Year in review 2017

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Year in Review

hen the playing of the bugle sent a shiver down my spine When I felt a sense of duty and stepped up to join the line A song was sung, my heart was young, the ship it sailed away When my mother stood there crying and I had no words to say When I wore my country’s coat of arms to pledge a solemn vow I didn’t think they’d honour me a hundred years from now When I landed in an ambush on that distant foreign shore When I saw the bullets flying and I heard the cannon roar I turned my head, my friend lay dead, it happened so damn fast When I made it through the mayhem of that terrifying blast When I managed to survive that day...still I don’t know how I didn’t think they'd tell the tale a hundred years from now

One Hundred yea rs fro m now

by Rupert McCall OAM, Mates4Mates Ambassador

When the battle raged forever and adversity was rife When the courage and the sacrifice were daily facts of life As darkness fell, it seemed like hell, but mateship got us through When nothing else made any sense…that’s the flag we flew When thoughts of home revived my strength and wiped my bloody brow I didn’t think they’d call me ‘brave’ a hundred years from now When I felt a chill that morning – when my heart beat like a drum When the captain gave his orders and I knew the time had come No glory there, just pure despair, my best is what I gave When they wrote ‘lest we forget’ upon the headstone of my grave When, beside my cross, the children of the future stop to bow My spirit will remain alive a hundred years from now When the playing of the bugle sends a shiver down your spine When you realise that your qualities are just the same as mine From dreamtime land to coastal sand, the city to the sprawl When the essence of my legacy unites Australians all When Anzac legend shines a light on all who make that vow

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With pride, the world will know their name a hundred years from now

Message From Our Chairman Our Board of Directors

7 10

Corporate Partners Our Services

16 20

Our Family Recovery Centres Our Ambassadors & supporters

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Contents 4 5

Message from

2211 Registered Mates

Our Chairman

Rick Ralph

Two Thousand and Seventeen was a big year for

The success of these additional programs saw an increase in the number

Mates4Mates. We welcomed new faces into the team,

of Mates and family members joining up throughout the year, as well as

farewelled others, and worked collectively, across the country, to ensure our Centres, and the services

With no ongoing government funding, we also thank the

our regular Mates keeping up their engagement and getting involved in new activities.

provided, were of the highest quality.

We ran 12 Rehabilitation Adventure Challenges and 10 Equine Therapy

We set out the year with the goal to grow and improve, and that’s exactly

our annual Kokoda Trek to kayaking in the Whitsundays, as well as our

what we did. We continued to broaden our delivery of services, particularly

popular Snowy Mountain Horse Trek.

to regional hubs, with our Tasmanian team launching their outreach programs in Burnie, Longford and Sheffield with everything from personal

Courses which were attended by 193 people. The programs ranged from

Looking to the future, the Board’s key priority for 2018 remains developing

training (PT) session to coffee catch ups available for Mates.

in partnership with RSL (Queensland Branch) our organisation’s long term

Foundation Member, RSL

Our staff in Brisbane focussed on introducing alternative activities and

Queensland. RSL Queensland

our expansion of services. I look forward to sharing these plans with you,

increasing our family engagement. The team successfully added art

have been involved in supporting

once they are finalised.

therapy, pilates, and writing workshops to the timetable and broadened

Mates4Mates since our doors

the regular school holiday activities and family BBQs.

generous support from our

opened in 2013.

strategic plan, as we transition to the next important phase of growth and

Sincerely

The growing Centre in Townsville prioritised social connection, in conjunction with physical and mental health, with the addition of group PT sessions, walking groups and trail riding, as well as continuing the successful Wellness Program run by the local Psychologists and Exercise physiologists (EP).

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439

Mates applied for Rehabilitaion Adventure Challenges

Rick Ralph

Barry Vains OAM (Deputy Chairman)

Miriam Dwyer

Scott Denner

Vannessa Patterson

Brigadier Tony Rawlins DSC

Don Roach AM (Outgoing Chair)

Peter Davies CBE (Outgoing Director)

Terry Meehan AM (Outgoing Director)

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Our Board of Directors

Rick Ralph (Chairman)

Message of Support From RSL Queensland In 2017, RSL Queensland entered its second century with

of this research will provide important insights that will

an even greater commitment to our Defence family. We

contribute to reducing the prevalence and severity of mental

currently provide support and assistance to thousands of

health issues faced by transitioning ADF personnel.

– from those who served in World War II to currently serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.

the number of health and wellness and family support programs

To remain flexible and agile in responding to the needs of our

off-road racing program and our new veteran surfing initiative.

Defence family, RSL Queensland expanded our scope to support them on a broader front than ever before.

that it provides. These include activities such as the RSL Raemus

But although RSL Queensland offers a wide range of services, sometimes contemporary veterans and their families need

Today our services range from assisting with Department of

more specialised support than we can provide. For us, the

Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims to funding vital research into

most important consideration is that veterans get the help they

Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and veteran mental health, from

need, so we work closely with a number of other organisations

easing the transition to civilian life to providing opportunities

that can provide specialist services.

for members of Queensland’s Defence family to connect with each other.

Mates4Mates is a powerful example of this. In 2013, RSL Queensland established Mates4Mates to provide support

RSL Queensland leads the nation in supporting research into

and assistance to wounded, injured and ill current and former

veterans’ mental health, investing more than $6.75 million into

service personnel. Over the past four years, Mates4Mates has

Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) studies to date.

grown to become a well respected organisation in its own right,

Last year, GMRF published the results of its ground breaking

and RSL Queensland is committed to continuing to support

three-year study into PTS.

Mates4Mates into the future.

A second research initiative into the issues and culture around

Stewart Cameron CSC

separating from the ADF is now well underway, and is already

State President, RSL Queensland

attracting local and global interest. We anticipate that the results

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In addition to vital welfare services, RSL Queensland has increased

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veterans with service histories spanning almost 80 years

The health of the Australian Defence “ Force is central to everything we do at

Garrison Health Services. We’re proud to partner with Mates4Mates as the national sponsor of the Trauma Sensitive Yoga Program and contribute to the ongoing wellbeing of ADF personnel and their families.”

2017 Partners

Euan Murdoch-Hollies, General Manager, Medibank Garrison Health Services

Mates4Mates is supported by a host of corporate partners that make the work we do every day possible. Without the financial and in-contra assistance provided, we couldn’t continue to deliver the progressive integrated services we offer. A special thank you to all our partners in 2017, for helping play a critical role in rebuilding the lives of our Mates and their families.

It’s imperative we engage with and support the “ communities we operate in. Mates4Mates is one of the most deserving not-for-profit organisations in the market.”

Jamie Wood, Brisbane Agency Sales Director, Australian Radio Network

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Corporate Partners

Media Partners

2851

Registered Mates and family members

4, 700 Psychology appointments

91%

8

88%

13, 000

Physical Rehabilita on & Wellbeing Service connec ons

25, 000+ Face-to-face contacts na onally

Mates and family members are sa sified with our Rehabilita on Adventure Challenges.

86%

Mates and family members would recommend Mates4Mates.

Mates and family members are sa sfied with our Physical Rehabilita on and Wellbeing Services.

87%

Mates and family members are sa sfied with our Psychological Services.

Our 80% 80%

Mates

Tri-service breakdown

Military Service Status

Tri-service breakdown

9% 9%

73%

Ex-serving

73%

Ex-serving

24%

11% 11%

Military Service Status

Current serving

85% Male

85% Male

15% Female

15% Female

24%

Current serving

3%

Reservists

3%

Reservists

The overall “ holistic effect of all

the services provided

by Mates4Mates has assisted me to have a feeling of normality again.�

1734 QLD Mates

1734 QLD Mates

267

TAS & VIC Mates

267

TAS & VIC Mates

150

NSW & ACT

Mates 150

NSW & ACT Mates

60

WA, NT & SA Mates WA, NT

60

& SA Mates

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Kevin Jacoby, Brisbane Mate.

Throughout the year the

As a very young organisation, many of the new initiatives developed and

organisation continued to grow

delivered in 2017 have been ‘foundational’ as we continue to lay a solid base in

and evolve to meet the needs of the current and ex-serving ADF

Last year saw the organisation diversify our funding streams as we registered

members, who have experienced

with the DVA and Medicare as a recognised Allied Health Provider for our

a service-related physical or psychological injury, and their

Our Ser vices

immediate families. Our three

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readiness for future growth.

Family Recovery Centres (FRCs) in Townsville, Brisbane and Hobart

Psychology and Exercise Physiology Services. This has been a smooth transition for all stakeholders involved and provides strong foundations upon which we can develop other partnership and funding opportunities into the future.

The concept of peer support is the foundation upon which Mates4Mates was built – veterans supporting veterans. Along with our veteran staffing model, Mates4Mates recognised the need to ensure we are providing opportunities for

delivered a range of holistic

some of our Mates to receive formalised training, skills and frameworks from

and integrated services to a

which to operate, to provide meaningful and purposeful peer support. A key

growing number of Mates and family members, with over 500 new Mates accessing services nationally in 2017.

initiative in 2017 was our peer treatment pilot program in Tasmania using the Skills Training in Affect & Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) Program. The STAIR Program provides veterans with skills to help manage the impact of trauma on emotional regulation and social/interpersonal functioning. This process has also allowed us to provide opportunities for veterans to receive a structured program of training and supervision, to support them to become STAIR peer facilitators. This model allows for the delivery of the program for veterans by veterans - in turn, increasing veterans’ access to care and support, particularly in regional and rural areas where services might be limited.

Physical Rehabilitation & Wellbeing Services

Equine Therapy Program

Our Physical Rehabilitation & Wellbeing Services are supported by Brett Taylor, Physical Rehabilitation Manager

At Mates4Mates, we take a holistic approach in assisting Mates

passion and commitment by those keen to test themselves, was

and their families to rebuild their lives, and for the Physical

outstanding and the comradery, put the team in good stead for

Rehabilitation team we provide this through a range of both

the trek in May 2017.

individual and group setting programs, delivered by four qualified professionals across the country.

We also worked to implement some pain programs throughout the year with great success. We ran a pilot Knee Pain Program

Our Equine Therapy Program isn’t about riding horses, it’s focused on assisting people living with PTS, anxiety, depression and other emotional challenges.

In 2017, we saw faces change in Brisbane and Hobart with

at the Brisbane FRC, before going on to develop a Back Pain

Equine Therapy is a unique program

Nolan Woo and Josh Miller bringing a wealth of experience in

Program, which was launched and implemented across all three

where the horses helps our Mates to

personal training and rehabilitation recovery to the team. We

FRCs. The uptake in numbers supports the theory that many

develop self-awareness and build trust

also finished the year with their certification in the Functional

Mates have similar injuries due to service.

and confidence. In 2017, courses for

Movement Screen (FMS), something we hope will allow us to better identify imbalances in mobility and in stability for our Mates.

The dedication from so many Mates and family members to get involved in physical and wellbeing activities this year has been impressive.

both Mates and Couples were held in Cairns, Canungra in SE QLD, the Hunter Valley in NSW and the Yarra Valley in VIC.

One of the highlights, was the two-day Kokoda selection and

More from 2017

Wellness Program

Walking Group

Hydrotherapy

Group PT

Strength Club

EPs and Psychologists collaborate to deliver Townsville’s six month Wellness Program.

The introduction of a weekly walking group within all three FRCs.

The introduction of hydrotherapy sessions at both the Townsville and Hobart FRCs.

Group PT continues in Brisbane and Townsville.

Strength Club was introduced at the Brisbane FRC.

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training day held in Brisbane and Mt Cooroora in March. The

Psychological Services

DVA & Medicare The registration of all Psychologists with DVA and Medicare enabling us to directly bill to these government bodies at no expense to the Mate.

Our Psychological Services are managed by Georgia Ash, Psychological Services Manager

Twenty Seventeen saw a number of exciting changes to the

Several group programs were delivered in 2017 including Art

Psychology Team. Mates4Mates said goodbye to Brisbane

Therapy, the STAIR Program, and a series of Wellness Education

Psychologists Heath and Caroline and welcomed Georgia

sessions covering topics such as happiness, stress management

(Psychological Services Manager) and Psychologists Clare and

and relaxation.

Chris in Brisbane, whilst Townsville and Hobart welcomed back Renee and Kylie from maternity leave.

Nine Equine Therapy Programs involving Psychologists were attended by Mates and Couples in 2017 in the Yarra Valley,

During the year Mates4Mates Psychologists and Counsellors

Cairns, Hunter Valley and Canungra. Analysis of these programs

delivered approx 4700 services to Mates and family members.

by the GMRF demonstrated that the programs assisted in the

Mates and family members received evidence-based treatments management of depression, anxiety, stress and PTS symptoms. including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

Rehabilitation Adventure Challenges including the Snowy

(EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance &

Mountains Horse Trek, Kokoda and Jubilee Sailing Trust voyage

Commitment Therapy (ACT) and child focussed interventions.

also involved the support of the Psychology team with Mates

These therapeutic interventions helped our Mates and family

and their family members receiving therapeutic gain.

members manage and improve their quality of life by learning new skills, reconnecting with their families and partners and establishing new ways of being in the world.

Education 12 professional development activities were attended to ensure best practice therapeutic interventions were being delivered.

The Psychology team looks forward to a very productive and exciting 2018 working with our Mates and family members to assist them in their journey of recovery.

Supervision

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The commencement of a consultant psychiatry supervision model also occurred in conjunction with our standard peer and clinical supervision model.

Employment & Education Support Services That’s why we continued our important partnerships with

is challenging and most veterans go through a period of

key providers including Ironside Recruitment and Churchill

adjustment during this time. Veterans can struggle with

Education through our Employment and Education Support

the loss of what military service provides - purpose, focus,

Services in 2017. Many of our Mates and family members

achievement, responsibility and a strong sense of belonging.

received various levels of vocational support through our

For many ex-service members, one of the biggest challenges

ongoing partnership with our employment service provider,

associated with the transition process is accessing, and

Ironside Recruitment. Support included resume development,

adjusting to, the civilian workforce. Navigating the civilian

career coaching and mentoring, and support into sustainable

training, education or job search process can prove

and meaningful full-time and part-time employment.

particularly overwhelming, and becoming familiar with civilian workplace practices can be even more challenging.

Our partnership with Churchill Education continued through the Scholarships4Mates and Scholarships4Partners Program.

We understand employment is a restorative psychological

Early 2017 saw eight Mates graduate with a Diploma in

process. Positive and meaningful employment experiences

Leadership & Management and eight partners of veterans

are linked to improved self-esteem, self-efficacy and high

commence the Diploma course. We also worked closely with

levels of personal empowerment – all of which have a

Onfit Training College to fund a group of Mates and family

positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. There is

members to access a Certificate IV in Allied Health to help

no substitute for what employment offers in the way of

them forge new career pathways.

structure, support and meaning.

The transition career workshop “ was brilliant! I appreciated the assistance of the workshop and what it had to offer as there was a lot I hadn’t even considered or had thought of until the workshop – it opened up a whole new avenue of choices for myself and my career”.

2017 Workshop Participant.

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We recognise the transition from military to civilian life

Rehabilitation Adventure Challenges Our Rehabilitation Adventure Challenges are designed to test our Mates both physically and psychologically – and

Kokoda Trek

2017 certainly did that. Here are some of the highlights!

Kokoda

Big Battlefield Bike Ride

Sea Kayak

Snowy Mountain Horse Trek

Aussie 10 Peaks

Once again, we sent 15 of our Mates

Learning more about Operation

Admittedly battling the sea in a kayak

Horses are a big part of

Horse riding wasn’t the only activity

and family members to trek the

Market Garden (World War II) was

isn’t for everybody, but our Mates

Mates4Mates, both as part of our

offered in the Snowy Mountains

Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

the focus for our Mates who joined

who paddled around Broughton

Equine Therapy Program and the

in 2017 – just ask our Mates and

This is one of our most popular

injured defence personnel from

Island in NSW or the Whitsunday

Snowy Mountain Horse Treks.

family members who trekked the 10

Rehabilitation Adventure Challenges,

the UK and France on the 2017 Big

Islands in North QLD might disagree.

but also one of the most demanding.

Battlefield Bike Ride (run by Help for

Hopefully they passed on some

The 12-week lead up physical fitness

Heroes, a UK-based Charity). Hearing

words of advice to our Mates who

training program is just the start…

the stories of the past being brought

are tackling our major sea kayaking

but you know what they say, train

to life by the Battlefield Guides, made challenge up the East Coast of

hard, trek easy.

the daily visits to the war cemeteries a truly humbling and emotional experience, not to mention listening to the Last Post being played while being surrounded by those who have fought for their counties, both past

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and present.

Tasmania in February 2018.

There were two Snowy Mountain Horse Riding Treks in 2017 – one for beginners and the other for more experienced riders. Our very experienced friends at Cochran’s Horse Treks taught our inexperienced riders how to ride and handle a horse and they gave a quick ‘soldiers five’ to those who said ‘it’s been a while’.

Regardless of the rider’s abilities, all participants enjoyed the beautiful countryside in the Snowy Mountains.

highest peaks in Australia! We had two Aussie 10 Peaks Treks this year – the snow added an extra challenge but the views from the top were amazing.

Social Connection Activities

Jubilee Sailing Trust

Dawson’s River Retreat

Tassie Adventure

We embarked on another sailing

Enjoying the remote wilderness is part

Tasmania is often described as

adventure with UK-based Charity,

of the experience of the Dawson’s

Australia’s playground – this was

the Jubilee Sailing Trust. The tall

River Retreat. Regardless of whether

confirmed by our Mates who went on

ship Tenacious has been specially

our Mates and family members were

the Tassie Adventure in December.

designed and built to enable

listening to the birds singing while

Even though our Mates were busy

everyone from wheelchair users and

paddling down the peaceful Dawson

trekking, kayaking and cycling their

amputees, to the fully able-bodied,

River, or watching for snakes while

way through Tassie, they still had a

to be involved in every aspect of ship

enjoying a walk through the bush,

few minutes to enjoy the spectacular

life, 24-hours a day, including setting

everybody rated the evenings sitting

views – well done everybody!

the sails, climbing aloft, helming,

around the campfire as the highlight.

navigating, night watches, preparing

Regular social BBQs, paddleboarding days, horse riding, coffee catch-ups, trips to museums and art galleries, day fishing trips and many others are all part of our social connection activities.

While some activities are adventurous and outdoors, some are simple and revolve around food – and who doesn’t love food! Food has a fantastic way of bringing people together and building natural relationships. Whether it be toasted gourmet sandwich days in chilly Hobart, pancake breakfasts in Brisbane, or BBQ breakfasts in Townsville – it’s about our Mates and their families coming together to connect, share experiences and support each other.

holiday programs, as we recognise the impact veteran issues

cleaning the ship. Our Mates and

can have on children of all ages. We saw a range of activities

family members on the Tenacious

occurring in the school holidays – everything from movie nights,

sailed from Brisbane to Sydney, rest along the way.

sausages at regular BBQs

Last year also saw us place more emphasis on our school

meals for crewmates and even

where luckily there was some time to

Cooked 6960

circus experiences, trips to family adventure parks, magic shows Aussie 10 Peaks

The Big Battlefield Bike Ride

and family BBQs with animal petting zoos, jumping castles and face painting.

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Jubilee Sailing Trust voyage

We understand how important it is to provide opportunities for our Mates and their families to feel connected and regain a sense of belonging and understanding. Across our FRCs and outreach locations, we offer various connection activities which create a space for natural informal social connections to take place.

Brisbane Brisbane FRC

Managed by Marc Diplock, South East Queensland Manager

Our Family Recovery Centres

In 2017 we saw some very exciting changes for the Brisbane FRC, which encompasses South East Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. We welcomed Marc Diplock down from North Queensland as the new Regional Manager, along with some changes to the team including new faces to the Psychological Services team, a new full-time Exercise Physiologist, a full-time Liaison Officer, and a replacement FRC Receptionist.

During the year our inducted Mates for the region increased to 1119 and 281 family members. The last half of the year brought a larger increase in the induction of current serving ADF personnel, and we expect to see this continue to grow as the team work closely with the local units and squadrons throughout 2018.

The FRC has also seen great support from the wider community with organisations like Mirvac and Queensland Teachers Union coming into the Centre and donating time, resources and equipment to see projects like the new Mates’ space and children’s play room completed. These projects have created a great area for Mates and children to use when visiting the Centre, and engage in social activities, such as the weekly mixed media arts program.

From all the team here, we say thank you for a wonderful year and great memories. The Mates, their families, and our staff, are what makes this place special and welcoming for all.

Hobart Hobart FRC

Managed by Stephen Knox, Tasmania Manager

Photo by: Chas Hughes

Our focus is to create a safe and secure space that supports

to more than 300 Mates, plus their family members, across

Mates and their families to make real social connections with

the West and Southern Australia region. As the demand

their peers. We encourage Mates to focus initially on building

continues to rise, we have been working hard over the past

good relationships with staff and fellow Mates. These strong

12 months to make sure we expanded organically into our key

relationships often allow Mates to feel confident to engage

hub of Tasmania.

with other services and programs we offer in terms of physical

Our expansion included over 80 new Mates, and extra family

rehabilitation and psychological support.

members being inducted. We started the year committed to

The number of Mates and family members visiting the Centre

changing our timetable, to better reflect the services Mates

has doubled in comparison to the numbers achieved at the

and family members had told us they wanted to see. This

same time last year. This increase reinforces our focus on social

change saw an increase in the attendance of social connection

connection as a foundation to entering our service, which is a

events throughout the year.

positive change for our community.

The team have worked hard to create an environment

In the past year, we have received more than 2000 separate

that embraces the title ‘Family Recovery Centre’, ensuring

contacts from veterans and their families living in Tasmania and

the Centre feels like a welcoming home environment. The

beyond, most seeking a supportive community or help with

changes to the Centre also reflected feedback from Mates

physical or psychological trauma.

about what they valued for the space.

I want veterans out there “ who are struggling to know

they are not alone... I want them to know walking in the door is the hardest part but it is absolutely worth it. I want them to know that we are all waiting, with open arms, to welcome them into the fold.”

Michaela Gilewicz, Hobart Mate and 2017 Australian Invictus Games team member.

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Since opening our doors in 2014, the Hobart FRC has grown

Townsville FRC

Managed by Denis Devantier, Central and North Queensland Manager

The Townsville FRC is based in one of the biggest Garrison

In prioritising this throughout the year, the Centre has seen an

cities in the country and delivers services to all our Mates and

increase to over 800 registered Mates as well as close to 300

family members across Central and North Queensland, and the

family members, in the form of partners, children and parents.

Northern Territory. The Centre’s focus at the commencement

This has naturally seen an increase in the use of our services,

of 2017, was to increase participation rates and local activity

across all five service streams and the expansion of a new gym

engagement. These events and activities have ranged from

and recreational space to facilitate demand.

social connection BBQs, to the introduction of walking groups, involvement in community forums and increased presence at ADF open days.

Mates and family members, and the trust they put in us to be there when they need us most. The genuine reward in seeing

As a team, we have focussed on four key points when

the impact a Psychologist visit, a cup of coffee or a game of

approaching activities and events, to achieve an increase in

wheelchair basketball, can make to somebody’s life, is the

participation:

reason we enjoy the work we do.

• The therapeutic benefit for our Mates • The opportunity to increase brand awareness • The level of community and staff engagement • The opportunity to fundraise for Mates4Mates

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We have immensely enjoyed the interactions in 2017 with

Photo by: Zak Simmonds, Townsville Bulletin

Townsville

NEED NEW IMAGE Credit: Townsville Bulletin, Mates4Mates heal the wounds Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I was in pain every day... “ I was screaming for help...

Mates4Mates saved my life and my sanity. I never got to the suicidal point and I never have been there yet but if it were not for Mates4Mates, I would have been there.”

Luke Ardill, Townsville Mate.

94% of frontline staff are proud to be part of the organisation.

Photo by: Luke Bowden, The Mercury

of executive management roles are held by women.

34 staff across 4 offices

Our Team

47%

Liaison 6 Volunteer Officers

of frontline staff are ex-serving.

Thank You Simon!

A big thank you to our outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Simon Sauer AM CSC for his two years of dedication to Mates4Mates. We wish you all the best for the future.

I have noticed the “ Mates are genuinely

interested in improving their health through heaps of different ways, which is great because it allows me to get creative and provide opportunities for Mates to learn how to better take care of their health.�

Joshua Miller, Exercise Physiologist / Liaison Officer Hobart FRC.

1 9 M a t e s 4 M a t e s Ye a r i n R e v i e w

75%

Throughout 2017 Mates4Mates were fortunate to work with a wide range of Ambassadors and community supporters that

Our Ambassadors & Supporters

helped contribute to our success.

Ambassador Dan Keighran VC

s mber r e m a d M an nd of ye A O Call our e rt Mc team at Redlich e p u lding mes dor R assa ictus Ga ed by Ho b m A t v 17 In n hos of 20 functio

Our Mates w

ith Wallabie Stephen Moo s player re

I feel so much at home hanging “ out with the veterans and people that understand what my dad went through. I feel really at home at Mates4Mates.”

Ambassador Tara

P itt

Tara Pitt, Mates4Mates Ambassador.

ate Riley ers and K d n u a S n o ide tt, Gord Phil L igge r Oceanw ay Bike R o f

I am involved with “ Mates4Mates because I know

Curtis McGrath OAM, Mates4Mates Ambassador.

2 1 M a t e s 4 M a t e s Ye a r i n R e v i e w

first hand how important it is to have support around you when you are trying to heal, whether it be physical or mental healing.” n AM and Ia O h t a r G s Curtis Mc w ell for 2017 A u r o d a s s a e Amb e far to.

AM at th re Toron Thorpe O ames team befo Invictus G

Dr Tr e Mars acy Smart A hal Com M mander Joint

A ir V ic

Health

oo od c o h r a e roth 4Mates B y ilitar ates st M y for M er a o ne la C ust oloo aise mo mpie M o C Gy The uts to r n o d

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2017 Community Supporters

it Contestants battled A ustralian Survivor 0 00 0, $1 er ov to help raise out on Family Feud for Mates4Mates The DadBod s group a w orkout w came for ith Mates

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h We Healt ’ s n t! tera g Ve the gran n i r u for ing d oard s to DVA b le d k P ad Than

Our w donat onderful v ions a o t the lunteers c 2017 o Gymp llecting ie Mu ster

ustralian Luke and Cameron from the A their ongoing support F irefighters Calendar show ing photoshoot. for us at their annual calendar

2 3 M a t e s 4 M a t e s Ye a r i n R e v i e w

oked e at th

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Fundraising & Donor Highlights

Chequ e pr coordin esentation w ator o f the a ith Drew e F Charit nnual QLD reeburn, y Golf A ppar Day el

Community fundraisers and donors are the life-blood of any charity. At Mates4Mates our fundraisers and donors are not only important in helping to raise needed funds, but also in raising awareness of the Mates4Mates brand. In 2017 we had some amazing fundraisers and donors! From a bake sale by the ADF Graduate Committee in Canberra, to a donation from the Port of Townsville Rotary Club, and even an ANZAC Day dawn service with Sydney BridgeClimb. We are grateful for the support from all our fundraisers and donors in 2017 and the following provides a snapshot of some wonderful moments throughout the year.

r and illmeiste the G r o v e kets at w ith Tr e team 50-50 raffle tic h t f o e Som e elling ebcke s e Broncos’ gam W e n a h n S Brisba

tion

up dona

Gro omiskey

C

Commemora tin Sydney Harb g ANZAC Day at the to our Bridge p of the fundraiser fo w ith a Dawn Service r Mates4M ates

Justin Bygrave presenting a cheque from the A ustralian F irefighters Calendar for $30,000!

t

A ustralian Military Bank rew ards program

Sunshine Coast men’s lunch fundraiser

2nd C reunio avalry Re gim n dinn er fun ent draise r

tric nds Dis la h ig H itzroy e neer F n tow ards th m io P L io RS t g a o r ra don rapy P e h T e Equin

ve you gicounts...

What

$15 $15

$15 can support a Mate's par cipa on in a Weekly Barbeque, where social connec ons Canfacilitate support a Mate’s participation a relaxed environment for talking one-on-one eachBarbeque other and the,chance in a W with eekly to learn from guest speakers.

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facilitating social connections and learning from guest speakers.

$512

$512

$1,989

$1989

one career coaching session

Sponsor a Mate to a end a five day intensive Equine Therapy Program which costs around $1,989. program horses to help Mates Sends aThis Mate on uses a five day intensive with condiÂ?ons like anxiety and depression to Equine Program. build trust,Therapy confidence and wellbeing.

focused on CV development, career pathways a nd interview training.

This program uses horses to help Mates cope with anxiety and depression.

$512 supports a Mate with one career coaching session focused on CV development, career pathways Supports a Mate with and interview training.

$68

$68

Help fund a trauma sensi ve yoga session for Mates in one of Helps fundCentres a our Family Recovery for just $68.

trauma sensitive yoga session for Mates.

In one of our Family Recovery Centres.