Tag Archive for: Trojan’s Trek Foundation

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.

The AGM of the Trojan’s Trek Foundation
will be held in the

RAR Association club rooms,
13 Beatty St, Linden Park,
commencing 1800 hrs on
Thursday 2nd December 2021.

Apologies to
margaret@trojanstrek.com

One of the great supporters of the Foundation is the South Coast Veterans’ Association. Based loosely in Victor Harbor, the association has strong membership and an altruistic attitude to veterans generally.

So it would come as no surprise that when they heard of the loss of home and farm including stock and machinery to Steve Riley, one of the veterans impacted by the KI fires, that they would respond.  With the assistance of Bunnings who donated a premium large SS BBQ and a couple of other prizes, a raffle was conducted. Tickets sold quickly and prizes drawn.

The winners of all prizes gave their prizes to Steve on the basis that he had nothing and at least a BBQ, $100 worth of tools and bits and pieces would be useful. Along with this was a cheque for more than $4,000.00, a great result.

RSL Sub Branches play a very important part in establishing and maintaining contact with veterans of all services.  This is very apparent in the case of the Nairne RSL situated in the Adelaide Hills.  The club is trying very hard to remain relevant in a space which has seen the RSL Brand suffer impact to its fine reputation as the premier ESO in the state. This has been detrimental to engaging with veterans at sub branch level.  To that end the club invited Moose Dunlop OAM along to address the club members and other club representatives on the benefits gained from attending a Trojan’s Trek.  A gathering of more than 20 including the local member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie MP attended. Moose reported he was fortunate in having a past trekker, Paul Wilton on hand to give his very personal comments on what trek attendance meant to him and his family.

Moose and Chris Pepper the SA President at the hand-over.

This is not the first time the members of the SA Association have contributed financially to the Trojan’s Trek program. Of interest, most of those who seek help by attending the programs are ex-Royal Australian Regiment members.  So it is appropriate and well-targeted as this money goes directly to those members and families in need.  A number of the other battalion associations have also contributed over time, and although the amounts may not seem significant to some, the gestures of support for those who replace us is most welcome.

NOTE:  Since the above report was written the SA 4 RAR Association committee met as part of their normal schedule.  Among the agenda items discussed was donations to veteran organisations. In the words of president Chris, “the committee decided that it would provide on-going support to the Trojan’s Trek Foundation because of its low profile and very good outcomes.”

Thanks very much to the committee. The benefits are manifold and benefit veterans and families.

As previously reported the SCV, a group of primarily ex-military individuals and their partners have this year indicated that their fundraising efforts will be directed to support the Trojans Trek Foundation. 

The group conducts a whole range of activities designed to raise money for organisations which support veterans. Functions such as quiz nights, dinner dances and even a stall at the local show are in the broad mix of fundraisers. 

Companion dogs provided through the Royal Society for the Blind have been a recent beneficiary of their efforts and a couple of these animals were present on 19 Jan when Moose was presented with a cheque for the Foundation by Reg Bichel the President.

TROJANS Trek Foundation is proud to announce that the Adelaide and Country Primary Health Networks (PHN) have signed a contract with the Foundation which will greatly assist in the delivery of the SA trek in September this year.

By way of background PHN is not a service provider but is focused on commissioning services which are guided by community, clinical and stakeholder input. The organisation is funded by the Commonwealth Government and has a clear goal of improving health outcomes for the community.

This objective fits nicely with the foundation objectives which concentrate on mental health as it applies to veterans and first responders.

The Chairman Moose Dunlop OAM, said it was appropriate and he was very pleased to be associated with an organisation resourced by the Commonwealth with responsibilities for community mental health.

Two organisations which operate in the same space shared an anniversary this year. Both the Trojans Trek Foundation (TT) and Foundation Shine have just marked 10 years of assisting others struggling with mental health issues.

Neither organisation was aware of the occasion until Trojans Trek was invited to the Foundation Shine sharing of funds annual dinner at the Entertainment Centre in July this year.

The occasion was hosted by a bevy of well-known celebrities and was also attended by His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Li AC Governor of South Australia.

The evening was graced by a number of the TT board together with a few past trekkers, all of whom reported on a great evening. As a result of the evenings activities which included some excellent value silent auctions, the TT Foundation received a cheque for $7,500.00.

This is the first time the Foundation has benefitted from such philanthropic largess from another, not-for-profit.

In the words of Robyn the Chair; By holding events that create awareness and funding we are able to channel this through to organisations currently providing quality support programs with excellent facilities but at the same time, building resources and engaging facilitators to drive our own Foundation Shine workshops in ultimately a facility of our own.”

The SA government has just announced that it will contribute $25,000 to assist the Trojans Trek Foundation to continue their work in SA. The decision was made by the Minister for Veterans, The Hon Stephen Marshall MP, Premier of SA.

The Chairman of the Board Moose Dunlop OAM, said he was extremely pleased with the news which will ensure the conduct of the SA trek during 2018 will go ahead, enabling another 25 to 30 veterans and first responders to experience the trek; gaining the tools to positively manage their condition and become better family and community members.

Trojans Trek is pleased to announce a new partnership in QLD with Hand Heart Pocket (HHP).

HHP is the charity arm of the Freemasons in QLD which for centuries have used the symbols of hand heart and pocket to pledge practical help, genuine empathy and financial generosity to those who need it most. One of the areas of focus for the charity is on initiatives which promote and support positive physical and mental health for men; a target which coincides with the work of the Trojans Trek Foundation.