OUR SHORT STORY

Less than 2 years young at the start of 2018, with many challenges met, and now gaining real traction, slowly but surely.

Gerry Garard a National Service 2nd Lieutenant, Vietnam Veteran, who spent most of his working life in corporate management, and his dual Olympic Gold Medallist and Taxation Consultant wife Renita, decided that they wished to do voluntary work in the demographic of mental health sufferers (particularly PTSD) who were suffering and struggling as a result of their service to our great Nation.

2nd Half 2016 saw

The establishment of a not-for-profit, unlisted public company.
The successful application for deductible gift recipient status and charity status with the ATO and ACNC.
The bringing together of a Board of Directors consisting of highly respected, competent, and relevant (to the cause) persons.
Much research, relationship building and strategic planning.

2017 saw

The formation of a Guest Health and Welfare Committee made up of eminent professionals who developed a world-best-practice, 12 day, live-in rehabilitation program named “Triumph over Trauma”.
A significant fundraising program commenced, including the first three “Shambolic Golfaholic” Charity Golf Days, the Inaugural “Pedals ‘n Medals” fundraising Bike Ride, and our first series of “Mabel’s Tables”.
A search was commenced for a suitable parcel of rural land, preferably as a gift to the Foundation, and on which to establish “Camp Courage”.
Continued research, and relationship building.
The Board decision to broaden the Foundation’s focus to include first responders in addition to military personnel, as those people it aims to help.

2018 so far, has seen

A generous benefactor purchase a magnificent tract of rural land in the Scenic Rim Region of South-East Queensland for the specific purpose of hiving off 32 acres and gifting it to the Foundation for the purpose of building its "Camp Courage" Retreat.
The employment of a part-time Head of Fundraising and Sponsorship.
The employment of a part-time Psychologist who will oversee the finalisation and delivery of the "Triumph over Trauma" pilot Program including the measurement of outcomes, and the commencement of development of an additional two types of programs.
Fundraising, donations and sponsorships gain traction.
Much dialogue with HQ 7th Brigade ADF, the Dept of Veteran Affairs, RSL (Qld), the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, in the genuine hope that collaborative arrangements will ensue.