

“With more than 600,000 veterans potentially eligible for the Veteran Card, membership of APOD will grow significantly, but it’s up to the Australian business community to get behind the initiative and show their support to those who have served their country. 

“We have made it really easy for businesses to get involved and put their gratitude on display by developing special offers for defence veterans and their families.” 

Ms Waller said that APOD was a win-win for businesses and veterans. 

“There is no charge for businesses to get involved as partners of APOD and they get to promote their brands, products and services to a large audience.

“There is everything to gain from getting involved.”

Veterans’ minister Darren Chester said DVA’s partnership with APOD would give Australian business owners a way to say ‘thank you for your service’. 

“We are proud to be partnering with APOD to ensure veterans can easily find local businesses in their area that are showing that respect and recognition of their service,” Mr Chester said. 

However, CONTACT notes we could find no way of searching offers by geographic location on the APOD site (though this could be our ineptitude rather than a bug in the ointment).

APOD is now free for DVA-registered military veterans, while eligible family members of Veteran Card holders can also access APOD’s benefits on a monthly or yearly subscription basis. 

Ms Waller said the range of offers APOD had secured to date was comprehensive, but, with the government’s support, it would only get better.

“It brings me great joy to know that veterans and their families can benefit from this program daily, and I hope that every time they do, they are reminded of their country’s gratitude. 

“We have established a thriving platform in the seven years we have been in operation and we are delighted to be such an important part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant.” 

Ms Waller said that federal government endorsement would add weight to the ongoing process of attracting business partners to the program. 

“With APOD now being part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, it has been empowered to reach its full potential and make a difference to the lives of veterans across the country.”

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Posted by Brian Hartigan

Managing Editor Contact Publishing Pty Ltd PO Box 3091 Minnamurra NSW 2533 AUSTRALIA

2 thoughts on “DVA partners APOD to deliver discounts to veterans

  • 15/10/2024 at 12:02 pm
    Permalink

    Can I ask if DVA are aware that APOD are now charging veterans for membership.
    It now seems like any other platform discount offers for a fee.
    My membership is requesting a monthly fee to remain a APOD member, how much has DVA given to have this thrown at veterans faces?

    Reply
    • 15/10/2024 at 2:18 pm
      Permalink

      I think you are barking up the wrong tree Roger. The free membership announced in this story (from 5 years ago) was made possible by ‘a partnership with DVA’ – i.e. DVA were paying APOD to do what they do, for veterans.
      About a month ago, if I recall correctly, APOD sent out notice of intent to charge a monthly subscription (which I received as a veteran, not and editor), it was made clear that DVA funding had been terminated.
      People like APOD need to make money somehow. So, if anyone is ‘throwing this at veterans’ faces’, it must surely be DVA?

      Reply

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