Being here is really reinforcing where I am at, where I want to be and who I want to be. I sincerely hope to one day spend my time being a part of this and sharing my knowledge …It makes me feel alive again

I have gotten a lot out of this journey, met some amazing blokes who I will be mates with for life. Before the trek I could not even sleep, just toss and turn with thoughts what have I gotten into, how did my life get so f…d up. Should I just bail and go the lone wolf and stop inflicting my family with this CURSE

I am particularly lucky to be part of the 2015 trek for women. I opened myself up to everything it had to offer and I came away with much much more than I could have ever expected.

I was made feel at home, I was not judged…The first day’s talks were inspirational. Poxy got my head going, poke here, poke there, amazing shit activated previous knowledge, synapses are firing..

I can help others by my example just by turning up, that is the start of a new improved life

I will now be more interested in my family instead of interesting. Got to open up to Dogs a little more about relationships with family and girlfriend

It was really good having Craig and Mick on the trek because they really understand as they have been there as well

“A penny for our thoughts” and I got quite choked up because I was upset that the time was coming when I was going to have to say goodbye to these amazing blokes

They have been so supportive and actually understand what I am going through I can actually talk to blokes who I can open up to and trust, this stuff is just priceless

I think it has already made such a big impact on my life and I’m so grateful to be able to call every one of these blokes my mate, both trekkers and staff

I feel like I belong, like somehow I am meant to be here, this is my moment, my time. My choice to fix me. Being on this program and surrounded by others who are in similar boot, I hope to gain the tools or at least begin to.

If I wasn’t here, I know I would not live to see Xmas.

These blokes call themselves farmers, over the past 3 days they have only planted the seeds but the fu…rs have started to germinate.

..it’s all those jars filled with pent-up emotions/feelings/experiences have all been smashed …it is a relief. I told the boys my story. The support feedback I’ve received has been incredible.
I was finally free of my demons?

Then a mate from the army said “hay have you seen Trojans Trek, you’re a vet you should go”, my reply was “nah mate I have no issues”. I asked him when it was that was October 2011, and something must have been saying do it as I filled out a leave application for September 2012. I found myself as the time was getting closer becoming more and more excited. I am happy to say that I don’t think I am the same person anymore.

Recently my wife was diagnosed with Bowel cancer, and during the initial days when clouds formed, I found myself calm. For the last 7 weeks now we have faced this new challenge with drive and positivity that I don’t think I would have had if I had not gone through the Trojans program.

Recently my wife was diagnosed with Bowel cancer, and during the initial days when clouds formed, I found myself calm. For the last 7 weeks now we have faced this new challenge with drive and positivity that I don’t think I would have had if I had not gone through the Trojans program.

Talked at length with Andrew about my time in Somalia and found myself talking about stuff that I usually find uncomfortable. I am finding answers to why I think I am what I am. Dogs makes a lot of sense and I am mainly here because I see myself failing as a father at home.

Overall I thought the course was absolutely brilliant. There were no expectations before the course, however it has been one of the best things I have done in a long time.

Webster’s defines self-realisation as:“The fulfilment by oneself of the possibilities of one’s character or personality.”

“The above I believe encapsulates the overall intent of Trojans Trek (TT). As a participant I eventually came to the conclusion that I needed to be at one with myself in order to commence addressing my problems. As a result of my service I had indeed slowly adopted a victim mentality, and was so wrapped up within my own self doubt, pity, fear and anger that I had effectively shut myself off from most around me. I was well aware that I had issues and problems that needed addressing, but now with hindsight I was waiting for help.

TT made me realise that the person who could provide me with the most help was myself. Assistance and support was (and still is) available, but no progress would be made until I came to the realisation that I firstly needed to understand why I feel like I do, and that the selfish methods I was utilising to deal with those feelings were not in my or my families best interests both from a physical and psychological perspective. I felt alone amongst those who love and support me. This situation was ludicrous.

I am of the opinion that the remote location and the fact that all involved were returned servicemen contributed significantly to the effectiveness of TT. I felt that I could talk to anyone around me without being judged, pitied or provided no more than lip service’. I understand now how ridiculous it was that I felt I could not do this with those at home who love and support me, but the week away with veterans in the same situation has provided me with that insight. It also allowed me to dry out’ which in turn provided me with the clear head required to rationally address my thoughts and feelings. The calm surroundings far away and totally removed from the pressures that accompany everyday life assisted in this process immensely.

The TT program is in my opinion a very effective tool in shifting perspective and allowing returned servicemen to re-boot’ their head and commence the path to becoming well again. I am now of the opinion that closed room counselling sessions are nowhere near as effective as the approach adopted by those involved in TT. For that they are to be congratulated. As a result of my experience I fully intend to become involved in any future TT as I feel that I would gain great satisfaction from assisting those who are travelling the same path that I am, as well as providing me with a reminder that my past lifestyle and attitude is no more than self destructing.

…..I also wanted to say thank you again for the week and all the mentoring and advice you gave me. Matt and I sat down over the weekend and talked at length about the trek and we both came to the conclusion that we had both learnt so much and I know now that am in a better place and it will keep on improving. My parents spent the weekend with us and I took on board everything you said about my relationship with my dad. I showed him the nail trick and listen to all his stories about his D Coy 4RAR reunion. I was just happy to have him and mum down here. When they left on Monday I put my arms around him, gave him a big hug and told him I loved him. Something I have never ever done, He was a bit taken back but I know we both aren’t use to it. Anyway thanks again, you were a real inspiration and I know a lot of other younger blokes would get so much out of the experience of the last week.

If the world had more men like those I listened to this week, it would be vastly different. Each man I have listened to has got great strength not only in their minds, but in what they say. This trek for me wasn’t about finding out what my problem is! It’s about finding out some ways to deal with it. The men on the course have been legends. With some it’s been evident from the first time I met them, others it’s taken me til now to see. Time with everyone has helped me to understand a legend isn’t something in a book or a movie, it’s us. This is one experience I will never forget and will pass on to those I know. Life is too short to be a grumpy, uninteresting old man. Thank you everyone for this week long journey.

He really did get a lot out of going and I’ve already noticed a change

In response to Trojans trek it was invaluable to be with the other veteran’s despite the different campaigns/ conflicts we were all involved with. As we share a common bond of varying level of ptsd, and the inability to discuss many of our experiences with any other than each other due to content, and fear of judgment (shit that is so far out that could not possibly happen).

Many times with different participant’s the comment was simply shit I haven’t laughed this much in a long time, how bloody true is this very fact.

I simply make this plea; there was very little support for the Vietnam vet’s upon their return please do not make the same mistake with us and those whom are to return in the future.

The simple fact is the true benefit is being away from everything (Tele news, the papers, the radio, and to some degree society) and given the opportunity to think reassess and absorb words of wisdom from others who experienced the issues some time before us. So please keep the program going and thank you to those who took time out to help us.

Went for a walk with the boys and had to stop because I needed time out. The boys were concerned but realised I needed time out. Was memories good and bad from my childhood to the present came rushing out at me in no particular order while. I was looking at a small running stream. Did a calming routine that I have been taught here and was able to focus. Today I am in myself and at peace.

Something has come together for me today. Feeling great this morning, did not wake or stir last night. At home I regularly use sleeping tablets to help me sleep. I am really looking forward to getting home tomorrow, not because I am not enjoying myself but because I think the penny has finally dropped. I feel like a kid who has fallen off his bike and is sitting in the dirt feeling sorry for myself waiting for someone to come and help me. But now I feel I have been helped off the ground and dusted off. I am not back on the bike- that’s up for me to do myself but I have the tools ….

I came to the trek with blinkers on, both about my life and the trek. I believe I will leave minus the blinkers, in a better state than I arrived and with a better understanding of who I am, what I have done and what I can do from here on in.

The activity has been beneficial for myself and I believe that I will be able to use much of the advice given.

There is now a good relationship with my husband but how many years of counselling, and at what cost to us and financially for the govt. How many couples haven’t made it, how many young people, sons and daughters of veterans found other ways to cope because the help the veterans were receiving was way too slow to save the family? What I saw in Trojan’s Trek was the opportunity for the older veterans to get alongside the younger veterans and speak truth and life to them. Partner

I have found since returning from Trojan’s Trek that I have totally different outlook on life and now I deal with things that in the past would have had me” losing it”. I deal with negative things a lot better. My wife has commented on the change in me since I came back. I have done a number of courses for PTSD, but I have found that TROJAN’S TREK has been the best and most beneficial by far!! Thanks Moose and all the staff

Trojans Trek was an extremely mentally fatiguing time for me; it took me a few days of rest when I got home to process what I had been through, even though I got and still have some of my best sleep out in the bush in swags. To this day, even though some of my worst memories from being
wounded in Afghanistan, one of the best is sleeping in swags, so what better place and environment I think to take veterans than out in the bush.

So I found out tonight that on the male trek of 2014. that there were not a lot of people who saw that their life was going to last much longer. I am one of the first to say that I felt that way coming up to the trek and also when I first started the trek.

It came to me tonight that it’s not all about talking and saying things to people that could help them change their minds. It was also the small things like helping them set up a swag or teaching them how to 4×4 and also to keep looking for personal items that had been washed down stream by the flood. So I would like to thank the Fellow trekkers of 2014 for them taking time out to help others with things that some of us take as granted. You change people’s lives. And thanks again Trojans Trek for your ongoing support to us and past treks and hope this runs far into the future. It is a good program

Anger is danger, just hearing that makes you think twice about yourself and over the last years of what has happened to me. The triggers — thanks Poxy. And Dave — to listen to his story – how strong and to where he is now.

But this is mentoring program. We are mentored and (we) mentor others. The way is shown, taught by elders, mentors. But it is up to the individual to take what they will from this.

Thanks again for kicking my butt and having me on the trek. As I said to Moose I’ve come away with clarity and perspective. I have more tools now to help me better manage what’s happening with me, and those close to me. I now have a need to pass on what has been given to me to others that are in need. 2015

I really did find the week worthwhile and I have no doubt it will be beneficial. I have arranged to see Pokey next week. I think some follow up work with him will be very worthwhile for me. Thanks again for all that you and your team did. I am very happy that I participated. Please pass on my regards to Dogs. He is one of a kind – in a good way.

Thank you for Trojan’s Trek, it has helped me more than 16 years therapy ever could. Thank you.

As for the future, time will tell, but there is definitely more likely to be longer than I planned/prepared for and looked forward to. I  certainly will give nothing but honest and positive recommendation and encourage Veterans I come across who need it or want it.

Moose, First I would like to thank you, Dogs, Pokie and the other facilitators for a truly effective and educational experience. Had I not spoken to Bails, then Dogs real early on ( still can’t figure out why I opened up to them so quickly) about some very painful and highly personal history, I wouldn’t have lived through the Trek. I had plans (I always do) and means available.

The Trek personally was tough on me, but it was a saviour. Sort term pain for long term gain. Great program an changed my life for the better. It took time for the seeds to grow but it worked for me.

I never really opened up about what I saw and did on Trojans but it was the first step to recovery. I still keep things to myself because it gets me too emotional . So when I talk I manage to skip past it . I don’t talk about the kids or refugee camps, if I get asked I say I don’t talk about it.

May God bless you Moose.  Any help at anytime I’m available. Have 6 young guys from 1 and 2 RAR wanting to sign up for SA.”

Will be well documented in my journal.  I thank you and the team for Trojans Trek and now have polished skills to front the process to have my eldest children (sic) back. This will close the chapter of my struggles….

They both came to terms with who we are today is no lesser beings, to the men we prided ourselves on being when we were in the old 6 Pl days.  It was said, “hey I’ve noticed that we are not actually shadows of our former selves!” As for the lessons and skills, they were sponges…

” as for my mates, this trip has had a profound effect on their realisations, confidence and skills that they understand are achievable. They now also want to change the direction of their lives.

A heartfelt congratulations to each and every participant of the 2017 Millmerran QLD Men and Women’s Trojan Trek – you are all amazing people.

Your journey this week has taken you from a potential Victim down the path to being a Warrior.

Use your tools, your experience from this week and your new Tribe of Brothers and Sisters and never forget the Warrior’s code…

We have planted the seed, go forth and water your garden. Honk Honk !!

Hi Minnie. Thanks for your Email.
They say life wasn’t meant to be easy. But gee sometimes it’s too hard.
It’s been a hard road for all of us that’s for sure. Not only was it hard to find Brett help, but to find help for ourselves to understand Brett.
Lucky we have a strong family knit, otherwise I don’t think any of us would still be talking to each other.
It puts a lot of strain on the family not knowing where to go or what to do. Thanks to a few people that we did find and were willing to help we all pulled through. Understanding how they think is hard.
I feel he is on the right path now and slowly he is learning how to cope with his PTSD.
We can’t thank Trojans Trek enough in helping Brett. When he returned we all noticed a big change.
He still falls over every now and then, but he is learning how to dust himself off and get on with life We still stand our guard looking for anything out of the ordinary . Anything negative we try and find a positive Thanks again If there is anything we can help Trojans trek plz don’t hesitate to ask Cheers L…

C wrote: “Most rewarding journey I have ever taken. Thanks to all that endured it with me. Every person involved in the trek from participants to staff and all those behind the scenes are brilliant, caring, and loving souls. Can’t wait to catch up with you all down the track, keep in touch. Finally, take care of yourselves and each other!

Thank you for Trojan’s Trek, it has helped me more than 16 years therapy ever could. Thank you.

When I sit back and think poor me, I know now to stop and engage some common sense, I am not alone! Being in this environment has taught me humility and respect.

Wow! Where to start? I suppose the beginning but in the journey, where is the beginning? I am surprised just how quickly and unplanned the panic sets in. I was apprehensive about doing a journal but I think, albeit slowly I am finding the process helpful.

I would seriously consider coming back as a mentor as well as trying to influence some digger mates to consider coming on 2014. I find just being in the middle of the wilderness with like-minded blokes to be very grounding, peaceful relaxing

Yesterday here was only the first day and already I feel like I have known some of the blokes here for a while