Current and ex-serving personnel have joined forces with the Defence community, launching Bravery Trek at Land Forces following an early morning run at Marvel Stadium in the Melbourne CBD.
Bravery Trek is an annual event hosted by national military charity Bravery Trust, providing opportunity for all Australians to make a real difference in the lives of veterans who face personal hardship.
Chief of Army, LTGEN Simon Stuart, led the official launch proceedings, in partnership with Defence industry and community leaders. LTGEN Natasha Fox joined with Bravery Trust Ambassadors to first official run of Bravery Trek.
Bravery Trek is a distance challenge, meaning participants can trek anywhere, any way. Joining Bravery Trek is as simple choosing a target of 50km or 250km and sharing your progress amongst family and friends to promote the amazing people who serve and have served our nation. The trek raises vital funds to support ADF personnel and their families when faced with hardship.
“Veterans are by nature proud people, who can find it hard to ask for help when needed, and finances have long been a hard conversation to start,” said Bravery Trust CEO Garth Callender.
“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 fitness and strong mental health, and through financial counselling and financial support, we can help to keep people strong.”
“It doesn’t matter how fast you run or walk, or if you ride or swim the distance – Bravery Trek is all about supporting the national effort to assist veterans in need, with an emphasis on community, empowerment, and well-being.
“We receive incredible support from within the ADF and extend our thanks to the Australian Army and Land Forces exhibitors for their support of Bravery Trek. We are also seeing growing numbers who have never served or worked in Defence signing up for the Trek to show their pride and gratitude for our serving community.”
Funds raised support the work of Bravery Trust, to provide a financial safety net for veterans and their families, and for longer term financial counselling to minimise the risk and impact of financial hardship for ADF veterans and their families.
Bravery Trek has become a showcase of the Veterans’ Health Week calendar, supported by Federal Government Ministers and politicians from both sides, Service Chiefs and most importantly the current and ex-serving community. Thanks to corporate sponsors Leidos, Defence Health, Wilson Security, Birdon and Brooks all funds raised can go directly to program delivery.
Registration is free at www.braverytrek.com.au If you are unable to join Bravery Trek, please make a donation and help provide veterans with the tailored support they need and deserve Donate • Bravery Trek
