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4 Aussie Heroes is a unique program in Australia, offering a holistic approach rather than a clinical one. Veterans and first responders are invited to participate in a 11-day program that provides a supportive environment where they can relax, connect with others facing similar challenges, and engage in mindfulness activities.

The program is specifically designed to support Australian Defence Force personnel and first responders dealing with PTSD as a result of their service. Importantly, participation in the program is completely free.

I’ve had a diverse career, and as I’ve gotten older, I realised I no longer wanted to be in the corporate world. I previously worked at PwC with a wonderful woman named Renita, and after we both left, she reached out to me. She told me about 4AH and said they could really use someone like me—someone who gets stuff done!

I now work part-time at 4 Aussie Heroes three days a week. My admiration for Renita has only grown since seeing the incredible work she does. She and her husband, Gerry, founded 4 Aussie Heroes—Gerry is a Vietnam veteran, and Renita also runs her own accounting business, Aspire to Thrive. My role allows her to be more hands-on, rather than focusing on admin and logistics.

Once I became involved, I quickly saw how powerful the program was. It was impossible not to be drawn in, and that’s why I chose to dedicate even more of my time to volunteer at the support programs.

Fundraising is largely driven by Renita and Gerry, and we always have initiatives running in the background. Some key ways to support 4 Aussie Heroes include:

• Attending our two annual golf days, which raise essential funds.
• Hosting a “Mabel’s Table” event, where friends and family gather for a meal, contribute a small donation, and enjoy a bottle of wine provided by the foundation.

We currently operate out of a rented facility, but thanks to the James Frizzell Foundation, we will soon have our own dedicated venue, Camp Courage. Once completed, this will allow us to double the number of camps we run each year.

In my part-time role, I manage administration and act as an Executive Assistant, handling anything and everything needed to keep things running smoothly. As a volunteer, I attend the 11-day programs, where I plan and prepare all the meals—breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and dinner. I believe that nourishing the body plays a huge role in healing the mind, so I focus on providing nutritious, high-quality and comforting meals that people enjoy.

These programs require me to be away from home for long periods, and my family is incredibly supportive. My husband, Greg, takes care of things while I’m away, including looking after our beautiful five-year-old dog, Moby. His daughters also lend a helping hand, and I couldn’t do this without their support.

Greg and I both love cooking, so it works well—he handles meals at home while I take care of feeding the participants.

I’m also currently completing a Mental Health First Aid course to deepen my understanding of what veterans are going through and enhance my involvement in the program.

The most fulfilling aspect is witnessing the transformation in participants. When they arrive, many are anxious, withdrawn, or struggling emotionally. By the end of the program, they don’t want to leave—many tell us the course has saved their lives. Seeing them cry happy tears and express their gratitude is incredibly moving.

Food plays a big role in this transformation. Participants often ask for my recipes and nutrition advice, which shows how much of an impact a healthy diet can have on overall well-being.

4 Aussie Heroes is open to current and former ADF personnel, as well as first responders including Police, Ambulance staff, SES, Corrections Officers, and Firefighters. While we are based in Queensland, we welcome participants from across Australia. Many hear about us through word of mouth, and we also receive referrals from a doctor in Victoria who works closely with struggling Police officers.

Currently, we run four programs a year, each with 8-10 participants. Once the new Camp Courage facility opens in June 2025, we hope to expand to eight programs annually—but we need more volunteers to make that happen!

I’ve always been empathetic, but working at 4 Aussie Heroes has shown me just how much of a softie I am—I cry at the drop of a hat when I see the milestones participants achieve.

It has also reinforced my resilience and my deep love for community involvement. Connecting with local businesses has been incredibly rewarding, and I truly believe that when you give, you receive threefold in return.

Small changes add up. I often leave my phone at home on purpose so I can be present and connect with people—it’s amazing what a simple hello can do.

For those interested in 4 Aussie Heroes, we’d love to hear from you! Even if you can’t commit to extended periods, every bit helps—whether it’s volunteering for a day or getting involved in our fundraising initiatives.

Look for opportunities to reach out and connect with others. It’s great for the soul.

I love being by the water—it’s a peaceful little pocket of the world with a fantastic community feel. Because it’s not a through-road, everyone knows each other.

When we first moved here, we took Moby for a walk, and someone stopped me to say, “Oh, who are you? I’ve never seen you before!” That sense of connection was wonderful. Now, we all meet up for coffees, dinners, and walks.