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.
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.
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.
