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PRESENTATION TO JOHNSTON GROCKE STAFF

On 17 May, at the suggestion of our Foundation Secretary/Treasurer Margaret, the Foundation Chairman Peter Keith flew to Adelaide to address the staff.

Johnston Grocke has been most supportive of the Foundation, permitting us to use their premises for meetings and the like. This saves hire fees, for which we are most appreciative.

The visit was also utilised to speak with the General Manager of Lexus Adelaide the next day.

Approximately 18 staff members attended the 40-minute presentation, which was accompanied by a short visual of bush activities and a powerful personal reflection by Paul Wilton.

The questions from the floor were insightful showing genuine interest in the program.

It is hoped that the address will result in further support in some form.

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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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Trojan’s Trek Charity Walk 2022

After a promising start with over 200 registrations and numerous sponsors, the 2022 Trojan’s Trek Charity Walk looked set to break records!

The predicted bad weather (including thunderstorms and lightning) kept a few away. However, Mother Nature was kind and kept her rain clouds full until after the event had finished.

Belinda McKeown, a self-declared “army brat” with indigenous ties and a clear understanding of life in the Defence Force, gave an emotional and moving “Welcome to Country.” We were all touched by her words.

Our special guest and Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, spoke before the start and showed both a keen interest in and understanding of what Trojans Trek is all about. The results achieved and life-changing tools learned on treks impressed her greatly.

And so the Walk began!! Runners, walkers, and strollers set off along the Torrens, hoping to beat the rain – and they did.

Winners were announced, awards were presented, raffles were drawn, auction items fiercely fought over, music and coffee were enjoyed, and delicious BBQ sausages were devoured … then the heavens opened!

A fabulous morning with amazing souls who helped raise around $18,000 for Trojans Trek, about half the cost of one Trek – great effort!

Special thanks to Reuben and his team from AEP Health Group for all their hard work organising the event and to our many sponsors and supporters for braving the weather and making the 2022 Walk such a memorable success.

Look forward to seeing you all (and more) again next year …

 

Sponsors

AEP Health Group

Pioneer Water Tanks (SA)

Operation Unity

Bolton Clarke

Silver – Ascendancy ABA

Silver – Edwardstown Rotary Club

Silver – TWU SA/NT

Silver – Unitech Building

Bronze – Wealth Evolution

Bronze – Defence Health

Bronze – Advanced Promotional Products

Bronze – Unifi Technology

Bronze – Johnston Grocke Group

Bronze – Police Credit Union

$750 – DVA Grant (Veterans Health Week)

Goods – North Terrace Tyres

Goods – Maine Beach

Goods – Mark Lobert Gallery

Goods – Running Bare

Goods – Trelivings

Goods – False Cape Wines

 

 

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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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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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LOCAL MEMBER ADDS SUPPORT

The Federal Member for the seat of Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie MP, is well known as a supporter of local initiatives.

Recently she wrote letters to the Minister of Veteran Affairs and others, in support of a grant application submitted by the Foundation to the Veteran and Community Grants Hub.  The application was successful, no doubt assisted by her endorsement.

This will enable the program to be enhanced with the development and expansion of two of the four phases of the program. These are Phase 1, induction and goal setting and Phase 3, post trek review.

I look forward to the commencement of this exciting process with the September trek in SA.

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