Current and ex-serving personnel joined forces with the broader community at 6am today to kick off this year’s Bravery Trek at Marvel Stadium.
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.
LTGEN Natasha Fox, Chief of Personnel, joined with politicians and Bravery Trust Ambassadors to run laps of Marvel Stadium as part of an opening ceremony for Bravery Trek.
The Trek is a distance challenge, meaning participants can trek anywhere, any way. Joining Bravery Trek is as simple choosing a target of 10km or 50km each week for 5 weeks and joining the online Trek community to share your progress and promote the amazing people who serve and have served our nation.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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 and Birdon 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
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 and for participants who raise $150 in the five weeks of Bravery Trek will receive a bespoke Bravery Trek Challenge Coin.
