Year in Review 2019-20 - Bravery Trust
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Year in Review 2019-20
Who We Are Contents
Bravery Trust is a national military charity that provides financial aid, financial counselling, Who We Are 2
and education support to injured veterans and their families who are in financial hardship.
Message from our Chairman 4
Message from the CEO 8
Mission Values
Our Impact 10
Bravery Trust changes lives by ensuring To offer hope and dignity through
veterans and their families do not suffer professional and empathetic action, to Financial Assistance 11
as a consequence of their service and are enable beneficiaries to move forward with Financial Counselling 11
provided with immediate support and their everyday lives. To work together and Education 11
assistance in their time of need. establish collaborative relationships with
government, stakeholders, ESOs and the Who is a Veteran? 12
wider community.
Veterans and Their Families
in Emergencies & Crises 13
eterans and their Families in
V
Emergencies & Crises 13
Beneficiary payments 14
Healthy Finances 16
Veteran Financial Counselling 16
What we are doing 16
How it works 16
A Lifetime of Learning 17
Anzac Centenary Fund 17
Looking Forward 18
Q & A with incoming Chairman,
Garth Callender 19
Brave Stories 21
Allison 21
Will & Naomi 22
Community & Engagement 23
Thank You 24
Bravery Trust
2 Year in Review, 2019-20
Message from our
trained to also provide financial guidance. Low interest rates have impacted on the
Trust’s income from investments. Last year,
The jewel in the crown of Bravery Trust
after careful consideration, the Finance
Chairman
is Tracy, the Manager of the Beneficiary
Committee asked the Board to approve
Services Team. By providing urgent
the appointment of JB Were to manage
assistance with a thoughtful and caring
part of the Trust’s reserve funds with
manner, the Beneficiary Services Team
investments that would achieve a higher
help to ease financial pressures that can
rate of return than bank interest. While
lead to other trauma such as possible
there was a setback with the downturn in
Our Changing as awareness of the Trust’s work grew, so suicide, violence and mental health
economic activity and equity markets in
did the tempo of the work. The Trust has issues. Their courteous, discreet advice
World the early days of COVID19, I am pleased
scaled up its operations accordingly. In this helps families and individuals who are
that there has been a significant recovery
To say that this financial year $1.1 million in financial aid, at breaking point because of financial
in our investment, which is expected to
has been a paid over 1,400 bills and provided financial pressures. They put in long days and can
achieve significantly higher rates of return
difficult year is an relief to 664 veterans and families. turn around most requests for assistance
and growth in the years ahead.
understatement within 24 hours, often less for urgent cases.
We received 2,115 calls for assistance
– it is one of the Their dedication to the veteran community Fundraising Campaign
most trouble- from veterans and families in need in is exceptional and I cannot praise them
filled years in the last quarter, an increase of 33.4% highly enough for the outstanding results Despite the challenging times, Bravery
living memory. over the previous quarter. The most they achieve. Trust is about to launch a major fundraising
There have been prevalent needs of beneficiaries were initiative, which has been months in the
bushfires, floods, cyber-attacks, escalating for rent, vehicle maintenance and utility Finance planning and carefully monitored by the
international tensions leading to threats of costs. The beneficiaries team has in Board. A detailed feasibility study was
recent times aided veterans whose family The Trust is in a very sound financial
war and the COVID-19 virus. completed by the experienced fundraising
members have been severely impacted position, thanks in no small way to excellent
firm, Dalton Garland Blanchard (DGB),
Within the veteran community, Bravery by COVID19, through loss of employment oversight by our Finance Committee,
involving interviews with several prominent
Trust has stood firm and has continued or hibernation of their businesses. capably chaired by Vicky Carlson and her
Australians, including Defence and
to provide timely advice and support to Importantly, 20% of requests for assistance dedicated group of volunteer committee
business leaders. We thank all those
veterans and their families at a time when involved some form of family violence or members. The standard of reporting
involved in our feasibility study for their
they face financial difficulties caused by the a pronounced increase in mental health to the Board is very high, backed up
expert advice.
economic and social realities of our time. issues. by comprehensive monthly dashboard
Many who were faring well a year ago reports lead by Sabrina and Freddie of our Our Support Base
are now struggling because of changed In recent months Bravery Trust has Corporate Services Team. In anticipation
commenced a financial counselling of a heavy demand on our finances the I am very thankful for the input we
economic circumstances: business closures,
program to assist veterans and families past financial year, the Trust had budgeted received from our outstanding support
job losses and diminution of savings.
who are experiencing financial stress. for a deficit of $510,000 but finished the base during the year. We welcomed His
Government and other help are available,
This program has had an immediate year with a modest surplus of $79,000. Excellency General the Honourable David
but sometimes there is a delay, or veterans
impact. We are indebted to Major General This was due to an increase in the level of John Hurley AC DSC (Retd), as our new
need a hand to navigate various systems.
Natasha Fox AM, Head People Capability fundraising during the year and keeping Patron in Chief. His predecessor, General
Bravery Trust is on hand to help with
Defence People Group at the Department expenses $200,000 below budget. We are Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, CVO, MC, has
urgent assistance, to meet basic costs for
of Defence and Air Commodore Robert greatly indebted to Coles for their ongoing agreed to continue to support Bravery
rent, utilities, health expenses and food and
Brown AM, Chair of the ADF Financial commitment to Bravery Trust which this Trust as an Ambassador. The Trust has
fuel vouchers.
Services Consumer Centre, for the faith year was in a fundraising campaign across an impressive list of service patrons; all
Support for Veterans and Families that they have shown in Bravery Trust all their Australian stores for the sale of previous Chiefs of Defence support us in
to deliver on this important service. As Coles Bakery branded cookies or biscuits this role. Our Ambassadors, Kevin Sheedy,
Since its inception in 2012 the Trust has paid an indication of its importance to our Justin Langer, Phillip Thompson and Dr.
in the lead up to Anzac Day. A total of
out $5.5 million in financial aid to 4,924 work, an additional financial counsellor Paul Alexander have been willing to lend
$232,000 was raised for the Trust; our
beneficiaries. In the early years, the level is about to be employed and several of their support as needed.
sincere thanks to all who were involved.
of financial support was quite modest, but the beneficiary services team are being
Bravery Trust
4 Year in Review, 2019-20
Message from our Chairman 5
I also thank the Minister for Veterans’ remarkable team who are the critical his appointment as Chairman and I know the encouragement of our patrons,
Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon first point of contact with beneficiaries. that he has the skills and is the right person ambassadors and sponsors, supported by
Darren Chester MP, and his staff and My sincere thanks to Tracy, Sarah, Penny, for the job. key government agencies, the Trust has
MAJGEN Natasha Fox AM CSC, Head of Kylie, Aida and Jillian for the care and come through some difficult times and
I would like to thank all directors for their
People Capability in Defence, as well as Liz compassion that they bring to their roles in has flourished. I know that it will ascend to
wise counsel and trust in me as Chairman
Cosson AM, CSC, Secretary Department support of veterans and families in crisis. new heights under the leadership of the
and I wish them and the Trust every
of Veterans Affairs, and Don Spinks AM, incoming Chairman Garth Callender and
the Repatriation Commissioner, for their The Board success in the future.
I wish everyone involved every success for
ongoing support. They have all shown a The Board has undergone considerable Some Final Words the future. The times ahead are uncertain,
very keen interest in the work of the Trust change in the past year following the but I leave knowing that our veterans and
and for that I am extremely grateful. It is with some sadness that I have decided families are in the safe hands of some
development of a skills matrix that identified
to step down from the role of Chairman. It amazing people who are responsible
Another critical component of our support critical skills and the need to achieve a
is never easy to say goodbye, particularly for the future direction this unique and
base are our sponsors, Leidos, Virgin better geographic spread of directors. The
to an organisation and to people who genuinely caring organisation.
Australia, Coles Group, Wilson Security mainstays of the board have been Jane
have been so much a part of my life in
and Omni Executive, who have been very McAloon, Vicky Carlson and Bob Cronin AM; I can proudly say that Bravery Trust is
undertaking such important work on behalf
generous in their support for Bravery Trust Bob retired earlier in the year. I would like to well placed to provide critical support to
of the veteran community. We have been
over many years. On behalf of the Trust acknowledge their outstanding efforts and current and future generations of veterans
through a lot together and while we have
and particularly the beneficiaries who you their courage, skill and integrity in dealing and families.
celebrated many achievements, we have
have assisted in their hour of need, a big with some critical issues that the Trust faced
also been through some challenging times.
thank you for your wonderful generosity. in that time. Bob joined the board shortly
after its inception and his experience and As the last of the inaugural directors, I
Our People clarity of thought in difficult times was can clearly recall the first Board meeting
invaluable. Jane and Vicky have also been of the then Legacy Services Trust in Perth
The staff of Bravery Trust are
remarkable contributors and I am indebted in April 2012 and the sense around the
extraordinary people who do a
to them for the enormous amount of time boardroom table of
remarkable job in their respective roles Peter Fitzpatrick AO, AM (Mil), JP
that they have contributed to the Trust and the immensity of the
of caring for beneficiaries and in the
for their unwavering support and friendship task in front of us. We
administration of the affairs of the Trust.
over the years. were a Perth based
The arrival of Belinda Wilson as CEO
organisation with
was a catalyst for the positive change of Cheryl Cartwright next joined the
seven Perth based
energy within the Trust. Her enthusiasm, Board and brought with her a depth
directors and we
capacity for hard work, strong leadership of understanding of the workings of
faced the daunting
and her intuitive sense for bringing government and impeccable media
task of establishing
out the best in her team have been skills. In more recent times, the Board
a credible national
inspirational. I am deeply indebted to has been joined by the highly skilled and
organisation to
her for her support of me as Chairman well-known Garth Callender. And more
offer immediate
and I am sure I speak on behalf of all recently, Brett Dowsing, Simon Matthews
financial support
directors and the staff in acknowledging and Steve Patrick have brought with them
to vulnerable
the amazing transformation that has a rich vein of experience and skill that will
veterans and
been achieved at the Trust in her time as serve the Trust well into the future. They
families.
CEO. Belinda has been ably supported have demonstrated clarity of thought and
by Sabrina Gao our highly efficient CFO, a capacity to understand contemporary Thanks to the
our hard-working Fundraising Manager, issues faced by the organisation. support of
Gwen O’Hanlon, and Freddie Yang who Importantly, they are also representative exceptional
takes on just about everything else behind of a generational change within the Trust directors,
the scenes. that is closer to the veterans and families dedicated
that we support. I congratulate Garth on staff and
In Camden, Tracy Attewell runs a
Bravery Trust
6 Year in Review, 2019-20
Current Chapter 7
Message
| Increased awareness and use of our assistance they may require. This is the
education fund, which provides financial same for referrals from Bravery Trust to
assistance for education opportunities, other services, working towards providing
from the CEO with applications being assessed on the
following strengths:
- education that
a more comprehensive support system
and case management approach for those
that are seeking assistance.
provides a pathway
to employment;
Bravery Trust, thanks for your support and
During this - a
new toll-free number,
- opportunities
extremely 1800 BRAVERY, making it free to
for primary
being there for me – please understand
challenging ask for financial assistance;
year we have
and secondary how much you have enabled my life
more accessible website, with all
- a school children to
witnessed
relevant information in one place, participate in school to change. I now am optimistic about
an increase
along with a quick eligibility check activities, purchasing tomorrow, where my life is leading and I
in veterans’
to reduce the “referral merry-go- of school uniforms
mental health
round” for the veteran; and and access to can adequately plan for my financial future
issues, with
necessary learning
85% of our - veteran connections through social
tools such as books, — Jane*
beneficiaries media, including financial tips, how
technology and *Name changed to protect identity
experiencing to ask for assistance and articles
stationery, ensuring
poor mental health, an increase of 10% from Bravery Trust beneficiaries on
that they are not left
from last year. We have seen other factors, why it is ok to ask for help – to break
behind their class Thank you to everyone who supports
such as domestic violence and inadequate the stigma and reach out before
mates; and Bravery Trust: our volunteers; partners;
financial literacy having also contributed to crisis hits.
the overall physical and financial wellbeing - items that aid veterans to be donors; Defence and veteran community;
of veterans and their families, with 37% | L aunching national veteran specific Ex-Service Organisation colleagues; our
employment-ready, helping to
reaching out within 5 years of transition. financial counselling in partnership with beneficiaries; and our dedicated staff. No
remove barriers to employment,
the ADF Financial Services Consumer matter what the next 12 months brings, I
such as industry or professional
Bravery Trust’s team (comprising volunteer Centre. know that we will work together for our
licence registration fees, vital
directors and committee members, staff Having expert advice within our team veterans. #BraveTogether
equipment (e.g. stethoscope for a
and volunteers) has created not only means that veterans and their families
nurse) or tools to connect (such as
a nurturing, inclusive and inquisitive can obtain financial counselling
internet access and laptops).
culture, but one that strives for continuous assistance; information; advocacy;
improvement. I am pleased to share some assistance with debt reduction such as | Strong pathway to providing a
of those improvements with you: negotiated debt payments and waivers; complementary service with other
budgeting; money plans; and education military and veteran support agencies,
| R
educing barriers for veterans and
tools. including having developed clear Belinda Wilson LLB, GAICD
family members to ask for help through
referral pathways into Bravery Trust
the development of tools to make it It is provided in the one trusted and
from Defence, rehabilitation consultants,
simpler to ask for help and to break independent place, without the need for
Department of Veterans’ Affairs,
down the stigma that can be attached to veterans to continually re-explain their
Open Arms and other Ex-Service
asking for assistance. This has included circumstances, and we have the shared
Organisations.
launching: goal of creating long-term financial
security – ensuring that they do not fall Having strong and working relationships
n interactive online application
- a
back into crisis. makes it easier for support services to
form, which can also easily be
reach out on behalf of veterans to ensure
printed and completed by someone
that they have access to any financial
on behalf of the veteran;
Bravery Trust
8 Year in Review, 2019-20
Message from the CEO 9
Our Impact Financial Assistance
Bravery Trust helps to change lives by ensuring that veterans and their
families do not suffer as a consequence of their service and are provided
with immediate financial support and assistance in a time of need.
Food vouchers helped 157 veteran families 45 veteran families
feed 270 veteran families received rental assistance were given a hand with
– keeping a roof over their relocation expenses –
head connecting them with their
support networks
Since we started in 2012, we have helped:
4,924 $5.53 Financial Counselling
veterans million
In 2020, we started a trial and piloted a veteran specific service
& their families
of urgent financial support
Helped 40 veterans with financial Saved $18,000 for veterans in waived and
counselling and budgeting reduced bills
A summary of Bravery Trust’s impact
figures for this year:
Education
664 $1.12
veterans million
& their families
of urgent financial support
106 children of veterans were assisted 24 veterans received financial assistance
with education costs including primary, for higher education certificates, vocational
secondary and tertiary education; camps; training, licencing, and resources to
and home learning materials during the prepare for job readiness
pandemic
Bravery Trust
10 Year in Review, 2019-20
Our Impact 11
Who is a Veteran? Veterans and their
Families in Emergencies
Veterans are ADF members and former members. Essentially a veteran is serving in the
Australian Defence Force, one who has served - whether or not they’ve been involved in
conflict, and reservists. A veteran might be a work colleague, a friend, a family member.
& Crises
70% of those we assist are
under the age of 50.
Gender: Age Group:
61% 74%
Our team provides a tailored solution for
each family seeking assistance and we
Overall, we:
30% | Assisted 664 veterans and their families
provide a range of financial support and
9%
18%
Male Female assistance. | Provided $1.12 million of urgent financial
82% 18%
20-30 30-50 50+ have
children support, which was 10% lower than the
are female, which is Financial circumstances can be complex,
previous year. We believe that federal
a very similar number to serving especially for those who have limited
women in the Defence Force. Service Type by Percentage: earning capacity due to an illness or injury.
and state government pandemic support
contributed positively towards the
It can be difficult to be financially financial security of veterans and their
Every year approximately
20% 69% 11% sustainable on a limited income, such as families. From April onwards this was
6,000
Navy Army Air Force
a pension, especially when life presents evident from the reduced requirement to
For Comparison: surprises, such as illness, a car breaking provide financial assistance, as is shown
members The total ADF workforce (including reserve members):
transition out of the Defence Force. down, an unexpected large heating bill, or on the graph on page 14
Navy Army Air Force
Most transition well and have success- ill children.
17,547 (21%) 48,249 (56%) 19,745 (23%) | Paid 1,500 individual bills
ful and varied post-service careers. By providing financial support, it means
The total ADF workforce was 85,541, as at 30 June 2019
10%
that the family can focus
on their wellness journey,
Around of transitions Injuries or Illnesses as a employment and their
are due to medical reasons, Result of Service: family, without financial
meaning that the choice to move pressures.
Physical Mental Mental &
on from the Defence Force is often Injuries Health Physical
sudden and regrettable (for both 15% 25% 60% Bravery Trust works with the
family to ensure that they
Defence and the member).
78% of those we assist are located on the eastern seaboard. are receiving appropriate
85%
and targeted support
from all sources, including
of those who Beneficiaries by State: government assistance.
reach out to us for support are QLD NSW VIC WA
experiencing mental health 264 155 78 66 66% of veterans who
concerns, although these are often we assisted during the
SA TAS NT ACT
pandemic were also put
combined with financial challenges. 63 15 13 9
in contact with available
This is a Bravery Trust assists ADF current and former members, government funding.
10% increase
from last year.
both nationally and internationally. Our largest requests for
assistance come from Queensland. This is unsurprising as
Queensland is home to the largest veteran population, with
Nev is an Australian veteran and
Bravery Trust beneficiary who we
Townsville being Australia’s biggest garrison city. helped to reconnect with his children.
Bravery Trust
12 Year in Review, 2019-20
Veterans and Their Families in Emergencies & Crises 13
Beneficiary Payments Rent & Bond
Rent and bond continues to be our largest area of assistance – helping 157 veterans and
Payments by Category Years of their families keep a roof over their head. Some examples of assistance include:
FY2019/20 Service | 1 2 families required | 1 1 due to family violence | 8
veterans whilst they
assistance due to sudden were waiting for incapacity
Rent/Bond 24.2% 270,284 1-2 | 2
0 homeless veterans
loss of employment payments from Department
Motor Vehicle Expenses 21.2% 237,786 3-4 who we were able to
5-6 of Veterans’ Affairs
Utility 9.2% 102,530 | 1 0 veterans fell in arrears assist with safe long-term
7-8 (DVA). This is a significant
Education & Programs 7.5% 83,453 9-10 whilst they focussed accommodation
reduction from past years
Removals 6.7% 75,242 11-12 on their mental health,
13-14 | 2
3 veterans with cash and DVA’s introduction
Other 4.4% 48,849 including being in hospital
15-16 flow difficulties and of interim payments has
Furniture & Appliances 4.4% 48,731 17-18 | 14
due to a breakdown of mounting debt improved the financial
Phone / Internet Bills 4.2% 47,456 19-20
their relationship security of many veterans
Food Voucher 4.0% 44,657 21-22
23-24
Household Maintenance 3.4% 38,287
25-26
Health 3.3% 36,865 27-28
Council Rate 2.9% 32,102 29-30
Motor Vehicles
Emergency Accom. 1.8% 19,652 31-32
33-35
Fuel Voucher 1.2% 13,300
36-42
Funeral Expenses 1.0% 10,793 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Interest on Mortgage 0.5% 5,262
Assistance with motor vehicle expenses increased from 11.6%
Travel (Flights, Taxi, etc) 0.3% 3,540
of our annual payments, placing it as the second largest Beneficiaries
expenditure. The vehicles that needed repairs were usually the
family’s sole mode of transport; necessary for school, work and
impacted
medical appointments; were in urgent need of general servicing by natural
Payments Year-on-Year and roadworthy compliance disasters and
FY2018/19/20
FY2018 FY2019 FY2020
pandemic
$200K
| Bushfires:
Relocation 52 veterans
$175K
$150K
| Floods:
$125K
28 veterans
$100K
Relocation - 45 veteran families were helped with
| P
andemic:
$75K relocation expenses:
37 veterans directly
$50K
impacted, financially
$25K
| 2
0 to be closer to family | 7
leaving urgently due to
and support networks, domestic violence
$0
especially to assist with
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun | 1 to secure more affordable
their wellness journey
& financially sustainable
Beneficiary payments fluctuate from month to month. This can be due to seasonal changes, such as higher winter bills;
specific events, such as post-Christmas bills; or other environmental factors, such as bushfires and floods. Identifying these | 10
change of life accommodation
trends over three years helps us plan for when additional assistance may be required. circumstances, including
| 7
required to relocate due
relationship breakdown
Bravery Trust to eviction notices
14 Year in Review, 2019-20
Our Beneficiaries 15
Healthy Finances A Lifetime of Learning
Veteran Financial Counselling How it works Anzac Centenary Fund
In February 2020 Bravery Trust, with the Individuals can contact Bravery Trust Through our Anzac Centenary Fund, we can assist veterans and their
support of the ADF, and in partnership directly, or through their advocate, support families with funding for education opportunities including career
with the ADF Financial Services Consumer worker or other supporting Ex-Service development for former serving members and their spouses; and schooling
Centre, commenced a trial for the provision Organisation, Defence or Department of costs for dependent children under 25 years old.
of tailored and integrated veteran financial Veterans’ Affairs.
counselling to address the needs of serving
We will have a confidential discussion with
and ex-serving members of the ADF across
the veteran about their financial situation,
Australia.
What we are doing
including possible short term and long-
term support mechanisms. For example, 10
Veterans
14
Veterans
106
Children of
there may be an urgency in paying rental
Financial Counselling, financial support Veterans
arears, to avoid eviction, with the long-
and financial literacy are all available in term solution of negotiating a rental
the one place and our team will work with reduction, putting in place a budget and
the individual to find a solution that suits looking at other debts to see if hardship Received financial Received financial Received financial
them. This may include: plans can be arranged. assistance for higher assistance to help assistance with school
education or vocational them prepare for fees; including school
| C
risis support payments to alleviate Financial counselling is not only about training. employment, such as uniforms, camps &
immediate financial pressure solving a financial situation – it is often industry or professional excursions and access to
about taking into account what is licence registration fees, necessary learning tools
| C
onfidential discussions regarding
happening in the veteran’s life – be that vital equipment (e.g. such as books, technology
finances
a change in family dynamics, mental stethoscope for a nurse) and stationery.
| D
eveloping money management plans health, financial stress, homelessness, or tools to connect (such
illness, domestic violence or disability – and as internet access and
| H
elping to break the debt cycle with working within their capabilities at that time. laptops)
tips, tools and advocacy
| A
ssisting with
repayment plans
| N
egotiating with
creditors for a
better outcome Helped 40 veterans with
| F
inancial literacy financial counselling
guidance
and budgeting
A veteran’s son
who has autism,
Saved $18,000 in waived received an iPad from
and reduced bills Bravery Trust to assist
in his learning therapy.
Bravery Trust
16 Year in Review, 2019-20
A Lifetime of Learning 17
Looking Forward Q & A with incoming
Chairman, Garth
At the heart of Bravery Trust’s 2020 strategy, is our focus on supporting our injured veterans
and their families who need assistance in their time of need. Over the next 12 months we will
continue to evolve and focus on the following key strategic priorities:
Callender
Priority 1: Financial Support directly and securely. This new system will
help us to provide a more comprehensive Bravery Trust is delighted to welcome our passionate Ambassador Garth Callender, MBA,
Ensure ongoing and tailored support understanding of the need and impact of GAICD, as incoming Chairman, commencing 1 October 2020.
for serving members, veterans and the financial support landscape through We thought you might like to know a bit more about Garth:
their families, including any additional enhanced data analysis.
challenges that may arise throughout
the pandemic. We will look at ways to We will also be testing our cyber
security with an annual cyber audit, | Y
ou have an extensive military service and survived. Who better understood the
expand our existing services to include
demonstrating that we are serious about background, including in combat, environment my 110-person combat team
assisting those who are at risk of financial
protecting not only our data, but our intelligence, training and strategic was going into; who better understood the
hardship, including early intervention and
beneficiaries’ information. roles for more than 20 years, what does risks; who else had intimate experience
preventative measures, such as education
“service” mean to you? with the weapons being used against us;
and assistance, before the crisis occurs.
Priority 4: Community Engagement and who best understood what we needed
The concept of ‘service’ is what leads to know to survive and thrive in Baghdad?
Priority 2: Financial Counselling Building strong social connections both in many of us into the military, and it is often
Expand our veteran-specific financial the veteran community and in the public. what we seek in our careers afterwards. | E
very transition is unique, what advice
counselling trial as the demand for This will include a public engagement It is about playing a part that’s bigger would you give those going through
the service increases. This trial will be project celebrating the uniqueness of than your individual self. I believe it is an their own transition?
independently evaluated, with a Theory of transition and a virtual Veterans’ Health innate drive in us to make the world better
Change (TOC). This type of methodology Week event, highlighting the importance of in whatever way we can, big or small. Prepare, plan and get help with your
is used for planning, participation, and wellness and social connectivity. It is one of the reasons I am so excited transition – do not leave your career to
evaluation to promote social change and about taking up this new position – I can chance. Gain an understanding of the
developed to assist us in measuring success. continue to serve. industry you want to work in and try to
envisage where you see yourself in five
Priority 3: Technology | A
fter being badly injured in Baghdad, years. Get upskilled and educated if
and your mother making the Chief of needed, and use the resources available
Implement new technology including
the Army promise that you would not as part of your transition.
the rollout of our new customer service
manager software, making it easier go back into combat, what drove you to Most importantly, network! Reach out
for veterans as it will keep all relevant defy your mum’s orders? to people you know who have already
information in one place. For example, Occasionally in your life you come to transitioned. Ask for help and talk to
allowing veterans to upload their the realisation that, regardless of your them about their experiences and ask for
application and supporting documents personal circumstances, there is a time introductions to others who may assist you
and place to put your hand up. When in your journey. As veterans, we are on our
questioned as to why I volunteered to way to having the strongest alumni in the
return, my answer was always – I was the country – use it to find your career path
right person for the job. I had been to the and then become part of it to assist others
war-torn city before, seen it at its worst, do the same.
Bravery Trust
18 Year in Review, 2019-20
Current Chapter 19A Brave Story
| Y
ou have held numerous leadership are a constant in our lives. I find the ocean
roles, including establishing the NSW grounding and therapeutic, and surfing
Veterans Employment Program, which challenging and exhilarating. I encourage
throughout your time, employed over others to find what it is in life that always
500 veterans, what leadership qualities makes them smile.
are important to you?
our criteria to undertake further education
| W
hat advice have you received from
n
Emotional intelligence matched with
o
opportunities. I was so happy to hear from
s
Bravery Trust’s Chairman on the journey
professional competence. To be a good
leader you must be able to understand
yourself and empathically influence others,
all while having a solid understanding
you are about to embark on?
My handover with Peter Fitzpatrick has
felt like a board leadership masterclass.
All i Allison when she was able to secure a job
with a major operator in WA.”
Allison’s determination merely needed
of the role you, your team and your a contribution and engagement from
I have been very fortunate to have the
stakeholders play. The great part of this is Bravery Trust and she has now embarked
opportunity to learn from his wealth of
that these are the skills and attitudes the on a new career, rather than continuing to
experience. He has shown me that through Allison, a young Navy veteran, was
military builds and values in their leaders. feel a lack of belonging.
compassion and hard-work you can have medically discharged and lives with
an enduring effect on people’s lives. His ongoing complexities of her time in service.
| W
orking with Bravery Trust for the leadership has ensured so many veterans Her challenges include depression, anxiety
last few years, and as incoming in-need have received the support they and adjustment disorder.
Chairman, what are you excited about require. The broader effects of this can
When COVID-19 hit earlier
in 2020/2021? never be downplayed – he has helped “Thank you to the wonderful Bravery Trust
save lives. this year, Allison was
I am excited about being more involved forced to close her small team, they really care about helping you.
in the discussions around what it is to be He continues to be a role-model to all business that she ran from
a veteran, and the place veterans hold in veterans and an example to the broader home. This left her with a I have loved working in my new job and
Australian society. Working to shape how community of what a veteran can be. tremendous sense of loss there are some excellent opportunities here
veterans see themselves and working with From a military commander to a leader in – she wanted to continue
others to help develop solutions for those industry and the community – he remains to make her contribution for me to further develop my career. I have
who are at risk of slipping through the cracks. a pillar of society. to society. Allison reached
met some lovely people and I am excited for
out to us. She was keen to
| Y
ou are known instigate a career change what the future holds.”
to many in and to retrain as a truck
the Defence operator. — Allison*
and Veteran *Name changed to protect identity
Bravery Trust was able to
community – what
help support Allison’s vision
is something that
and paid for the various
we may not know
tickets and certificates required for Allison
about you?
to become qualified.
I grew up in
Beneficiaries Services Manager, Tracy
suburban Sydney,
Attewell says, “We were fortunate to
about 30km from
receive an Education grant from the
the nearest beach.
Department of Veteran Affairs in 2016, to
When I met my wife,
assist veterans and their families who meet
a Gold Coast girl,
she taught me how
to surf. Now the
ocean and surfing
Bravery Trust
20 Year in Review, 2019-20
A Brave Story 21A Brave Story Community Engagement
The counsellor has helped us develop a In the lead up to Anzac In August last
l
Wil mi& budget and a money management plan,
assisted in discussions with our creditors
and negotiated reduced payments or
debts. I am so grateful for the assistance,
Day, we partnered
with Coles to raise
money and support Aussie service men
year, Bravery
Trust, together
with Leidos Australia and the Australian
War Memorial, hosted an event to
o
and women who have an injury or illness
a
particularly the team who worked with me, commemorate Australian Military Nursing.
N
as a result of their service. In the five-day
they acknowledged my circumstances and
campaign, Coles
injuries and understood some of the issues
donated 50 cents
it can bring.”
from every Coles
Belinda Wilson, CEO says, “Many people Bakery branded
What is financial stress? Often, it starts with don’t know or understand what a financial cookies and biscuits
something small, a bill that is a little more counsellor does. Their work is different sold to Bravery
expensive than usual, an illness, a hike in from financial planners or budget workers; Trust.
school fees or a car that breaks down. And financial counsellors’ services are designed
in Will and Naomi’s case, that is exactly specifically for those who are experiencing Over $232,000 was
what happened. difficulty with their money, rather than raised and we would
those who are looking to build or protect like to thank Coles
Will is a 30-year old veteran who served and the Australian
existing wealth.
in the RAAF for eight community for their
years and was medically generous support on Anzac Day.
discharged after suffering “I am so grateful for the assistance, particularly
significant injuries and
being unable to work. the team who worked with me, they
Thank You
Naomi, his wife, has been
acknowledged my circumstances and injuries
the primary carer of
their young children and and understood some of the issues it can bring.”
receives no income. They
receive a pension, but after Thank you to our amazing staff, volunteers, our generous donors, supporters and
a few big bills came in all at once, Will and partners, all of whom make an incredible difference to our veteran community. Our
As we have seen, people can be affected
Naomi suddenly felt overwhelmed and donors and corporate partners are truly part of our team and with their support we can
by a myriad of unexpected life changes
anxious. continue to help veterans and their families take steps towards financial stability.
that can attribute to their financial stress,
such as job loss, natural disaster, mental
Will says, “The Bravery Trust team were
health, family violence or terminal illness.
quick to respond and really listened to our
I am thrilled that Bravery Trust can now
story. They helped to pay off a few of our
big utility bills and two weeks’ rent. It felt
offer financial counselling, as financial Industry Partner Corporate Partners
stress is very difficult, and we want to
like an enormous weight was immediately
ensure people get help sooner rather than
lifted from my shoulders. Bravery Trust
later. There are usually more options if
asked us if we’d like to meet with their
action is taken early.”
financial counsellor, which we’ve done.
Bravery Trust
22 Year in Review, 2019-20
Community & Engagement 23Support a Veteran
$20 provides phone recharge to
help stay connected
$75 provides fuel vouchers to help
attend medical appointments
$150 fills a fridge with fresh food
for a week
$500 pays for two months of utility
bills for a family
Support a veteran or family in need:
donate.braverytrust.org.au
1800 BRAVERY
(1800 272 837)
braverytrust.org.au
Melbourne office: Sydney office: Follow us on:
Level 18, 1 Nicholson St, PO Box 20, Camden,
East Melbourne VIC 3002 NSW 2570 instagram.com/bravery.trust
Bravery Trust is the Registered Business Name of The facebook.com/BraveryTrust
Australian Defence Force Assistance Trust.
ACN 162 078 168 | ABN: 13 735 747 821
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