TREK2HEALTH and LIONS
Bruce Barker, CEO of Trek2Health, was the guest speaker at Ashgrove/The Gap Lions Club Partners and Friends Dinner in May. Bruce outlined his work career, which involved significant periods of time working in travel and tourism over many years, in different contexts, and situations, including leadership roles in large hotels, resorts and airlines. This career was the foundation for Bruce’s current role as CEO and Operations Director of Trek2Health. It was through his work-life that Bruce became involved in adventure tourism and fund-raising for not-for-profit organisations. While trekking The Kokoda Trail, Bruce became aware of how sustained physical effort, while surrounded by the beauty of the natural environment, can have significant positive outcomes for mental health of individuals, particularly p e o p l e s u ff e r i n g f r o m depression and anxiety. This revelation became the catalyst for establishing Trek2Health and Bruce’s motivation to support those who have made sacrifices in their line of duty, namely first responders, emergency workers, military personnel and veterans. Bruce has been working on establishing this not-for profit charitable organisation for the last 3 years. Trek2Health now has headquarters, being the Trek House, located on Waterworks Rd near Enoggera Reservoir. The Trek House has been restored from a state of disrepair to a clean and welcoming base with reception area, offices, medical room and communication facilities. The renovation of the Trek House was achieved through support of local businesses,
Lion Peter Cooper; Bruce Barker CEO Trek2Health; Lions President Susie Green
which donated materials; and voluntary labour from off-duty army personnel from Enoggera Barracks. Trek2Health offers a range of treks to develop “Resilience via Earth” and “Strength via Community”. An exciting new initiative in progress is a Memorandum of Understanding, due to be signed in coming weeks, with Australian Catholic University, to provide advice and research support in studying the effect of trekking in nature on mental health and well-being. Trek2Health also offers charity treks around the Reservoir for businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Thes e are fund-rai s i ng activities so that first responders and emergency workers can participate in treks without charge. A recent trek open to the public, left ANZAC Square at midnight, 24 April. The trekkers walked 20 kilometres through the night, over Mt Coot-tha and arrived at The ANZAC Memorial in Walton Bridge Park for the ANZAC
The Western Echo June 2021 Page 14
Day Dawn Service. It was indeed a moving and memorable sight, when over 50 trekkers arrived in the cold light of dawn, 2 by 2, lit by their torches and the dim rays of the rising sun, with the dark outline of Mt Coot-tha as a back-drop. Significant funds were raised to support the work of Trek2Health by this event. Ashgrove/The Gap Lions
Club and Trek2Health share the values of community service and caring for those in need. The Club is proud to partner with Bruce, his staff and the Board of Trek2Health in providing programs to support those in our community who have supported us. Details of treks can be found on the Trek2Health website: trek2health.org.au
Quote of the Day Winning doesn't always mean being first. Winning means you're doing better than you've done before. - Bonnie Blair website: http://www.westernecho.com.au
