With technical rehabilitation know-how and a strong dose of business acumen, Craig Rivett has been supporting injured veterans and their families since 2014.

Craig says the idea was born while he was working as a service provider and manager assisting veterans, who could no longer serve in the Australian Defence Force due to their injuries.

Noting a hole in the market, the young South Australian established veteran rehabilitation, injury management and support service Helping Heroes Rehabilitation Services in 2014.

Some six years later he diversified further, expanding the rehabilitation service to create Community Assist.

This arm of the business aims to support people with disability navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme through a range of support, assessment and therapy services.

Craig says since launching Community Assist 18 months ago the company has employed 30 staff and helped more than 600 people across three South Australian locations. 

He’s now planning to expand interstate with a Brisbane-based office for Helping Heroes and Community Assist on the cards.

While balancing Helping Heroes and Community Assist, Craig has also been involved in the RSL SA and SA Government Veteran Health Advisory Council. He’s also helped shape policy on the Department of Veterans Affairs rehabilitation entitlements and decision-making.

The Community Corporate Social Impact Award recognises an individual who is challenging conventional thinking by driving social innovation in a for-profit, social enterprise, NFP or through philanthropy.

Find all of this year’s 40 Under 40 winners in the Winter Edition of CityMag, at a coffee shop near you.