Current and ex-serving personnel are uniting with the broader community to build pride and gratitude for all who serve our country and remove any stigma associated with seeking help.
Registrations have opened for Bravery Trek, a five week physical challenge, as a unified symbol of support for all who serve in the Australian Defence Force, and especially highlighting our shared commitment to those who sustain illness or injury as a result of service.
Bravery Trek is an annual event by national military charity, Bravery Trust, aligned to Veterans’ Health Week.
It is a virtual challenge, meaning participants can trek anywhere, any way – all participants help raise awareness about the financial support available to veterans and their families.
“Bravery Trek unites community groups, workplace engagement programs and corporate sponsors providing an opportunity to say thank you to those who serve our country and raise awareness of the ways we can support our veterans,” said Bravery Trust CEO Garth Callender.
“We receive incredible support from within the ADF – and we are seeing growing numbers who have never served or worked in Defence signing up for the Trek to show their support by raising funds and awareness.”
Bravery Trek raises funds to provide a financial safety net for veterans and their families faced with hardship, and for longer term financial counselling to rebuild lives.
“Finances have long been a hard conversation to start,” said Mr Callender.
“Veterans are by nature proud people, who can find it hard to ask for help when needed.
“Getting people together and raising awareness through Bravery Trek, is a way we can initiate and normalise some of those hard conversations and encourage people to reach out for help as soon as their financial circumstances change.
“We know there is an intrinsic link between financial hardship and suicide, and through financial counselling and financial support, we can help to save lives.”
Leidos will again be the major sponsor of Bravery Trek, supported by Wilson Security, Birdon, Defence Bank and Brooks.
This year is the fifth year of Bravery Trek and celebrates the five domains of Defence over five weeks from 8 September to 12 October. Participants will be rewarded with virtual achievement badges as they complete either 10km or 50km each week.
Registration is free at www.braverytrek.com.au with a complimentary T-shirt for those who raise $55 before 24 August; and a bespoke Bravery Trek Challenge Coin for participants who raise $150 during the five weeks of Bravery Trek.
