Operation Newstart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was proud to represent our Club on Friday morning at a breakfast in Geelong for the launch the 2015 Operation Newstart Kokoda Trek.

This program is a collaboration between Vic Police (Andy Brittain) and the State Education Department (Warrick Knuckey) that provides a safety net for teens who are struggling within the regular education framework.

Our Club has been a supporter of the for several years and has seen young lives transformed as a result of it. Many of you will recall local student Jackson Barlow who presented his story to us earlier this year.

The breakfast was hosted by Channel 9 reporter Laura Turner who actually participated in the Trek last year. Her moving story story can be viewed here.

Two of the Porters (Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels) who assist with the Trek were flown in to attend the breakfast and all of the team members were quite emotional at this reunion. (see pics above)

Guest speaker Damian Thomlinson who is an Australian SAS soldier who lost his legs during a campaign in Afghanistan gave an insight into the emotional and physical road to his recovery. He too has walked "the Track" despite his disability, an amazing achievement.

 

If you would like to learn more about the 2015 Operation Newstart Program CLICK HERE

There will again be valuable opportunities for our Club to build on our existing relationships with all of the stake holders in the Program to provide support for 2015