SoldierOn.org.au
Also Inside this edition:
Surf's Up
/SoldierOnAustralia
@SoldierOnAust
Challenge yourself this Anzac Day
Autumn 2016
Long Lunch
Australian Government Department of Defence
NATIONAL ADF FAMILY HEALTH PROGRAM Free Healthcare for Defence Families
Find out how your family can access free healthcare at www.adffamilyhealth.com/, or contact the friendly team on 02 6266 3547 Eligibility •
Dependants of permanent ADF members and dependants of Reservists on Continuous Full Time Service can register for the Program.
Cost •
This is a Government sponsored benefit so there is no cost. However, please be aware that any services claimed are fringe benefit tax reportable.
The Benefits •
General Practice – We will reimburse the gap expenses for all services provided in a general practice that have a Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) item number.
•
Allied Health and Specialist – We provide $400 per family member, per financial year to use towards allied health services and/ or to offset the gap when you visit a medical specialist.
PERSONAL INSURANCE FOR VETERANS AND ADF MEMBERS
COVER
PLUS
THE
CARE
WWW.DSH.GOV. AU
1300 552 662
• Home • Contents • Landlords Liability • Car • Caravans • Trailers • Private pleasure craft • Motorcycles • Travel
(The Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme underwrites the DSHI Home Building policy. All other policies are underwritten by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited ABN 78 003 191 035. AFS Licence 239 545). Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement of the particular product before making any decisions about the product.
Contents Regular Items 5 6
Soldier On Update State Updates
Feature Stories 10
Surf's up for veterans and their families
14
Canberra reintegration and recovery centre doubles to meet growing demand
19
Veterans continue to be supported by Australian business
21 22
Soldier On Long Lunch
24 27
Challenge yourself this Anzac Day
28
Close shave for fundraisers this summer
Cadel helps get wheels spinning for veterans' recovery
Konekt to employment support today!
14 10
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2016
Soldier On Get in touch Postal address PO Box 5186 Braddon ACT 2612 Ph: 1300 620 380
About Us Soldier On is about Australians coming together to show their support for our physically and psychologically wounded men and women. We want to show our sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen that we will always have their backs. Soldier On supports our veterans through: §§ Direct support services including contact through wounded liaison officers, psychological support, and other services delivered from Centres located throughout the country; §§ Adventurous and inspirational activities such as golf, cycling, running and many more programs promoting an active lifestyle; §§ Building a community of veterans and their families to facilitate peer support and the sharing of stories and experiences between our wounded; §§ Educational and employment opportunities, with courses offered online and face to face support available in a variety of fields with a dedicated online employment portal; and §§ A reintegration and recovery network offering a nationally coordinated approach where anyone can be linked with support services from organisations throughout Australia. In undertaking this work, Soldier On has grown from a volunteer run grassroots support network, to proudly providing support to hundreds of veterans and family members each month. The Reintegration and Recovery network is also expanding rapidly, with facilities opened in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide and staff working to establish Centres in Melbourne, Perth and Currumbin. To support Soldier On, please head to our website at SOLDIERON.ORG.AU
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Advertising Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser. Countrywide Austral adheres to stringent ethical advertising practices and any advertising inquiries should be directed to:
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Level 2, 310 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000 GPO Box 2466, Melbourne VIC 3001 Ph: 03 9937 0200 Fax: 03 9937 0201 Email: admin@cwaustral.com.au Web: www.cwaustral.com.au
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P02920
Veterans | Families | Eligible ADF
www.vvcs.gov.au
Soldier On Update It’s a new year, and Soldier On has hit the ground running with new staff, activities and an exciting plan for 2016. It will be our biggest year yet, but with this expanded team comes more demand for their support, many more ideas to put in to practice and more initiatives to fund.
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e now have teams in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and soon we’ll have additional staff in Queensland and New South Wales too. In 2015 we focused on establishing the building blocks of the organisation, and in 2016 we will be focusing on getting feet on the ground where they’re needed most. These support staff are trained in mental health support and have experience assisting wounded men and women, and are the reason we exist. They connected with more than 1,000 veterans across the country last year and provided them and their families advice, help and a laugh when they needed it the most. In 2016 comes a new way to explain the work we do and how we do it. When delivering support services, we are focused on veterans’ physical and mental health, their community and their future. With this support provided, we will achieve a stable and rewarding future for those who are wounded. In the next few years we want Soldier On psychologists in every state, frontline staff in regional areas, drop-in Centres in every major city, and veterans and their families supported where ever they may be.
Together we will fight the suicide rate, which is climbing every week. 15 young men and women have already taken their own lives this year, and if we can fund more programs we can stop this unnecessary tragedy. We will fight for families, to give them the support they deserve and to give them the best chance of helping their loved one to recover. Finally, we will fight for their futures and help to secure a stable life for themselves and their loved ones. Tens of thousands of service men and women will struggle with physical or mental affects from war, and it’s our duty to thank them. Soldier On are thanking them by supporting their families, securing them a successful future, and promising to take care of their mates when they need it. These men and women have sacrificed so much to fight for us. Now, it’s our turn to fight for them.
To achieve this though, there is much more for us to do. This ANZAC Day, you can help us by donating or fundraising for our wounded – they have fought for us, and this year it’s our turn to fight for them.
John Bale, CEO
Helping our wounded warriors
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State Updates
ACT Soldier On activities in the ACT have been attracting many ex serving men and women over the last six months, with hundred joining us at Christmas in the Park in December. In the new year, the Soldier On team joined our Ambassador Anthony Field for a recording session at Hot Potato Studios. Those who went along enjoyed a great day of music, mentoring from Anthony and played a couple of songs with the original Wiggles team. Over the next few months, make sure to check out one of the regular music sessions on Thursdays. You can also join the Boots N’ All Choir, which aims to bring veterans and their supporters together in song. No singing experience is necessary, all that is required is a love of music and song. Also keep a lookout for activities such as yoga and coffee catch ups, and new programs like our photography workshop and community veggie garden. For more info, you can contact the team at ACT@soldieron.org.au.
Victoria In Victoria, we are pleased to introduce a new staff member, Kay, who joins the team as our Reintegration Centre Manager. With more hands on deck, there have been regular coffee catch ups, art sessions and yoga classes at the Centre in Parkville. More veterans and families are now seeking support from Soldier On in Melbourne and we’re excited to expand our regular events to include additional creative classes, physical rehabilitative programs and much more! The team also held their second Learn to Surf weekend in Torquay with four families conquering the surf and having a blast, a writing workshop with author Lisa Birman, and a great family day at Melbourne Zoo. Over the next few months be sure to watch out for the next round of art sessions for veterans and their families, an exhibition featuring the fruits of Legacy’s Centenary of ANZAC StreetArt Mural Project and the official launch of the Melbourne Reintegration and Recovery Centre in June. Tickets will also be selling soon for one of Victoria’s most successful fundraisers, the Melbourne Military Officers Ball, which will be held on 20 August. Finally, the team in Victoria wanted to thank ADA (Australian Defence Apparel) and the Melbourne Military Officers Ball (especially LTCOL Paul Nathan) for their support this quarter. We’d also like acknowledge to great work being done by Heels For Combat Boots for their efforts in community fundraising and Torquay Surf Academy for their surf instruction and for being all-round fantastic people. For more info, you can contact the team at VIC@soldieron.org.au.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2015
Western Australia We are extremely excited to introduce you to Ray and Ron, the Soldier On team in WA! After several months of planning and preparation, the Soldier On team in Perth are ready to launch a variety of community based activities and services to support our warriors out West.
Queensland The QLD team have been off their feet setting up service and fundraisers across the state. The Yungaburra Traithlon and fundraising events like it have provided wonderful opportunities to increase Soldier On’s profile amongst local veterans and supporters, connect with communities in the area, and help to secure funds for our work in QLD.
This will include walking groups, cycling, coffee catch ups, group hydrotherapy, golf days and sailing. As we begin to introduce these activities, we encourage you to get to know the twoman team and show them your support. You can visit them in person at our new Centre soon, or to make contact now, email them at WA@soldieron.org.au.
Coffee catch ups have seen us connect with more men and women who could benefit from our support, and we’ve had people with past careers in the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Police seeking information and support. Over the next few months look out for programs like swimming, yoga, tennis, family outings, information session and educational workshops and courses. There are also some great fundraisers to look out for, like the ANZAC Day Sleepout, the Mateship Run and Tough Mudder. This quarter, we’d like to say a massive thanks to the Currumbin RSL for their ongoing support of Soldier On in establishing its first Centre in Queensland. We’d also like to recognise the amazing work of the Tablelands Regional Council and the entire Yungaburra and Atherton Tablelands community for supporting Soldier On with the Yungaburra Triathlon. For more info, you can contact the team at QLD@soldieron.org.au. Helping our wounded warriors
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State Updates
New South Wales This quarter, the NSW team held a variety of events to assist veterans and their families across NSW.
South Australia The team in South Australia has been extremely busy with the new year, hosting a variety of events as part of the Santos Tour Down Under. Riders of all levels of experience and fitness joined in and our great cycling community in Adelaide is now even bigger and better! A long lunch was also held to mark the event, where money was raised to fund further Soldier On support for veterans and their families in South Australia. In the coming months, more community rides are planned weekly, as are regular coffee catch ups and Soldier On spin classes Thanks to all those who helped during the TDU events, and to the sponsors and volunteers that made it all possible! For more info, you can contact the team at SA@soldieron.org.au.
One highlight was the Learn to Surf weekend, where 7 families travelled to Forster to hit the waves and learn a new skill. Everyone had a great time and said it was a great opportunity for families to get away for a break and enjoy some great food and company. Another success was the Christmas BBQ at the new Soldier On Centre at Concord. It was a beautiful sunny day that involved relaxing on the grounds, and there was even a visit from Santa who brought some goodies for the kids. There were also some great community events held, with a group of very excited kids and parents heading to the Wiggles Concert in December with the Soldier On team. It was a great day with lots of fruit salad and fairy bread, and we were given the chance to promote the work of Soldier On to the audience and collect donations with the generous help of some great volunteers. Other fundraisers included Tough Mudder, where a big group of supporters gathered to finish the course in Glenworth. The team engaged with lots of the public over the two days, helped cheer on our fundraisers, and everyone was very pleased with the support our veterans and Soldier On received. In the coming months, there are lots of ways to get involved with Soldier On in NSW. For veterans and their families, we are continuing our family day program with sailing, surfing, BBQs and adventure days as well as another family weekend away. Keep an eye on Facebook and the website! Finally, we wanted to say a big thank you to Thales and the Parari Conference in November for their support, thank you to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for their support of our sailing program, and thank you to Electrolux for the great fridge for our new Concord Centre. For more info, you can contact the team at NSW@soldieron.org.au.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2015
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Transitioning out of service? Need rehabilitation? Looking for a new career? We provide tailored rehabilitation and support services across our 56 locations nationally!
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Our specialised teams of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, registered psychologists, rehabilitation counsellors and career development practitioners, provide a range of: • Injury management services • Counselling and psychological services • Career Transition Management Coaching and becoming career ready from all aspects including; - Injury disclosure - Stress management - Self-care - Navigating the job market - Cold canvassing - Developing CVs - Using the internet and emails - Evaluating job advertisements - Interviewing skills and much more!
Rehab Management is a nationally accredited, award-winning rehabilitation provider, with over 17 years’ experience delivering injury management, training, psychological, community and job support services. We have provided services under many Department of Defence schemes for over seven years. We have an understanding of the unique ADF and DVA culture and work environment, prevalent injuries, illnesses and the impacts that military service has on members’ transition back into civilian life. For more information on how to access Rehab Management’s services please contact your local DVA representative.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2016
Helping our wounded warriors
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Nearly one hundred former service men, women and their family members have joined surfing trips around Australia over the summer. Spending valuable time together and learning new skills as a group, the weekends in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and the ACT were a great success.
W
ith families serving as an important support network, and often experiencing issues of their own, Soldier On is prioritising support for partners and children of those affected by their service.
At each of the Learn to Surf weekends, participants took part in two half day surf lessons, enjoyed some quality family time together, and shared meals, experiences and laughs with others coping with the affects from their service. Friendships were formed, families were brought closer together, and several spectacular wipeouts were recorded. Thanks to all those involved in the event, and to the great groups of families we had along. We are proud to support each and every one of you as you journey on your road to recovery.
{ Top right Families from Victoria practicing on the beach before hitting the waves. u Right Sharing a wave. u Far right Group practices on the beach with one of brilliant instructors.
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Previous page Our South Australian Learn to Surf team.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2016
Recreation has been clinically proven to assist in the physical and mental rehabilitation of veterans. A study in the USA of 98 veterans participating in outdoor recreation programs experienced positive changes to their physical and psychological health one month after the program had finished. Overall, the findings suggest that extended group-based nature recreation experiences that bring veterans together can have significant positive effects on veterans struggling with serious health problems.
Helping our wounded warriors
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Canberra Reintegration and Recovery Centre doubles to meet growing demand Soldier On launched an expanded Robert Poate Reintegration and Recovery Centre in Canberra in February, which was officially opened by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
H
undreds gathered to celebrate the milestone, which we believe is the first step in securing better support for our veterans across Australia.
The Centre, which already connects with hundreds in the community, will now have expanded services thanks to the expansion supported by Defence Housing Australia, Military Shop and the CSIRO. Soldier On has been struggling to meet an increasing demand, and there is growing concern around the high number of exserving men and women taking their own lives. “Since we launched in March last year, we assist around 275 people at the Centre each month,” said John Bale, Soldier On CEO.
Since we launched in March last year, we assist around 275 people at the Centre each month.
“We hope the new facility will see us supporting around 500 more veterans a year, and the work we do here will inform
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2016
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This page (R-L) Parents of fallen soldier Robert Poate, Hugh and Janny Poate unveil a plaque with Prime Minister Turnbull.
Helping our wounded warriors
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the support we can provide to all veterans across the country – a test site for support.” Initially the Centre offered case management, social events, family days, and small workshops. “With the expansion, Soldier On now has the capacity for two full time psychologists working on site, more comprehensive educational programs, office space for other ex-service organisations to deliver services under the same roof, and a much greater scope for assisting many more veterans and their families,” he said. “It is thanks to the support of corporate sponsors and mum and dad fundraisers throughout the ACT that this expansion was able to go ahead just under a year after the initial opening.” To see what’s happening at the Centre, head to https://soldieron.org.au/events
p Top Prime Minister Turnbull is presented with a bear by John Bale, CEO of Soldier On. Also feaured is Stephen David and Lindsey Davie of Military Shop. u Right Prime Minister Turnbull holds a bear gifted to him. The bear is part of the Australia Great War Campaign, which has raised more than $250k for Soldier On.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2016
z Top left Prime Minister Turnbull is presented with a bear by John Bale, CEO of Soldier On. The bear is part of the Australia Great War Campaign, which has raised more than $250k for Soldier On. t Left Soldier On CEO John Bale. p Above Malcolm Turnbull addresses the crowd of supporters.
Helping our wounded warriors
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Entry to the RAAF Museum is FREE!! Opening Hours: 10:00am to 3:00pm Tuesday to Friday
The RAAF Museum, located at Point Cook, is home to an amazing range of historic military aircraft. A great chance to view these rare machines is at the interactive flying displays, which are held every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 1:00 pm (weat her permitting). The Museum has a vast collection of historical material on show, including several hangars with static aircraft, and offers visitors an exciting experience and insight into the history of the Air Force. Models, books, patches, clothing and mementos can be purchased at the Museum shop.
10:00am to 5:00pm Weekends and Public Holidays Closed Mondays, Christmas Day & Good Friday Telephone: (03) 8348 6040 Fax: (03) 8348 6692 Web: www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum Email: RAAF.MuseumInfo@defence.gov.au Facebook: facebook.com/RAAF.Museum
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Main image ADA gear with Soldier On tags.
q Below The HP Australia team being presented with a thank you plaque.
Veterans continue to be supported by Australian business ADA (Australian Defence Apparel) has come on board as a sponsor of their local Soldier On team, funding a part time support staff member based at our Melbourne Reintegration and Recovery Centre.
T
HP Australia supported the Soldier On team last year, donating computers for the Robert Poate Reintegration and Recovery Centre in Canberra. These were used to set up the Centre and are available for veterans to use while they study or if they need access to a computer outside the home. In combination with our education and employment programs, these computers will be invaluable in our work to establish secure and successful future for those who have served, and their families.
he new Centre Manager will work to expand the services delivered in Melbourne and surrounds, while setting up the Melbourne Centre for an official opening later this year.
Increasing the team’s capacity in the State, ADA have also provided funding for official uniforms for support staff, and for veterans attending national and international events.
Already connecting with many new veterans and families since the new staff member began, we are so grateful to ADA for providing Soldier On with the capacity to have a meaningful impact in the lives of many of our veterans in Victoria.
Lollypotz have come on board to support our work by providing free gifts for our supporters and volunteers. We were able to provide some of our part time volunteers in the ACT with great chocolatey thank you. Helping our wounded warriors
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Soldier On Long Lunch On Thursday 14th January Soldier On SA held their inaugural Tour Down Under Long Luncheon at Next Generation, North Adelaide. Over 150 people came along to enjoy an afternoon of great entertainment, good food and lovely company.
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eld to raise money for work being done in South Australia, it attracted a group of supporters, Ambassadors and some of the country’s cycling elite (in Adelaide for the world famous Tour Down Under).
The team in South Australia has a very active cycling program and as part of this, Soldier On was honoured to have high profile cyclists such as Australian Track Cyclist Anna Meares OAM, World Champion Cyclist Stuart O’Grady OAM, Australian Track Cyclist Matt Glaetzer and Cycling Commentator Matt Keenan join us on the day. Their Q & A’s were a rare treat for everybody in the room, providing great insight into what it takes to be at the top of the sport. Channel 7 Presenter and Host Tim Noonan was our MC for the afternoon and kept everybody amused along the way. Tim did a wonderful Q & A with special guest Humphrey B Bear who came along to present the winner of the Humphrey B Bear appearance silent auction item which was won by Phil Hoffmann Travel. He also spoke with Soldier On Ambassador and singer/songwriter Beccy Cole who spoke about her experiences going overseas to sing to the troops and then sang her wonderful song ‘Poster Girl’.
Finally, many of those in attendance were greatly moved by Soldier On Service Ambassador, Bronson Horan, who gave an inspiring speech about his past experiences in the Armed Forces and where he is today after the terrible experiences he endured. Soldier On would like to thank all of the sponsors who supported the luncheon - APS Benevolent Society, Babcock, SAAB, RSL Care SA, Lockheed Martin, Le Cornu Furniture Centre, Defence Bank, Creatistic, Woodstock Wines, Tapestry Wines, Artwine, Langmeil Wines, The Frame Connection, Phil Hoffman Travel and Next Generation Fitness Clubs.
z Above left Thanks to all our supporters and volunteers for their help! p Above right Soldier On Ambassador Beccy Cole performs for the crowd. t Top left SA State Manager, Justin Brown, speaks about our work in Adelaide and across South Australia. t Top left Service Ambassador Bronson Horan shares his story.
We would also like to thank Ryan and Marlee from ‘My House Rules’ who came along and live auctioned off the $2,000 Le Cornu Shopping Spree prize, and 7RAR for their generous donation of the ‘Soldier for a Day’ prize which was won by Darren O’Grady. The generosity of these sponsors and supporters was truly appreciated and made the lunch a great success! Helping our wounded warriors
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Cadel helps get wheels spinning for veterans’ recovery Veteran riders who were members of the Soldier On team competing in the Trois Etapes in 2014 and 2015 joined forces in February to take part in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
A
ll team members trained for months leading up to their Trois Etapes rides in Italy and France, and have used cycling as a way to continue to enhance their rehabilitation. Exercise is a great way to keep healthy and fit both physically and psychologically.
Being spread across Australia, many of the riders were excited for the chance to get together again and enjoy a challenging cycle as a group. The team was also joined by Hamish Blake and Cadel Evans, each of them providing advice to the riders on how to improve their technique and their times. Some advice (from Cadel) were extremely useful, other advice (from Hamish) was somewhat hit and miss. There were many laughs had, memories made and each of the riders will be keeping their wheels spinning for many years to come. Make sure to get in touch with your local Soldier On team to see whether there are any rides in your area!
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2016
t Opposite page Trois Etapes riders at the start line. t Left The group assembled. q Below Trois Etapes 2014 team. q Bottom Trois Etape 2015 team.
p Above Cadel meeting with one of our SA staff members, Mark. Photo credit – bunchrides.com. q Below The sun rising on the Cadel Evans Road Race. Photo credit – bunchrides.com.
Helping our wounded warriors
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Challenge yourself
ANZAc !Day
this
The ANZAC Day Challenge has been launched, and places are filling fast!
T
he ANZAC Day challenge will be held on the 23rd April and involves trail running through the beautiful national parks of Sydney.
There are a variety of events on offer, and runners can participate in a 25km, 40km, 65km or 100km run. For groups or those less inclined to run such long distances, teams of 4 can participate in the new Relay for Recovery and raise funds for Soldier On. The team will share a marathon between them, and run laps totalling 42km to support our wounded. If you are looking for other ways to help, we are also looking for volunteers to assist on the day. You will be able to volunteer at the event hub at St Ives Showground, or as a marshal along one of the stunning trails. For more information, or to register, head to http://www.anzacdaychallenge.com.au.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2016
z Opposite page 2015 startline. p Top The halfway mark. p Middle A day well spent by Soldier On supporters. t Left Runners nearing the end of their 100km run.
Helping our wounded warriors
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Masters Natural Therapy I have over 15 years experience working with people with severe emotional issues and pain. Children with autism and more importantly behaviour management. I am a member of the Bowen Therapy Federation of Australia. I use Bowen Therapy to relieve pain. Bowen Therapy is a very powerful therapy and will clear most pain, often only three treatments are needed. emotional stress Release To relieve stress, trauma and other severe emotional issues. Rapid Eye Movement Therapy is a very quick and powerful way of dealing with fears trauma, anger and unwanted behaviours. If a person decides to see a counsellor or psychologist for their stress related issues they can expect treatment to take months to clear. Rapid Eye Movement therapy will clear these same issues in one or two treatments. After treatment a client experiences a feeling of lightness and clarity, often life changing.
• stress • Anger • trauma • Anxiety • grief • fear • Relationship issues
www.mastersnaturaltherapy.com.au phone: 08 8266 2936 Mobile: 0432 691 457 info@masternaturaltherapy.com.au
TIM BLACK
FENCING Commercial and Domestic Fencing Specialists.
✆ 0424 818 628 Proudly supporting Soldier On
Pankration, Mixed Martial Arts, Wrestling, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Adult And Children’s Classes 914 Princes Highway, Tempe NSW 2044 Ph: 0418 282 823 www.thefightlab.com.au Proud to support and acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of our gallant veterans.
Special offer for those who have served our country:
One Months Free Training.
Konekt to employment support today! In 2015, Konekt supported many veterans returning to work and will again support our wounded men, women and their families in 2016. With 40 placements for veterans or their partners, they are available to people all over Australia.
T
he program is designed to support those who are seeking new careers or have been out of work for an extended period of time and need assistance in identifying and successfully gaining new employment opportunities.
The program does not have time restrictions and can be delivered to best suit the participant, with flexible options for those with family commitments, medical treatments and other pressures. Konekt employees will be participating in Soldier On activities around the country and available to chat about ways they can help you with your job search. To find out more, email the team at empower@soldieron.org.au.
Interested in starting your own business? The Prince’s Charities Lead Your Own Business (PLYOB) Program might be of interest to you! Working with Soldier On, the PLYOB program is run over 18 months, with participants attaining a nationally recognised qualification in small business management upon completion. The education component of the program is facilitated by RMIT University – an institution renowned for its business education. For more information, email us at empower@ soldieron.org.au.
Helping our wounded warriors
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Close shave for fundraisers this summer We sensed a theme in our fundraisers over summer, with so many of our supporters beating the heat by culling their curls. We had people shaving their heads, chins and even one passionate supporter who decided to grow his hair in the name of helping our wounded.
A
ussie business, Brother Shave, also came on board as a supporter. They sell razors and donate a portion of the profits to Soldier On. Brother Shave is veteran owned and they have options for all types of hairy men and even a sister shave range. You can check them out at www.brothershave.com. There were some hairless fundraisers too, with two schools – one in Leighton VIC and another in Gold Creek ACT – raising money for our work. We were also very proud to have the support of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, who raised $20,000 for our work in QLD. Finally, for the third year in a row the ADF War Gaming Association has supported our work by raising funds at their annual events. So far the tri-service team has raised almost $20,000 and they continue to be great supporters. If you have a great idea and want to raise some money to help us support wounded Australians, email us at fundraise@soldieron.org.au.
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SOLDIER ON Autumn 2016
Our Corporate Partners Soldier On are grateful for the support of so many Corporate partners and sponsors. Please see below for the organisations that provide vital funding that keeps Solder On and its support alive.
Principal Partners
Military Shop has handled Soldier On’s merchandise
Major Partners
In Kind Supporters
for no charge since the charity was founded in 2012. Most recently, they also donated a large sum of money as part of their Australia in the Great War campaign.
Principal In-Kind Partners
Citadel Group, and their associated business the Australian Business Academy and Frontier People have supported Soldier On from its founding. First as a sponsor of one of Soldier On’s major events,Liam Haven’s One Foot Forward March, Citadel now provides a number of free places for veterans to gain Diploma and Certificate level qualifications. They also assist with employment support, mentoring and filling vacant positions within the Soldier On team.
CSIRO is supporting
Soldier On through the provision of premises for a number of our Reintegration and Recovery Centres. This has allowed Soldier On to provide expanded services to a much higher number of veterans and their families, saving many thousands of dollars on rent.
Southern Cross Austereo are Soldier
On’s Regional Media Partner, and assist in spreading awareness throughout their extensive network of radio and television stations. Providing free advertising and sharing the stories of our wounded, we are grateful for their generous support!
Strategic Partner
Legal Partner
Project Management Partner
Accounting Partner
ACT Fitness Partner
Champions
Associates
Lollypotz Jamieson Foley Audi Centre Canberra Hewlett Packard AUS.
Medibank’s Garrison Health Services Ainslie Group Clubs ACT Elgas
GoodGuys Canberra Lockheed Martin
Diggers Tribute 2016
SAVING LIVES
Too many of our soldiers are taking their own lives. Too many are suffering every day because of the emotional wounds carried home from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. And too many families are suffering because of their PTSD. We need to do more to help our veterans and their families.� John Bale, Soldier On CEO
Soldier On has adopted Australia in the Great War Bears as a symbol of remembrance and a promise of help. Profits from bears purchased
sharing history
through Diggers Tribute will go directly to Soldier On.
Buy your Soldier On Diggers Tribute Bear at www.AustraliaGreatWar.com.au/dt Military Shop’s AGW campaign raised $250,000 for Soldier On in 2015