Bravery Trust Ambassador Squadron Leader Adon Lumley is leading a group of Bravery Trust supporters taking on the Kokoda Trail this Anzac Day – standing in history to honour past heroes while raising funds to support contemporary veterans. The Kokoda Trail is one of the world’s most challenging treks, stretching 96km through rugged jungle, it marks the course of one of the most important campaigns for Australians in WWII.
Bravery Trust’s corporate partner, Wilson Security, will double all donations made on 24 April.
Help me support our veterans
I’m Squadron Leader Adon Lumley, and I’m taking on the adventure of a lifetime trekking the 96km Kokoda Trail this Anzac Day. I’ll be raising funds and awareness for Bravery Trust and the vital financial services they provide to current and ex-serving members of our Defence Force.
Since 2012, Bravery Trust has provided more than $8 million in direct financial assistance to veterans. They have a unique approach, combining this with a veteran specific financial counselling. Financial counsellors can advocate directly with creditors. The work they do is nothing short of life-changing for veterans in financial hardship, but the reality is that the demand for their services has grown significantly. In just the past year, there’s been a 50% increase in requests from veterans who are struggling to make ends meet.
I’ve seen first-hand the impact of this work. As a Bravery Trust Ambassador and a current serving officer posted to Space Command Australian Defence Force, I understand the challenges that many of our community members face after transition into civilian life. That’s why I’ve chosen to take on this physical challenge. The Kokoda Trail represents not only one of Australia’s most significant WWII campaigns, but it also symbolises the strength and resilience of the Anzac legacy, our veterans and our current Australian defence community.
Why I’m doing this
But it’s not just about the trek. It’s about making sure no veteran faces financial hardship alone.
In 2024, Bravery Trust received around 200 requests of support from veterans each month. Veterans like Darrell, who after his 13 years of service, was diagnosed with a high-grade aggressive cancer, and needed radical urgent surgery in Sydney. Darrell and his wife Kristine were small business owners living in South Australia at the time and were forced to shut down their business and fly interstate for Darrell’s medical treatment.
It left Kristine and Darrell without an income, still needing to pay a mortgage, bills and business debts. Kristine also had to find accommodation in Sydney to support her husband through his cancer treatment.
Bravery Trust was able to step in and cover urgent expenses for that period so Kristine could focus on her husband’s surgery and then, once they got home, continue running their business.
Kristine and Darrell’s story is one of many. When veterans are going through difficult times, they shouldn’t have to face them alone. We all share the responsibility to ensure that our mates are supported after they’ve given so much in service to this country.
I’m asking for your support to help Bravery Trust continue this life-changing work.
Every dollar counts and every veteran is unique
Each year, Bravery Trust needs $2 million to ensure they can continue to offer life-saving assistance to every Australian veteran leaving the military who face financial hardship. While some veterans make an easy transition to civilian life, many others face challenges. That’s where your support makes all the difference. Whether you’re able to donate $10, $100, or more, every bit counts.
By supporting my Kokoda Trail challenge, you are directly helping veterans who are in need.
Your donation to Bravery Trust can help provide
Urgent Essentials for Veterans in Crisis
Immediate, practical relief to veterans and their families facing financial challenges. With your support, Bravery Trust can assist with rent or bond payments, cover essential health costs, support vehicle repairs, or help with relocation expenses, ensuring security when it’s needed most.
Guidance Through Financial Hardship
Support veterans and their families with access to professional financial counselling, assistance that goes beyond a crisis. With your help, we can guide veterans through budgeting, managing debt, and building long-term financial resilience. It’s not just relief for today; it’s a path to stability for the future.
Empowering Veterans with Financial Education
Your support helps veterans build the skills they need to take control of their financial future. Through Bravery Trust’s tailored financial education programs, veterans gain practical knowledge in budgeting, saving, and managing money with confidence for years to come.
Every dollar you contribute ensures that Bravery Trust can continue offering these services. It’s not just about providing immediate relief, it’s about creating lasting financial stability and a better future for those who have served.
Let’s do this together
The Kokoda Trail will be tough – but the veteran community is tougher. Every step I take on the Kokoda Trail is one step closer to ensuring that Bravery Trust can continue to help those who need it the most.
I’m honoured to be able to take on the Kokoda Trail and represent Bravery Trust. I look forward to supporting Bravery Trust to ensure that veterans like Darrell never have to struggle alone.
How you can help?
- Donate to my Kokoda Trail challenge online. Bravery Trust’s corporate partner Wilson Security will match all donations made on 24 April – your money can be doubled!
- Spread the word by sharing my fundraising page with your networks.
- Consider corporate sponsorship or other forms of support to assist Bravery Trust in their mission.
Wilson Security is doubling all donations!
Your donation can be worth double!! Bravery Trust Corporate Partner Wilson Security will match all donations made on 24 April to a maximum donation of $30,000.
Please give generously – knowing every dollar you give is worth $2 to our veterans.
Together, we can make sure veterans never face financial hardship alone. Thank you for standing with me as we continue our work to support our veteran community.
