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VISIT TO LEXUS ADELAIDE

As an adjunct to the visit to speak to the staff of Johnston Grocke in Adelaide on 17 May 23, the Board Chairman Pete with Moose attended Lexus Adelaide to speak with the General Manager Wade Sander with a view to gaining the support of the CMV Foundation.

The Foundation, which has operated since 1953, receive its funds from the Lexus staff, who have the opportunity to donate a portion of their salary towards the CMV Foundation.

These donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by the CMV Group. Wade was extremely interested in what Trojan’s Trek has achieved over the past 14 years and supported our request to the Chair of the Board.

The photo shows Moose, Pete, and Wade having completed a very educational tour of the company headquarters on West Terrace.  Here seen standing in front of a limited production 12-cylinder Lexus valued at $1.75 million.

The CMV Board will consider the application at their next meeting.

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VISIT TO SEAFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE MEN’S BREAKFAST

Jake presents to a room full of engaged listeners at Men's Breakfast In response to an invitation from the organiser, Robert Shaw; Moose, LT Geoff Kay and LT Jake Sparrow attended the monthly meeting.

We were met by a group of 23 men and one female who were keen on hearing about the Trojan’s Trek Foundation.

The meeting was organised to meet over breakfast to which we were invited. And a fine breakfast was served.

It was the first time that Geoff and Jake had presented to a group such as this.

They were selected because of their personal experience with trauma while working for the CFS during the 2019 – 2020 fires on KI and their subsequent involvement with the Foundation as trek staff.

I listened to both the presentations with bated breath.

Their description of the close to death experience which they and the crew lived through on that day on 3 Jan 20 was spellbinding. As a gauge of the impact, one of the group spoke to me following the presentations.

In short, he said that the firsthand description of that event had him on the edge of his seat to the extent that he now understood how close were the deaths of the crew and one civilian that day.

He said he understood; it was so close, saved only by determination and training.

On leaving, another two of the audience sought me out to thrust folding money in my hand in appreciation.

A good day which, although not financially rewarding, provided the opportunity for the Foundation to explain the personal damage which results from trauma and told by two first responders who have lived the hell.

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COMMONWEALTH BANK GRANTS

Moose Dunlop receives a grant from Common

L to R Matt, Moose, Kristian, the manager and John, an employee.

Since 1917 the Commonwealth Bank employees have nominated organisations they were passionate about to receive a grant.

$2m is awarded each year via $10,000 grants to a broad range of community organisations across Australia.

Trojans Trek was nominated for an award by Matt Wohling, a bank employee who is aware of the Foundation’s work as a member of the Upper Sturt Country Fire Service, where Moose was the Captain.

The photo shows L to R Matt, Moose, Kristian, the manager, and John, an employee.

Moose extended his sincere thanks to Matt and the bank for their nomination and generosity.

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My Money Basics FREE online financial literacy workshops.

With rising interest rates, rising utility costs, the rising cost of living, increasing rents, and mortgage repayments, it has never been a better time to ensure that we have the knowledge and skill set to keep on top of our finances and avoid financial pitfalls.

You are invited to two FREE online financial literacy workshops.

The next workshop is scheduled for the 1st and 8th of December 2022.

The workshop is delivered in two parts. We encourage people to attend both workshops to reap the programme’s benefits. A certificate of completion will be given to all participants who complete the training.

Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand sponsor the My Money Basics financial management workshop training.

If you are interested in attending then please contact:

Alan Murray

Financial Counsellor FC753

P: 08 8522 4522

M: 0437 211 006

E: alan1.murray@ucaregawler.org.au

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Trojan’s Trek Charity Walk Sunday October 30th, 2022

Entry is $30 per person.

Our online registration has closed because T-Shirts have been distributed. You can still come and join us by simply turning up and registering on the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS’ CHARITY WALK

On 31 October the annual charity walk organised by AEP in support of Trojan’s Trek was held on the banks of the Torrens Lake. A good roll-up of close to 300 saw a beautiful day unfold, ideal for a 5 km walk, run or roll, dogs welcome.

The coffee stall and the BBQ were also welcome as was the member for Florey, the Honourable Frances Bedford MP.

Frances has been a long-term supporter of the RAR Association, an ESO which Moose was the President for 12 years and also the driving force behind the establishment of Trojans Trek Foundation.

She is an independent and has assisted in the chasing of answers to some very vexed questions related to the CFS management.

The bottom line following a very enjoyable day was a profit of very close to $17,000 which will ensure the continuation of the program and hopefully another trek for first responders in April.

Finally, to Reuben, his staff from AEP, and to our wonderful sponsors whose names appear on the T-shirts, a special thanks for you ongoing support of this great program.

 

 

 

 

Moose Dunlop OAM
Operations Director

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Young Veterans’ Charity Walk, Sunday 31st October, 2021

Entry is $30/person and includes a t-shirt.

We normally order enough t-shirts for everyone, but please note, late entries made after October 15th do not guarantee your preferred size.

Online registrations are now closed.
You can still join in by simply presenting to the registration table prior to the walk on Sunday

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SmartBar Walk for a Veteran 2021

By Cess Glasspool

On Friday 7th May I was offered the opportunity to represent Trojan’s Trek at the launch of the SmartBar Walk for a Veteran with PTSD.  This annual walk began in 2016 and Walk for a Veteran became a recognised charity in 2020.

Chad McLaren is the driving force behind this event and is a defence force veteran. He told me he spent 5 years in the Army as an infantry soldier with one East Timor deployment in 2000 and 10 years in the Navy as a medic, discharging from the ADF in 2013. He recognised that some of his defence force friends were struggling with mental health issues and he felt that he was able to support them by creating an event like this.

In 2016 Chad joined with two of his defence force buddies for the inaugural Walk for a Veteran which raised funds for Operation K9.  2021 is the 6th running of the event in SA and there are plans to host a similar event in WA and a 24 hr endurance event in SA in 2022.

Chad is passionate about supporting Veterans and first responders and each year, he nominates four organisations as beneficiaries of the funds raised by the walk. This year, Trojan’s Trek has been nominated as one of those beneficiaries.

One of the principal sponsors for this year’s SmartBar Walk for a Veteran is Spinifex Brewing Co. Spinifex Brewing Co. is a dynamic new player in the craft beer industry.  SA Sales Representative for Spinifex Brewing Co, Sean Batson proudly states that Spinifex is an Aboriginal and Veteran-owned WA brewery company that produces beers flavoured with native botanicals unique to Australia.

CEO Adam Barnard is an army veteran who states, “Our business was founded in part to support Veterans and we are proud to be able to join forces with Walk for a Veteran Inc. as our South Australian partner to ensure this event raises much-needed awareness and funds”.

Spinifex established the F88 range of beers; sourcing the name from the Australian Army-issued rifle. Spinifex is a world-first initiative aimed at raising funds to support our returned servicemen and women. The F88 Campaign is dedicated to the memory of SIG Geoffrey GREGG (Afghanistan) who took his life on 23 September 2006 because of severe PTSD and is the inspiration behind the campaign.

SPINIFEX will operate its full mobile bar facility with the full range of beers available. 50% of the profit from SPINIFEX F88 Premium Lager sales at the event will be donated to charity.

I participated in the event last year and I have registered for the 2021 event which is being held on 28 August. This year looks like being bigger and better with no public roads or traffic to contend with.

A 10km loop has been created totally on the trails of the reserve, of which 1/3 will be on the renowned Heysen Trail. The course will rise to 450m above sea level and provide some incredible views over the valleys below. Individuals will have the option of completing one, two, three, or four laps of the course.

Teams can complete the 40km as a team of 2 or 4 each completing one or two 10km laps. The start and finish of each lap will be from the same location, which will be the venue for the post-event activities.

Secure camping sites will be available on Friday and Saturday night, with off-road parking provided. St John Ambulance will be located across the 10km course.

The event will see the introduction of the first “after walk” concert starting at 2pm. Headlining the concert are Pierce Brothers (VIC) and Hollow Coves (QLD), joined by folk legend Carus Thompson and band (VIC/WA), ex-Army Officer and singer/songwriter Pat Kenny (QLD), Lucinda Grace from the Adelaide Hills, and Yorke Heath (SA). Yorke Heath and Mark Aiston will be our Masters of Ceremonies.

The event presents a fantastic opportunity for trekkers and their families to get involved and enjoy some Adelaide Hills atmosphere, fine food, and refreshments.

Huge thanks to Chad and his fantastic sponsors.

Further information can be obtained at http://www.walkforaveteran.org.au/

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OPERATION UNITY’s 366 DAYS FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES

On 28 April 2021, there will be a launch of 366 days to raise $500,000. Reaching the goal will mean we can:

  • Link 10 veterans with a support dog each through Operation K9 (RSB).
  • Arrange for 64 veterans and first responders to attend a trip that includes counselling and training through Trojan’s Trek.
  • Facilitate 206 attendances at camps and other initiatives for children through Legacy South Australia.
  • Supply a small trailer for Operation Unity to continue with its work for veterans, current ADF members, and their families.

    • The fundraising will commence on the anniversary of the deployment and run for 366 days ending on the anniversary of the deployment.

    The launch is taking place at:

  • Drill Hall and Torrens Parade Ground, King William Street, Adelaide
  • 7:15 am for 7.30 am start on Wednesday 28 April 2021 for attendees of the opening.

Attendance is limited, please contact Operation Unity on 0403 337 772 or e-mail operationunity3@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

You MUST advise on or before Monday 19 April 2021, then we will do our best to ensure you can attend.A short walk of honour for the Al Mathanna Task Group will be taking place at approximately 8.10 am by members of Operation Unity, Operation K9 (RSB), Legacy SA, and Trojan’s Trek.

You can show your support by cheering them on from the Torrens Parade Ground or on the gardens bounded by Frome Road, Sir Edwin Smith Avenue, and King William Street from approximately 8.30 am.

Tax-deductible donations can be made into the following account:

Friends of the Veterans Incorporated

BankSA, BSB 105-086,

Account Number 057073640 and MUST BE MARKED ‘WALK21’

Download the flyer here

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TOUGH YEAR

The year 2020 will go down in the annals of many not for profits as a dog of a year.  Not only was the impact of COVID 19 extremely significant in curtailing activity but add to that the dreadful fires in the eastern states and SA and one sees a fund-raising bottom line which is not impressive.  The community response to the fires was nothing short of exceptional both before and after the COVID impact and most deserving.  However, predictably other fund-raising efforts were made more difficult due to donor fatigue and other more pressing needs.

Because of social distancing Trojan’s Trek could not conduct the annual Charity Walk fundraiser in SA, instead, organised by Reuben Vanderzalm, a virtual walk was held during October.  It was successful but fell short of our usual target.  A dedicated group of AEP gym attendees encouraged by Caelum decided to make the effort to wring out a little more by running a special gym session.  Eight gathered early on 30 October (Veterans’ Health Week) at the Daws Road gym for a dedicated workout to aid the cause raising $555.  The oldest Charity Walk T-shirt competition was won by Brian with a 2013 model. My sincere thanks go to the group for their dedicated welcome support.

Moose Dunlop OAM

Operations Director

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