Empowering THE COMMANDO COMMUNITY

The Zero79 Foundation is dedicated to supporting current and former 079 operators of the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments. Our mission extends beyond the individual Commando to encompass their families, collaborating with defense-based networks and promoting Australian Commando businesses worldwide.

Who We Are

The Zero79 Foundation strives to honour and remember the sacrifice of all fallen Australian commandos through our numerous programs and initiatives supporting current and former serving Commandos and their families.

At the Zero79 Foundation, we are passionate about ensuring the legacy of all fallen Commandos lives on through the work of our team, and we stand ready to provide rapid support to the Commando community.

The Zero79 team is comprised of current and former serving Commandos, friends and families of the fallen.

what we do

The Zero79 Foundation’s mission is to provide niche support to current and former serving Commandos of Australian Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) and their families.

Our name, Zero79 derives from the employment category number for commando operators – ECN079. We understand that when help is needed, time is critical and the Zero79 Foundation prides itself on being agile in providing rapid support when it matters most.

We know what the Commando community needs and through our network, we use this knowledge to tailor our programs.

How we do it

  • Maintain lifelong connection and support for former Australian Defence Force Commandos and their families.
  • Provide financial, emergency, and transition support including sport, wellbeing, and retirement initiatives.
  • Strengthen community engagement through Konnect programs, wellness camps, and family connection initiatives.
  • Support active operators within the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiments to enhance wellbeing and development.
  • Inspire and impact the broader community by honouring fallen Commandos and creating employment and collaboration opportunities.

Our logo

  • Our logo at the Zero79 Foundation symbolises the heart of the Foundation’s purpose.
  • The double daggers and diamond pay homage to the foregathers of the modern Commando — Australia’s original commandos from the Second World War.
  • The circle and arrow is the military symbol for ‘secure’, symbolising the Foundation’s role in keeping the people we serve central to our purpose and mission — the commando Community.

how can you help

The Zero79 Foundation is run by a passionate team who volunteer their time to support the Commando community.

The Zero79 Foundation relies on donations and fundraising to support its numerous programs and initiatives.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible

Supporting Commandos and Their Families

At The Zero79 Foundation, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support to current and former 079 operators of the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiment and their families. Our mission is to honour their service and create a strong community.

Our focus

We are the sole organisation in Australia committed to supporting commandos and their families.

Building Bonds

Through our social connect and cohesion programs, we foster a strong sense of community.

Our mission

The Zero79 Foundation’s mission is to provide connection, rapid support and growth opportunities to help Australian Commandos and their families thrive during and beyond service.

primary objectives

Our primary objective is to work towards building enduring bonds within the 079 operator network. Through meticulously organised social connect and cohesion programs called “Konnect”, we commemorate the fallen and strengthen the fabric of our nation’s elite forces and their families.

primary objectives

In addition to our primary mission, we extend support to the immediate families of commandos, promoting Australian Commando businesses worldwide, and honoring fallen commandos. We strive to create a strong network of support and foster a sense of community among Australian commandos.

meet our team

At The Zero79 Foundation, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support to current and former 079 operators of the 1st and 2nd Commando Regiment and their families. Our mission is to honour their service and create a strong community.

  • David Le Pavoux

    Director/Chief Commercial Officer

  • Chris Dyer

    Director/Chief Executive Officer

  • Kurt Magner

    Director/Chief Strategy Officer

  • Philippa Seldon

    Operations Manager

  • Luke Statton

    Program Lead

  • James Wilson

    Program Lead

  • Rebecca Johns

    Commercial & Corporate Affairs

  • Matt Wilson

    Finance & Revenue

  • Penny Gotch

    Family Liaison

  • Jason Rutter

    Member

  • Jacinta Harmer

    Legal & Governance

    Commando Testimonials

    Read what commandos and their families have to say.

      • Forge Through was a great journey of discovering knife forging utilising gas as a source of heat and good old hammer and anvil to shape the steel. I learned that forging is quite a long procedural process, one that requires each step to be completed precisely before proceeding to the next. I found myself chasing perfection and immersed in each step trying to create the perfect knife. The end result was astonishing and far exceeded my expectations. I would like to thank Zero79 for giving me this amazing opportunity to experience such a fine ancient skill that only few possess.
        Former 2 CDO Operator
        Cronulla, NSW
      • The Forge Through Program was useful to me in three main ways. First it was the social aspect. Being around good people is what made our job amazing and getting to be in a similar environment again whilst learning a new skill set was really nice. Second was learning a new skill. One of the things I missed about my career was always learning something new. Third was the transformation aspect which I wasn’t expecting. Taking something that had been discarded and turning it into something useful again really resonated with me. I would like to say a massive thanks to the Zero79 Foundation for organising and getting us all on the Forge Through program. I really appreciate the work and funding that went in to having all four of us there.
        Former 2 CDO Operator
        Cronulla, NSW
      • Attending the recent Brisbane Zero79 event with my partner was a really enjoyable night. A heartfelt thank you to the foundation for orchestrating such an enjoyable evening, selecting a happening venue, and fostering connections among partners of both serving and retired unit members. It's incredibly refreshing to feel this support, especially considering the challenges that often extend beyond life in the unit. Grateful to see the partners considered and I will encourage other spouses to get along to future events. Thanks again.
        Carly C
        Commando Family
      • The journey to being a Commando is arguably one of the hardest things a person will ever do, but also the most rewarding. It means are lentless pursuit of excellence and selfless dedication to service that means you sacrifice a lot personally and collectively. The Zero79 foundation is recognising these sacrifices through providing meaningful initiatives specific to the Commando community to ensure we continue the legacy of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
        WILL H
        Former 2 CDO REGT Officer
      • The Zero79 Foundation has helped me get my business out there to other networks not within my current circle. They show great commitment in helping former commandos grow once they have left their respective regiments.
        Mal
        2 CDO REGT Operator 2008 - 2018
      • The Zero 79 Foundation was the first to offer its support to me despite there being many other Special Forces charities. They helped me when I needed it, and I am forever grateful. The Foundation is assisting other Commandos like me in various different ways, which is fantastic. There was a saying when I was at 2Cdo Regt. It was “Commando for life”, and this charity stands by that saying.
        Jon
        2 CDO REGT - 2009 to 2014
      • The Zero 79 Foundation has helped me reconnect with the community, both current and former through their Konnect programs. It’s run by people in the community who are in touch with what commandos need.
        Tony
        2 CDO REGT - 2007 to 2016

    Support Our Mission Today

    Help us make a difference by donating or volunteering with The Zero79 Foundation.