Honouring ADF innovation and impact

A message from the King’s Trust Australia

An evolution of The Beyond Service Awards, the inaugural King’s Trust Australia Awards 2025 continue to celebrate the entrepreneurial achievements of Australia’s veteran and Defence family business community, while championing the successes of young people and those who support them through education, employment and enterprise. 

Now in their fourth year of support, Common­wealth Bank and Saab Australia sponsor 2 of the most prestigious honours. The Commonwealth Bank Business of the Year Award is the peak award, recognising the outstanding efforts of veterans, ADF partners and spouses in business across Australia. The Saab Australia Rising Star Award celebrates the achievements of young vet­erans or ADF family business owner/operators. 

This year’s defence winners exemplify the spirit of service beyond uniform. From battlefield med­icine to clean water innovation, their ventures are reshaping Australia’s emergency response and sustainability landscapes. These stories are more than business success – they’re about leadership, lived experience, and community impact.

Jeremy Holder – TacMed Australia 

Commonwealth Bank Business of the Year Award 

Jeremy Holder’s journey from Army spe­cial operations medic to founder of TacMed Australia is a testament to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Shocked by the lack of battlefield-grade trauma gear in civilian emergency services, Jeremy launched Tac­Med from his spare bedroom to fill the gap. Today, TacMed equips Australia’s frontline responders – from paramedics to police – with advanced trauma kits and tactical medical training rooted in military expertise. 

Reflecting on his motivation, Jeremy said: ‘I was shocked to find that the life-saving tools I relied on in combat – like tourniquets and trauma dressings – weren’t available to Australia’s first responders. I saw a gap, and I decided to fill it.’ 

TacMed’s motto, “Depend on us when lives depend on you”, reflects a deep commitment to saving lives and supporting those who serve. TacMed’s impact extends beyond equipment – it offers veterans meaningful careers and fos­ters a culture of service. From spare humble beginnings to national reach, TacMed contin­ues to serve those who serve others.

Shannon Lemanski – Aqua Ubique 

Saab Australia Rising Star Award Veolia Sustainability Award 

Shannon Lemanski, an Army veteran and mechanical engineer, is revolutionising access to clean water through his social enter­prise, Aqua Ubique. Inspired by a deployment to Papua New Guinea, Shannon developed technology that creates drinking water from air – Atmospheric Water Generation. Similar to an air conditioner, this remarkable technol­ogy condenses humidity from the air, purifies and mineralizes it, then dispenses safe, clean drinking water. 

Shannon’s mission: 300 million litres of water per day by 2032, ensuring every Austral­ian can trust what flows from their tap. 

Shannon credits The King’s Trust Austral­ia’s Enterprise program for helping him take action: ‘More than anything, the program reminded us we weren’t alone. It gave us capa­bility, credibility, and connections at a stage where those 3 things were hard to come by – and it continues to shape how we grow.’ 

Launched in 2024, Aqua Ubique’s Drop­4Drop model funds machines for remote communities with every corporate installa­tion. For every 5 water coolers they replace, they install and support one in a community. Shannon’s work has earned accolades across the clean tech and social enterprise sectors, including the King’s Trust Enterprise Acceler­ator Award and the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Business of the Year. 

Shannon’s story is one of ingenuity, impact, and unwavering dedication to sustainability and social equity.

The King’s Trust Awards also feature 3 other categories: the Ministry of the Future Young Achiever Award; the Paul Cross Edu­cator of the Year Award; and the Employer of the Year Award. The King’s Trust con­gratulates all the winners and finalists recognised in our 2025 Awards. You can read their stories of determination and innovation at www.kingstrust.org.au/awards.