Timor Awakening Podcast

Welcome back listeners,

Continuing with our chats from TA22, this week we speak with former Infantry soldier Sean Skelton.

Sean served in 1RAR and saw service in Kabul with Op Highroad (formerly Slipper), leaving Defence in 2017 after 5 years in the green.

He shares his insights on how to stay positive when navigating physical injuries in a combat unit, of which he had his fair share.

Having to face no shortage of mental battles post separation, Sean shares his surprising strategy of getting out of a funk.

He felt quite well supported during transition and in the years since, with some shout outs to some key organisations.

Vulnerability and practicing daily gratitude have been key steps in his road to recovery and post service life.

A great listen indeed.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Good day folks,

The team is nearing the end of it's tour to Timor Leste, with many a yarn to be shared in the coming weeks.

We are full steam ahead on our TA22 captured podcasts (Feb/Mar 2023, Gold Coast).

This week we chat to Luke Hilton, former Army medic and nurse, who served in Timor during INTERFET and UNTAET.

He has been out of the military for some time, and has had his fair share of success in life and business, as well as personal struggles.

His key message - everybody has a unique story that we should be invested in hearing, without judging a book by its cover. This was a lesson he learned after returning to Balibo with Timor Awakening, where he spent many months while on operations.

Cheers for a great chat Luke

Enjoy Listeners

VCA Team

Welcome back listeners,

We are picking up where we left off from the last episode, with the second part of the John White talk...

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John is with a Vietnam veteran and Australian Army Training Team Vietnam officer John White.

John was the commander on the ground during as the Battle of Ngok Tavak in Vietnam in 1968.

He talks through the events of the battle and talks in detail about the flow on effect that his time in Vietnam had on his physical and mental health, as well as the impact on his family. He wasn't diagnosed with PTSD until he was in his early 60s, and he had experienced no shortage of moral injury and social isolation over the decades since the war.

A very insightful talk indeed.

As mentioned, we will break John's talk into two Parts, this being the second.

Do yourself a favour and have a listen.

Enjoy

VCA Team

Welcome back listeners,

We are charging ahead with the TA22 content, this time with a Vietnam veteran and Australian Army Training Team Vietnam officer John White.

John was the commander on the ground during as the Battle of Ngok Tavak in Vietnam in 1968.

He talks through the events of the battle and talks in detail about the flow on effect that his time in Vietnam had on his physical and mental health, as well as the impact on his family.

He wasn't diagnosed with PTSD until he was in his early 60s, and he had experienced no shortage of moral injury and social isolation over the decades since the war.

A very insightful talk indeed.

We will break John's talk into two Parts, this being the first.

Do yourself a favour and have a listen.

Enjoy

VCA Team

Welcome back to the to our next iteration of podcasts.

With TA22 having recently wrapped up, we are going to start off with an update on recent VCA / TA activities, along with what's coming down the pipeline, with VCA President Gary Stone.

Gary takes us through the most recent key events, both domestically and abroad, along with what exciting programs are scheduled throughout 2023.

Recorded at the St Georges Holiday Suites in Cooloongtatta, at the conclusion of TA22.

Participant interviews to follow..

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Welcome back listeners, we are closing off our podcasts from the Veterans Retreat run late in 2022.

Last, but certainly not least, we are having a good chat with Ted Chitlam, a former Infantry Commanding Officer.

Ted went to Duntroon at the age of 16, in 1955 and had an illustrious 22-year career. Kicking off in Armoured Corps and soon transferring to Infantry, Ted served in 1RAR, 9RAR and 8/9 RAR, as well as numerous instructional, overseas and staff postings.

He served during the Malayan Emergency, and Vietnam in 1968 and become intimately involved in the veteran advocacy space. He was involved in the formation of the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations in 2009.

Ted refers to himself as a ‘so-called retiree’, Ted has done anything but put his feet up, and remains an active advocate between veterans and Government.

Fascinating listen Ted, cheers for the chat.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Welcome back listeners, we are back for our next podcast episode from the VCA Veterans Retreat. This time we are chatting with David Freeman, from Freeman’s Organic Farm.

Those who have done a Gold Coast based program will most likely have had the opportunity to visit David’s organic farm in Currumbin.

Following the recent passing of his father, who was a fighter pilot in WWII and highly decorated man, David finally resigned to coming on the program as a participant, to receive a much-needed respite.

After 28 year’s service in the Army and deployments to Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan as a Legal Officer, David has had his fair share of personal challenges, and has trouble slowing down. He shares some fascinating insights regarding the importance of per groups, getting back into hobbies and coming clean to yourself about current physical and mental health after years of non-stop work.

Having beaten cancer as a young 31 year-old, David is passionate about organic farming and the importance of providing nutrient dense fruit and vegetables for people, and showing folks how to grow their own.

A great chat indeed.

Cheers David.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Happy New Year listeners, welcome to 2023 and our next round of podcast interviews.

With the next Timor Awakening coming down the pipeline in Feb 2023, we have some additional interviews to share with you that were recorded during the Veterans Retreat from Oct/Nov 2022.

Next can off the rank is Adrian Humphries, a veteran of 15 years, most of which was spent in the Special Forces community.

Adrian joined in 2002 and after passing selection, joined 4RAR / 2 CDO REGT in 2005. He served in 7 deployments, including Solomon Island, Pakistan, Timor Leste and multiple SOTG rotations to Afghanistan.

For five years he was in the wilderness of medical challenges, both physical and mental, and has some great tips for other veterans regarding how to approach claims and the DVA process.

Adrian has a successful return to Timor as part of the Timor Awakening program, where he was able to get some closure that he was unaware was even needed.

Nowadays he is involved with some high profile film productions where his expertise is sought as a military advisor on set.

Great stories and insights, cheers Adrian for a great interview.

Welcome back listeners, we are edging closer to the end of 2022!

Today we have a chat with VCA’s own President, Gary Stone (version 4.0).

Gary has recently returned from a 2-month supervised sabbatical in an around his
property / acreage in the Gold Coast hinterlands.

He has returned a full rejuvenated man, the best he has felt in years.

The key elements of the sabbatical were disconnection from technology, journaling, personal reflection and being in nature.

Great insights that teach us all the importance of slowing down sometimes, to enjoy a well-earned break.

An the best is yet to come.

Cheers Gary and enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Welcome listeners,

This week we are chatting with Denis Bartrum, a career physician and surgeon who also has a long career in the Army Reserve.

He migrated to Australia from the UK with his parents in 1962 at the age of 10 and after school went on to study medicine at UQ, became a hospital doctor, and later emergency doctor working in Ipswich. He also had a stint with the Royal Flying Doctors.

Some funny and intriguing anecdotes from reserve exercises and time working as a doctor in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. Denis joined ARES in in Mackay in 1995, as part of 11 BASB.

No stranger to operation service, Denis was the RMO for 1JSU during Interfet, Jan 2000, looking after captured personnel. He also served as an Emergency Consultant in Iraq in 2004.

Great to have a veteran doctor in our midst, and cheers for the chat Denis.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Good morning listeners,

We are aiming go squeeze in as many valuable podcasts as we can before the year runs out and X-mas is here.

During the Veterans Retreat we grabbed Dr John Barletta for a brief interview, in between his many sessions.

John was the principal facilitator on the course, while the rest of us regular staff took a well earned rest in the cool seat.

John is a clinical psychologist with a back ground in education, academia and counselling.

No stranger to the veteran space, John participated in TA3 in Timo-Leste and has worked with a number of veterans including Michael and Gary Stone.

He also runs workshops in the corporate space, in the medical sphere and for entrepreneurs.

In the session John talks about veteran social network, the nuances of working with ex-Defence members and talks through some accessible and practical models such as R.A.I.S.E. for navigating post-traumatic growth and positive self care.

A great session, cheers John.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Hello listeners,

We are back with another podcast capture from the recent VCA Veteran's Retreat at St Georges on the Gold Coast (Oct/Nov 22).

For those who have attended one of our programs you will be well aware of the fantastic charity called Quilts of Valor.

This time we decided to give a little back and had Barbara and Bill Kenny from QOV stay with us for the program and have some R& R of their own.

We didn't stop that from grabbing an opportunity to sit down with them both and have them tell us a little about what QOV is and what the charity does for veterans.

The charity started following the helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2010 that claimed the lives of three Australian soldiers.

Kicking off in Victoria, the organisation has been operating through out the country and has delivered somewhere between 3500 - 4000 quilts to veterans as a gesture of gratitude. Barbara and Bill are based in Boonah, QLD and are active all over the state.

A great initiative that our participants and staff thoroughly appreciate.

Cheers to you both and QOV.

Enjoy listeners.

VCA Team

Welcome back listeners,

With the VCA Veterans Retreat all wrapped up a few weeks ago it's time for the final round of podcast interview for 2022!

And what a year that has flown by!

Our first interview is with an Australian Navy veteran couple - Katrina Wood and Justin Ansell.

Justin was Seamen Officer and Air Intercept Officer and served for nearly 7 years, with service all over the place, Timor-Leste in 1999, SE Asia, Phillipines, China, Korea and Japan. He served on patrol boats on illegal fishing operations and with HMAS Sydney.

Katrina was a logistic officer on HMAS Platypus and with a Clearance Diver team. She also served in Iraq in 2003 and well as in a whole host of other roles and responsibilities.

Insightful reflections all round from Navy service all round from the two.

Katrina also outlines some fantastic tertiary study opportunities for veterans with Australian Catholic University, where she is currently the National Manager of Direct Admissions.

The Veterans Entry Program sounds like a great initiative indeed.

Well worth a listen!

Cheers Katrina and Justin

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Hello listeners,

We have the last episode in the three part series with Beth McLaughlan, our relationship expert, who continues with more of a description of the various attachment styles, and how they impact all our relationships. If you are yet to hear an attachment style that sounds very much like you, stay tuned, you soon will!

This last episode also includes Q & A with some of the audience members, as well as some of Beth’s intriguing stories of working with clients over the course of her career.

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A three part series taken from the hour and a half session Beth ran at St Georges Holiday Suites on the Gold Coast during TA20 earlier this year.

One of the key messages from Beth is that we are in relationships all all types our how life, yet we have little or no training in how to manage them.

With a thorough understanding of attachment styles, we can not only understand ourselves better, but understand others - leading to more compassion.

An absolute must listen.

Cheers Beth for a great session.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Hello listeners,

We have the next episode in the three part series with Beth McLaughlan, our relationship expert, who continues with more of a description of the various attachment styles, and how they impact all our relationships.

If you are yet to hear an attachment style that sounds very much like you, stay tuned, you soon will!

----------

A three part series taken from the hour and a half session Beth ran at St Georges Holiday Suites on the Gold Coast during TA20 earlier this year.

One of the key messages from Beth is that we are in relationships all all types our how life, yet we have little or no training in how to manage them.

With a thorough understanding of attachment styles, we can not only understand ourselves better, but understand others - leading to more compassion.

An absolute must listen.

Cheers Beth for a great session.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Hello listeners,

Welcome back to a new round of podcasts.

We have a special treat for you over the next few weeks..

Beth McLaughlan, our relationship expert speaks about the various attachment styles, and how they impact all our relationships.

A three part series taken from the hour and a half session Beth ran at St Georges Holiday Suites on the Gold Coast during TA20 earlier this year.

One of the key messages from Beth is that we are in relationships all all types our how life, yet we have little or no training in how to manage them.

With a thorough understanding of attachment styles, we can not only understand ourselves better, but understand others - leading to more compassion.

An absolute must listen.

Cheers Beth for a great session.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

G’day again folks,

We are closing off the TA20 podcasts with another great chat with one of the peer mentees, Cindy Waugh.

Cindy is a current serving member and a new to service chaplain, with 2 CER. With her busy and demanding role, Cindy has had her fair share of personal fatigue from tending to other’s needs.

Returning to the Timor Awakening peer mentoring program, Cindy aimed to both refill her own bucket, and learn skills to take back to her role as a unit Madre, both aims of which were achieved over the course of the program.

A far north Queensland girl, she certainly found the ice bath a mission, but persevered!

Cheers for the chat Cindy and enjoy listeners

VCA Team

G’day again listeners,

Welcome back to another TA20 peer mentor podcast.

Today we have a quick chat with Dawn Uebergang, a previous TA participant and wife of Lee Uebergang.

Dawn is a veteran in her own right, having dedicated 15 years of her life to volunteer work in places such as Nairobi and Lao, where she combines her love of travel, natural medicine and commitment to projects that give back to communities.

Dawn’s husband Lee is also a keen community developer, whose passion involves bringing water supply to remote villages, with Timor Leste in his sights.

A fascinating story and a true commitment to those in need.

Cheers for the chat Dawn and enjoy listeners.

VCA Team

G'day listeners,

We are steaming ahead with more TA20 peer mentor program podcast interviews.

Next up we have Daniel McKenzie, a former UN nurse who served in Timor Leste and Afghanistan.

Dan has completed a TA as a participant and has come back to do mentor training.

Dan stresses the importance of empathy and willingness to listen when interacting with veterans.

Equally, he emphasises the importance of veterans taking ownership for their own improvement, with mentors helping them drive the solution.

Another great short listen.

Cheers Dan and enjoy listeners.

VCA Team

G'day listeners,

Welcome to our next podcast episode from TA20.

This time around we are chatting with Matt Wallace, who completed TA16 as a participant, and was kind enough to produce a video recording of the program which was made publicly available.

Matt shares his experiences learning the ropes of peer mentoring, and has a particularly special anecdote from his ice bath experience from TA20 ;)

Matt is a helicopter pilot by trade, and was in East Timor in 2001 flying choppers with the Australian Army. Nowadays he works for CASA with flight standards. He is keen to go back and show his daughters the country to pass on different perspectives. 

Our latest piecemeal chat with a 'mentee' from TA20.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

G'day Team,

Welcome back for our next podcast episode from TA20, which was a peer mentoring program on the Gold Coast.

Today we welcome back John White, who has already shared a number of insights in previous episodes and is back with us again to talk about peer mentoring.

John is largely drawn to contribute to the peer mentoring space as he knows all too many veterans of his generation who are not do ing so well and need help - the same goes for more contemporary veterans.

Sharing some great and hilarious anecdotes, John also looks through the lens of having been a business consultant in a former life and suggests some ways VCA could approach the peer mentoring arena, to be in it for the long game.

Thanks again John for your thoughts and insights.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Greetings Listeners,

Welcome back to the VCA / TA podcasts.

We are kicking off the podcasts from TA20 with VCA President Padre Gary Stone.

Gary talks about how the Timor Awakening program has been redefined allowing 'mentees' to learn how to become peer mentors.

He talks about how peer mentors can be the absolute exponential factor in veteran health space, given how much veterans will open up to other veterans.

The purpose of the Timor Awakening program is and always has been to change the paradigm of veteran health from the sickness model that focuses on the problem, to a growth model focusing on health.

One of the key points is how peer mentors can focus on triage or conducting a quick assessment for a veteran, before referring them on to a specialist where required.

Looking ahead, Gary also touches on that is in the pipeline for 2022 programs in the second half of the year, as well as what is coming up in 2023.

Cheers for the updates Gary

Enjoy 

VCA Team

Hi Team,

Welcome to our next podcast episode. (We have now completed all podcasts from the TA18 program, more to follow...)

Our last interview is with Greg Lloyd, who served a fives years in total back in the 80s, as both an armoured Corps reservist and later a Signaller in the regular Army.

After becoming disenchanted with the Army and feeling held back, he decided to leave in search of other avenues in life.

He disengaged from anything Defence related for nearly 40 years, no ANZAC Day, no veterans organisations or community groups.

Post Defence he fulfilled careers as a computer programmer and later high school teacher, teaching computer science and mathematics.

Upon realising he had more work to do on himself than previously admitted, he found his way back to the ESO community, where a whole need journey has now embarked..

An interesting story of life in Defence, transition, isolation and re-connection.

Cheers Lloyd

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Hello Team,

For those not already aware the program has returned from another successful trip to Timor.

On the home front we are ready for our next podcast interview, from TA18.

Today we chat with Ben Smith, a contemporary veteran who served as an engineer with a deployment to Afghanistan.

Having joined in 2009, he completed a number of postings including 2CER and 6ESR, finishing up in 17 Construction Squadron.

He navigated transition with a reasonable degree of success, however had his fair share of battes with PTSD and depression.

After completing a trade, he later decided he wanted some more meaning in his life, and joined Open Arms, to help out other veterans.

Ben has some key insights and tips for those still in the throes of transition, and looks forwards to integrated what he learned on Timor Awakening with his own stable of veterans with whom interacts and takes care of.

Cheers for a great chat Ben, and enjoy listeners.

VCA Team

G'day Team,

As the in-country Timor contingent continues their mission abroad, we are pleased to keep to release our next podcast interview.

Craig Small was a Cavalrymen with 2 Cav and 2/14th from the mid 90s through to 2000, and completed a Rifle Company Butterworth trip, amongst many other adventures.

With a career that was souring, he was suddenly diagnosed with a heart condition at the peak of his fitness, and was soon to be medically discharged, with no direction and minimal assistance.

Slowly able to reinvent himself in the machinery and equipment hire space, he had his fair share of challenges re-integrating back into the civilian world.

He even recently found out he had been entitled to DVA support for 20 years and didn't know about it! - all the more reason to be across what veterans have access to..

Some great tips on education opportunities for Defence members, through initiatives such as Defence TAFE.

WIth some realisations that more work was needed on himself, he made his way to Open Arms and Veterans Care Association and became involved in the veterans space.

Cheers for your story and insights Craig.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Team,

Welcome to our next podcast from TA18 - we are nearing the end of the podcasts captured from this program.

This time we gather yet another insightful perspective about life in Defence, operational service and adjusting after time away.

Kelly-Anne started her career in 97' as a reservist medical assistant in Mackay, while also working as a Jillaroo on massive acreage.

Multiple deployments, including to Banda Aceh following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which had a lasting effect on Kelly, and took some months to process.

Stepping up as a female SNCO in a combat engineer unit, Kelly also had to navigate leadership in a male dominated Corps.

A current serving member, Kelly is an instructor at Canungra, and after having done Timor Awakening, sees the benefit programs like it could have on members prior to separation.

Great insights and shares indeed.

Many thanks Kelly

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

G'day Team,

We are ready to kick off another podcast episode from the TA18 program.

Doing something a little different this time, we are doing our first interview with a non-Defence member, who served on operations.

Daniel McKenzie is a Nurse Practitioner who served under the UN in Timor Leste from 2007 - 2009 with the College of Surgeons, in Dili Hospital

And in 2010 - 2011 he also served in Afghanistan from an American base in Jalalabad.

No shortage of interesting stories shared by Daniel from those times, as well as how he adjusted back in Australia and currently manages personal health issues.

Interesting indeed to hear about military campaigns from the perspective of non-military folk.

Cheers Daniel for great shares.

Enjoy listeners

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

We hope everybody had an enjoyable ANZAC Day.

We are ready to kick off this week's Podcast Interview.

This week we chat with Joel Donkin, a Nursing Officer with an illustrious near-40 year career, whose done more operations than most have done Non-Techs.

Joel has been through some seriously tough times, losing his wife some years back, he learned how to get through each day, moment by moment and how to deal with regret.

A huge advocate for the Defence AARTS program, Joel learned to play the bass guitar, and soon wants to join a choir.

His key message is that we are not alone, and the importance of being humble enough to ask for help.

Many thanks for a great share Joel

Enjoy listeners.

VCA Team

G'day folks,

We hope everybody is gearing up for an exciting ANZAC Day on Monday.

Also, we are pleased to announce the release of the next TA18 podcast interview.

This week we chat with Alex Daly, former Armoured Corps soldier with multiple rotations to the Middle East under his belt.

Alex discusses his battle with anxiety both within the Defence Force and in the years that followed.

Seeking Psychiatric intervention and finding his own path through the haze for some years, Alex eventually found himself slipping back downhill again, at which point he started reaching out to the ex-serviceman space.

A successful businessman with a young family, Alex has some useful tips for those who are naturally driven but struggle to put the breaks on at times.

Cheers Alex, and enjoy listeners.

VCA Team

G'day, folks,

We are officially kicking off with our first 1:1 podcast interview from TA18.

Terri Wulff has bravely shared some of her darkest chapters in what was a tumultuous transition out of Defence, and a challenging time to follow.

This former cargo specialist and military dog handler has faced domestic violence, substance abuse and long term rehabilitation.

Having come out the other side of the long term program, she now mentors other women who are travelling a similar road.

Terri also talks about the damage of always wearing metaphorical masks, never being one's true authentic self.

Having now found a new purpose and a new code to live by, Terri is on a very positive trajectory and has many an experience to share.

A great listen all round.

Thank you Terri

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

We are officially kicking off the first of our podcast releases from TA18!

What better way to kick things off than with a recap of everybody's last group shares during the final circle time of the program..

Have a listen for some key takeaways from the program, and what folks have committed to doing moving forwards.

Many a gold nugget to be had.

Enjoy

VCA Team

Folks,

TA18 in happening currently and Gary Stone is keen to give you all a bit of an update on some key topics.

The Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide has been a big ticket item, which both Gary and Michael Stone were involved with.

Whilst the findings of the commission are yet to be finalised, Gary unpacks a bit of how it all went from his perspective.

Additionally he touches on the recent trip to Timor Leste which consisted of a small team of the VCA crew lead by Michael.

Finally he outlines what the year ahead involves, another big one indeed for VCA, Timor Awakening and out participants.

More interviews from TA18 to follow, as the participants enter their final couple of days in the program. 

Enjoy

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

Backing up last week's episode with another Throwback podcast, we will be recapping on some more of the key lessons that participants have shared at the conclusion of Timor Awakening programs. 

Condensed into a 30 minute episode you will find some serious head-scratch inducing and though provoking insights from people who have been in the trenches of life in Defence, transition to civilian life, trauma, PTSD and moral injury.

And with TA18 soon approaching, we look forward to more episodes from new participants coming down the pipeline.

Enjoy

VCA Team

Folks,

It's time for some revision...

We have started creating a short compilation of some of the key takeaways and ah hah moments that our participants have had during our Timor Awakening programs.

Combining six of our one-on-one podcasts episodes from TA14 - TA16 (with more to follow with upcoming episodes) into a short 30 mins episode, we are revitalising the hard earned lessons that we have perhaps lost sight of in the throes of life!

Going back over these insights sure was a pleasure for us and we know it will be the same for you.

Enjoy.

VCA Team

During our recent Annual General Meeting, we decided to use the opportunity to ask our participants to reflect on the Timor Awakening program. We were lucky enough to have participants from earlier programs, right through to the most recent TA16. So many great insights and throwbacks, and so humbling to see the growth in everybody. Cheers to all who shared and came along to the meeting. And for those unable to attend, the shares offered by the participant will provide a great snapshot of where the program is currently and where it is heading.

Cheers to all

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

With our last episode in the TA16 series, we have another chat with John White.

John was a young Captain in Vietnam in charge of a mercenary Chinese unit, along with a handful of US Marines.

Up against a huge North Vietnamese Army force he found himself in a fight to the death, resulting in large casualties on both sides.

Witty and entertaining as ever, John has managed to keep a sense of humour amongst all this.

Far from merely telling warries, John ties this all together with crucial insight on how he has navigated mental health challenges and moral injury for decades following his time on operations, which was largely spent with the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV).

''The most important step is admitting you have a problem.''

- John White

Enjoy

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

We are nearing the end of the TA16 podcasts, and this week we are joined by Michael Barany, a current serving Army Officer based on the Gold Coast.

Michael has served in three Corps over a long career, starting as a Pay Clerk, then MP (Investigator), and finally Transport Corps.

He served in Maritime Wing, HMAS Manoora, 3 BDE, HMAS Choules, amongst other postings.

He originally came on Timor Awakening to see how well the program might aid current serving members, prior to separation.

A realisation soon followed that he had been hiding, acting, and wearing a superman costume for years, and it was actually he who needed the help as much as anybody else. Years of being in leadership positions made it difficult to admit that help was needed.

Some raw and truthful shares indeed.

Many thanks Michael

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

In this week's podcast episode we are giving you something a bit different for the long weekend.

As many of you know, at the conclusion of each Timor Awakening program we do one final personal reflection on our biggest takeaway from the program - our 'Timor Awakening.'

This time (TA16) we passed around a mic and recorded everybody's share, and have put them all together in a compilation /podcast.

Inspirational stuff for those listening to it for the first time, and a great reminder to hear it all again for those who were there.

Enjoy and have a great long weekend.

VCA Team 

Ladies and Gents,

In our next podcast episode we chat with Matt Wallace, former Army Blackhawk pilot.

Matt started his journey in the late 80s, initially as a Tech storeman, and then heading to Duntroon in 89/90 to become pilot, before working in counter-terrorism and later deploying to Bougainville and East Timor, where he had a considerable near miss in Oucussi Province.

Separating in 2001 he then joined the Victoria Police Air Wing, becoming involved in a wide range of flight profiles. 

Mat tells us about how he found immense gratitude for his Defence career and is now using this to find meaning in giving back to the veteran community in his own way.

One of his key takeaways, we must get outside ourselves so we can see ourselves, especially after spending many years in one industry or fulfilling one roll.

Another great listen.

Thank you for the great shares Matt

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

This week we are chatting with Sean De Gelder, former infantryman and petroleum operator with a colourful background.

Heading to Timor-Leste as a teenager as part of Interfet, he got his teeth cut in the military young. Some challenges were to follow however, Sean encountered some considerable personal issues, went AWOL in Papua New Guinea amongst a whole host of other adventures, ended up in military prison, then bounced back and soldiered on with his career.

A family shock took place as his brother, Paul, was involved in a horrific shark attack in Sydney harbour while training to be a clearance diver, losing two limbs in the process. A captivating story in and of itself, Paul ended up working overseas with Discovery channel teaching celebrities how to dive with sharks!

Sean, who hastily withdrew his application to also be a clearance diver after his brother's incident, Corps transferred and became a petroleum operator, eventually discharging as a SGT. He has navigated the world of PTSD and has found solace in his faith and work with veterans.

Cheers for a great chat Sean

VCA Team

Folks,

We are kicking off with another great podcast episode from TA16, this time with former RAAF member Tammy Richie.

Tammy has incredible stories from both her military, and post military careers.

A very moving lesson learned from a near tragedy involving her baby son, and how the situation was resolved.

Tammy teaches us the importance of trusting our heart space and our intuition, rather than just our heads.

The heart is often far more aware and much quicker than our brains, a paradigm we are unlikely to learn in Defence.

Thank you Tammy for many great words of wisdom and your commitment to the veteran community.

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

Another must listen podcast episode.🎧

Vietnam veteran John White, was a Captain in the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam. Guided by Gary Stone, John shares deeply personal and eye opening insights into how he has dealt with the sorrow, guilt and heaviness of his military service in Vietnam, where he been in charge of a Chinese mercenary force that both inflicted and sustained heavy casualties during a heated battle against the North Vietnamese.

John's witty sense of humour, story telling style and profound insights into how to navigate a host of internal battles makes for one heck of an interview.

Thank you John

Enjoy

VCA Team

We are kicking off the first of our TA16 episodes with a heartfelt chat from Gavin Tunstall, former Army Engineer.

Gavin talks about his battle with moral injury after witnessing an incident in Afghanistan, as well as confronting a family history of domestic violence and a commitment to making sure the buck stops with him, by becoming a role model father.

Inspirational stuff, thank you for a raw and honest chat that many will resonate with. Huge breakthroughs after the program that will be followed up with immediate lifestyle changes.

Great work Gavin.

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

This episode we delve into the very important topic of moral injury, with Nikki Jamieson.

Nikki tragically lost her son to suicide in 2014, who had been serving in the Australian Army.

Since this time Nikki has embarked on a journey to uncover and understand suicide, especially within the veteran community.

Her thesis has also just been submitted, on the topic of moral injury, which is the focus of this interview.

We will explore what Moral Injury is and what causes it, the difference between PTSD and Moral Injury, the impact if the Brereton Report, a little on suicide statistics, integrating resilience into the Defence Force, possible solutions and treatments for Moral Injury and how to follow Nikki's work.

Thank you for your excellent insights Nikki

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

In this episode we chat with Simon Wilson. As our only non-veteran VCA staff member, who has been with the organisation for four years, Simon brings a very unique perspective to the Timor Awakening and the veteran community, based on over two decades of being a high school teacher and behaviour specialist.

A History teacher by trade, Simon decided to explore Timor Leste in 2005, with the vision of bringing more knowledge of the country to the Australian school curriculum. It was then he met Michael Stone and deepened his passion to help the veteran community in any way he can.

A worldly, well educated and insightful guy, well worth a listen.

Cheers for the chat Simon.

VCA Team

Ladies and Gents,

We are pleased to announce our next podcast.

This week we chat with Jud, ex-Army engineering officer and logistician.

Before separating from Defence in 2008, Jud served in East Timor and Iraq, being responsible for a range of projects.

A former AFL player and bike rider Jud has had to deal with his fair share of injuries and setbacks throughout his career.

He shares his insights into being aware of concrete communication, dealing with fear, and his experiences of having a fairly fortunate and successful transition overall.

Cheers for your great shares Jud.

VCA Team

Gary Klarenbeck shares his story of being an airframe technician in the Australian Air Force for 20 years.

He worked on Iroquois, Hornets and F-111 around the country, before leaving Defence in 1992.

Since that time he has been diagnosed with a service related illness, and shares a fascinating story of the events leading up to his diagnosis.

Since his time in Defence, Gary has worked for BAE in Saudi Arabia, alongside the Saudi Air Force, and has run an earth moving business.

Thank you Gary for your stories and insights.

Another great guest.

VCA Team

After earning her bachelor degree in Nursing, Belinda did a postgrad year in Manly hospital, before starting a colourful career in Defence. With deployments to Rwanda, East Timor (twice - Interfet and UNTAET) and in Baghdad, Belinda had found her calling in life. Working as a Nursing officer in Intensive Care and in the AeroMedical Evacuation team in Timor, and Iraq, Belinda has more than her fair share of stories and lessons. Some great advice on veterans transitioning and finding purpose on the other side. Thank you for your service and advice Belinda VCA Team

7PM News report - Michael Stone and Mark Herewini on the news in the midst of their assistance mission to Timor Leste.

Private charted flight funded by a generous member of the Timor Awakening community.

Good luck guys...

Ladies and Gents, welcome to our latest podcast.

This week we hear from Chris Salter, Army veteran and second time Timor Awakening participant.

Starting as a reservist and then going full time in 3/4 Cav, he served three deployments to Timor, followed by a rocky period after med discharge in 2008.

He underwent electroconvulsive therapy which has caused sever memory loss, and has also battled with severe alcohol dependence, causing him to be in and out of hospital.

He reached a crossroads in life when the realisation came that a choice had to be made between alcohol and his family. He is immensely grateful to have a supporting and understanding partner.

Another great guest and another great listen..

Thank you for you share Chris

VCA Team

Former Australian Navy sailor Iain Swinton shares his story of self-reinvention after losing his leg in a catastrophic motor cycle accident.

After teaching himself to walk again, he was able to continue his service in the Navy for many years following, spending much time at sea during regional operations and experiencing further complications from bodily wear and tear.

He talks about how mental health can be explainable, making it easier for the individual to understand what is happening to their body and mind.

After leaving the Navy, Iain realised how much harder it can be to keep the black dog at bay when the mind is not occupied with work.

Another great guest - enjoy.

VCA Team

Darryl Ryan, a former Artillery Corps NCO and Recruit Instructor talks us through his challenges post Defence, after being medically discharged in 2008.
He shares his experiences in finding purpose after service life, while battling with alcohol abuse, anxiety and PTSD.

Darryl believes everybody has to find their own type of meditation, whether that is walking on the beach, surfing or traditional practices.

Having recently been through some of his darkest times, Darryl explains how Timor Awakening has helped him see hope and purpose in his life again for the first time in a long time.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this week's Podcast.

During TA14, Rowena Langan one of our group facilitators took the opportunity to do a snap interview with another one of our veteran participants Brett Dockett, retired RAAF Squadron Leader.

Brett shares a lot of great wisdom and insight about his personal journey during the throes of the domestic Timor Awakening program.

The highs and lows, and the risks of comparing yourself to others.

This is another great episode for anybody who has attended Timor Awakening or plans on doing so, to get a snapshot of how the program meets you where you are at, no matter where that may be on the road to personal progress.

Enjoy...

Ladies and Gents,

Continuing the theme of interviews from the creators of VCA and Timor Awakening, this week we hear form the senior of the two Stones, Padre Gary.

With dozens of overseas deployments, being taken prisoner by Hezbollah in Iran, reaching the rank of LTCOL in Infantry, then training to become a Deakin, Gary has certainly been around.

Gary shares about how his many years in Defence shaped his journey into what has become his life's work - Veteran's Care Association.

He also speaks about the current situations with veterans' health and how the Timor Awakening Programs serve to fill some of the current gaps.

A must listen for anybody considering coming on one of the programs, especially if some doubts or fears may be holding them back.

Cheers for your insights Gary.

Mick Stone and I first deployed to East Timor in December 1999. Young Infantry Lieutenants direct from graduation, full of ideals and training and zero real-world experience. Mick has had a close and very unique connection to East Timor ever since.

He learned to speak the native tongue while immersed amongst former guerilla fighters, he was a key negotiator and fix-it man throughout a protracted civil crisis and became one of the President's closest advisors.

Mick's life has mirrored the country's trials and tribulations. Tragedy, danger, chaos and toxicity had a firm grip. In his journey of healing, Mick developed a unique health and well-being program for Australian veterans called Timor Awakening. The program has been a great success for hundreds of veterans and has been pivotal for Mick to heal his soul, break free from toxicity and choose life.

Mick is currently establishing a veterans retreat on the south coast of Timor-Leste, a safe place for veterans from all nations to visit, heal and contribute to very poor people who are yet to break free from the chains of poverty due to decades of war of oppression.

They have been given 5 hectares of land by local veterans and building is underway for the Veterans English Language Institute. Mick has a goal to raise $70,000 by 31 August to help finish the school and employ local teachers for the first 12 months. A further $200,000 will help build a 6 villa retreat that will accommodate up to 18 veterans (all donors will be welcome to stay!).  You can help Mick make this a reality - https://www.timorawakening.com/riak-retreat

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Podcast Interview conducted by Anthony Moorhouse from The Anti-Toxin Podcast - theantitoxin.podbean.com

2019-07-09

Paul 'Dusty' Miller opens up about some of the darker sides of life post transition.

He is brave enough to share his own stories of near-suicide, escapism from workaholism, after a 24 years in the Army with multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor.

This Army apprentice who joined the Army at 16 in 1991, has certainly been around and been through some major challenges.

He also explains his great concept of creating a shield for ourselves to get through tough times.

His key message - 'Seek help early.'

Thank you Dusty for vulnerability on this podcast..

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Interview conducted by MIchael Albrecht on 13 Sep 20

St Georges Defence Holiday Suites, Runaway Bay, Gold Coast

After joining the Army Reserve as a Nursing Officer in 1981, Wendy had a long and colourful career taking her overseas to Iraq (Desert Storm) and East Timor as well as a number of other engagements in both conflict and peace time contingents. Wendy shares about her personal struggles being made to leave Defence unwillingly, and the highs and lows that followed.

She loves to care for others and give back to the veteran community, encouraging others to do the same.

An avid RSL District President, Wendy is in the front line of the veterans welfare space and has lots of insights to share in this podcast.

Wendy was also present on the very first Timor Awakening, so has seen the progression of the program.

Her principle message - 'There is life after Defence.'

Thank you for your wisdom Wendy.

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Interview conducted by Michael Albrecht on 13 Sep 20

St Georges Defence Holiday Suites, Gold Coast.

Vietnam veteran Rob Schreuder opens up about his time in Vietnam, having lunch with the Queen of England, his 40 year career, as well as his new approach to life. He spent 20 years as as OR reaching RSM, then became and officer for another 20 years - the longitude of a very successful military career.

His key message - choosing happiness over being regimental.

He also talks about the services available to veterans and his tips on finding the right help.

Another great chat with one of our participants.

Interview conducted by Michael Albrecht at the conclusion of TA14, 13 Sep 20.

St Georges Holiday Suites, Runaway bay, Gold Coast.

Welcome to another VCA Podcast, recorded at the conclusion of TA14 on the Gold Coast.

Today we hear from Anthony Irwin, former RSM and veteran of numerous operations, including Timor Leste, Cyprus, Iraq (Desert Storm), Belize Gibraltar, and even the Antartica in 1988, over a 34 year career.

Tony has certainly been around, and shares a lot of great wisdom and stories, including being woken up by a Scud Missile impact in Iraq, witnessing colossal amounts of troops on the ground during the campaign, and experiencing the deafening silence of walking on the ice sheets of Antartica.

He also talks about his own internal challenges getting out of Defence, as well as leaning about forgiveness from the Timorese.

Interview conducted by Michael Albrecht, VCA Life Coach and group facilitator on 13 Sep 20.

St Georges Holiday Suites, Runaway Bay, Gold Coast

At the conclusion of TA14 on the Gold Coast, we we were lucky enough to interview Doug Parry, former Army Logistics Officer, who was a participant on the program.

In this raw, vulnerable and real chat Doug talks us through his transition out of Defence 20 years ago, what life has been like since, battling the black dog, alcoholism and rehab, as well as some great tips he shares on personal development and what he is focusing on now moving forwards as he enjoys retirement..

His key message - 'Prove nothing to no one, you're good enough.'

Wise words.

Enjoy listeners.

Interview conducted by Michael Albrecht - VCA Life Coach and group facilitator.

St Georges Defence Holiday Suites, Gold Coast

After a 30 year career in the Australian Army, paratrooper instructor (skygod;) Scott McAndrew navigated the difficult period of transition and was able to successfully reinvent himself post-service. From throwing Special Forces soldiers out of planes, to teaching civilians how to throw axes, he learned a lot about himself and what it takes to find new purpose in life.

Warm, engaging and insightful, Scott is raw and vulnerable as he shares the highs and lows of his career and post-Service life. A must-listen to anybody planning to leave the forces or currently going through transition (which often takes years for many).

Interview with Michael Albrecht at the conclusion of TA13, on the Gold Coast on 20 Jul 20.

Thank you Scott

Veteran spouse and Timor Awakening participant Lavina Salter is interviewed by Candice Carroll, Navy Veteran, about life as a partner in Defence, the challenges and what resources are available.

Four female veterans from all three services having a round table discussion about their experiences being a woman in the Defence Force, transitioning out, and post-service life. Great advice for other women, both former and current serving as well as some great stories shared for all.

Panel Discussion was conducted at the conclusion of the Timor Awakening 13 program, based on the Gold Coast (due to COVID-19), on 20 Jul 20.