Dear VCA Family,

Congratulations to everyone connected with Veterans Care Association - our volunteers, mentors, staff, supporters, partners, and the many friends who stand with us. Eight months into 2026, we have achieved an extraordinary amount together. We have delivered three programs on the Gold Coast, including a highly successful new mentor training package, and our April program in Timor‑Leste was another powerful milestone. In this final week of August we proudly completed our 40th Timor Awakening program.

I want to acknowledge the generous commitment of our committee and the many people who contribute behind the scenes. Your time, your care, and your willingness to step into important roles - including reviewing out‑of‑session motions and supporting new initiatives continues to create meaningful impact for veterans and families in Australia and Timor‑Leste.

Dr Barletta would say that hope is not a plan, but we have certainly had faith in ourselves that if we stick to our mission, we will find a way to keep going.

Our Mission is to collaboratively contribute to the broader veteran community in Australia, and with our regional allies, by providing veteran‑led holistic health and wellbeing education; advocating on health and wellbeing issues to Government, ex‑service organisations, and the veteran support community; and facilitating veteran‑led social restorative justice activities.

Our Vision is to raise the health and wellbeing of veterans, their families, carers, and supporters.

Our Purpose is to save veterans from suicide and from lives of despair and hopelessness.

We can all be proud that we are unequivocally achieving this mission. We are providing a bright light for many in Australia, in Timor‑Leste, and across our wider community. We are living our vision through care, compassion, and commitment. Since May 2016, we have brought together more than 1,000 veterans for life‑changing, once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences. Even during the pandemic years of 2020-21, we continued to show up. Along the way, we have delivered extensive welfare interventions, advocacy at all levels, community engagement, commemorations, and major educational and medical social‑impact projects in Timor‑Leste - reaching thousands of people.

We have faced organisational challenges; government and Defence funding remains elusive. But we have persisted, inspired change, and demonstrated what can work. We have also carried personal burdens, tragedies, emotional fatigue, compassion fatigue and the weight of knowing that the greater risk is not organisational, but human: the risk of a veteran falling into darkness or suicide. And still, we march on. We find a way to get to the next program. We show up for the next veteran.

Let's not forget we have had some of the most powerful human connections, mountaintop experiences, wild tears of laughter, pure joy, spiritual levitation, excitement butterflies, love and bonding like many of us have not experienced since the best times we had in Defence or childhood.

With a deep gratitude, we also would like to acknowledge a very humble and anonymous donor. What a remarkable human being to see, from afar, through our modest social media posts, that Australian veterans need support; to recognise that we are getting it done and to respond with extraordinary generosity and trust. He answered our call for support and provided the financial security that allows our mission to endure. We will honour his faith in us and continue to provide awakenings for our veteran community.

Well done, team. Thank you to every volunteer, mentor, supporter, partner and friend of VCA. You are part of this mission and we are deeply grateful.

Michael Stone
President, Veterans Care Association

“ Go… in peace…Hold fast to that which is Good… “ A Peaceful Warrior Ethos

Every ANZAC and Remembrance Day service we attend, concludes with this timeless Blessing taken from the words of St Paul in the 1st century to the missionaries he was sending out to bring Good News to a troubled world. The full text follows later in this article, but it is just as relevant to us today as we try to negotiate a troubled world where violence, conflict and adversarial anger and frustration keeps people in a state of distress, anger and frustration. Even within our veteran community , many social media posts are polarised, aggressive and spiteful. Some veterans are perplexed as to what was right or wrong about actions of some on overseas operations.

In my previous article I reflected upon the moral courage, the moral injury and the moral healing of Major John White DSC, whose traumatic experiences and betrayal in Vietnam in 1968 were to negatively impact him and his family for the majority of his life. Only recently, he gained insight into moral injury and its healing, and was able to restore a positive and life giving perspective through integrity in restorative action, forgiveness, letting go ,and helping others from a heart of “Goodness”.

It was fascinating that in his final days he was still able to encourage other veterans with simple but powerful words of advice: to have the courage to change; to practice kindness and gratitude; to be kind; to forgive yourself, to forgive others and to offer forgiveness and leave a legacy of goodwill in the world.

I learned many things in 48 years in uniform, but one thing the military didn’t teach us was how to care for ourselves, how to live holistically healthily, and how to manage our anxieties, disappointments, shame and guilt. There was plenty of warrior ethos promoted , but less emphasis on “Goodness”. For the last 11 years, a team of veterans explored how we could prevent veteran suicide and restore a thriving life. We called ourselves Veterans Care Association (VCA) and have been sharing those things on 39 “Awakening” residential programs, we have conducted on the Gold Coast and in Timor.

Participants on these programs rejoice that they have discovered they can find peace and renewed identity and purpose. They can move into Post Traumatic “Growth “, and move from isolation to be embraced in a tribe of caring people with a vision and purpose to be life givers to those in need. They can laugh and cry and have fun with people who understand them. They can embrace the goodness in themselves and become “Peaceful Warriors”.

In our most recent June program ,several former special forces soldiers and others with extensive operational service shared how they had now been able to rise up and find new insights into what is RIGHT, and life giving ,and wholesome. They spoke of resetting their “moral compass”, embracing a new identity, and forgiveness of themselves and others. They committed to moving from years of darkness into the light, and keen to help others do the same.

Most clinical interventions require us to dig up and share again, all the negativity and trauma of our past . VCA don’t do any of that. We start with gratitude for the present moment, and work towards a day by day plan to restore love and joy and hope into our lives and the lives of others today and have fun doing so. We explore what values we consider vital to healthy living. It’s a positive psychology model and the 1200 participants we’ve had will tell you it works ! We “rewire” our brains through neuroplasticity - and let go of past hurts and focussing on what is “Good “ and wholesome for us.

We all can choose each day to be focussed on a world in chaos, unjust treatment by our government, and conflict and adversarial behaviour in our veteran communities, OR to refocus on the positives we have, intentionally embrace holistic healthy living , and equip ourselves to be carers and mentors for those struggling in darkness. As John White DSC reminded us we need the courage to change , and move forward with Goodness in our hearts .

So , may you now embrace this Blessing and :

Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage.

Hold fast that which is good. Render to no one evil for evil,

But overcome evil with Good. Strengthen the fainthearted.

Support the weak. Help the afflicted.

Show love to everyone. Love and serve all in need,

and may the blessing of almighty God, be among you,

and remain with you always. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5

May God bless you, Padre Gary Stone, OAM

July 2026

COO’S August Update

Mentor Training & Program Updates

In June we delivered a Mentor Training package on the Gold Coast for 16 alumni. Six of these newly trained mentors immediately stepped into TA39, supporting another 16 participants on a shorter program. Feedback was outstanding with the only suggestion being to extend it by one day.

We now have around 30 trained mentors available. Expressions of Interest are open for the four programs scheduled in 2027, especially February (Gold Coast) and April (Timor). Given we have about 30 current Mentors on our books, we don’t foresee running Mentor Training until February 2028.

Our mentor selection model balances experience and opportunity:

• 2–3 Experienced Mentors (>5 programs)

• 2–3 Junior Mentors (1–5 programs)

• 2–3 New Mentors (first program)

This mix worked beautifully on TA40, ensuring strong guidance, fresh energy, and fair pathways for all. Our April Timor dates will be locked in shortly (expect to come just prior to ANZAC Day, and depart the following week).

TA40 Milestone

TA40 was nothing short of incredible. Forty programs is a remarkable achievement, especially for Gary, Michael and senior mentors who’ve been there since the beginning. Participant selection was spot‑on, sessions have matured into a steady rhythm and Timor continues to inspire with its people’s love and healing spirit.

Retreat & AGM

We’ll gather as a VCA tribe on the Gold Coast in November for our annual retreat and AGM. Rooms will be prioritised for Committee, 2026 mentors and key supporters/donors before opening to members. To secure your room, we’re asking for a $50 donation - helping us avoid last year’s no‑show issues.

Funding & Practitioner Pathways

While we missed out on DVA Wellbeing Grant funding, Gary secured three years of annual funding to support wellbeing practitioners on programs - a huge win for continuity. As part of the 2027 Mentor EOI, you’ll also see an option to express interest in becoming a Wellbeing Practitioner (online training plus a three‑day online workshop). Please reach out if you’d like more

In June we had the pleasure of Kevin O’Sullivan join us for TA39.  Thank you for being vulnerable Kevin and sharing your story below.  Often, ones reflection can be another’s momentum to be brave and take action in their lives too 🙏🏼.

Beyond the Horizon: Finding Renewal and Community at TA39 

When I medically separated from the RAAF in April 2025 as a senior Chaplain, I carried the weight of nearly 37 years of full-time service. My career spanning 19 years as a Communications Operator advancing to Warrant Officer, followed by a transition into chaplaincy, was defined by a deep affinity for people, their dignity, and advocacy. Yet, my departure was forged in adversity. Following an intense period of psychosocial and betrayal harm, my mental health suffered. The human transition to civilian life was a profound struggle, requiring a year of rehabilitation before separation and another year to find my bearings.

During this recovery phase, I kept hearing about the Veteran Care Association’s Timor Awakening program. I hesitated at first, mistakenly believing that because I hadn't deployed to Timor-Leste, I wasn't eligible. It turns out that eligibility has nothing to do with where you served - it is open to any veteran seeking healing.

By mid-2026, I felt ready to engage. Crucially, my wife Denise, a former Army Reservist and Defence spouse of 30 years joined me. Having Denise participate both alongside me and independently was invaluable. From 17-21 June 2026, we attended TA39 on the Gold Coast.

 Anchoring in Strength to Face the Shadows

Timor Awakening provides a profound community of healing, purpose, and hope. The program matched Denise and me with individual mentors who were absolutely perfect for us. They gave us a safe space to be affirmed for our journey and to realise we are not alone.

 As a deep thinker with a quiet, introspective nature, my core values are deeply rooted in justice, hospitality, family and availability. I have always leaned on a strong social-emotional and cultural awareness. However, I arrived at the retreat also wanting to address certain internal shadows that clouded these traits: negative self-talk and internal criticism, a profound sense of shame, a painful sense of duplicity in my self-identity and an enduring struggle to simply be my true self.

 The program allowed me to lean into my natural curiosity and reflective mindset to reframe these challenges. Instead of letting the shadows dictate my identity, I focused on my ultimate purpose: to be holistically healthy, to be happy and to give back 

Living ‘Above the Line’ and Honing Goals

The core of Timor Awakening is living 'above the line' taking radical personal accountability for your journey. I first heard this concept on my Sergeant’s Course back in 1999, but TA39 brought it alive during the ice bath challenge. On my first attempt, the shock overcame me and I got out early. But seeing Denise, I chose to step back into the freezing water with her. Using the breathing techniques we had just learned, I pushed past the mental barrier, conquered the negative self-talk, and stayed in well past my initial limit.

The real breakthrough, however, happened after the retreat regarding my practical goals. I entered the program aiming to improve my sleep, return to meaningful work, and navigate our upcoming relocation from Sale, Victoria. In a post-program follow-up conversation, my mentor gently held me accountable to my sleep goals. That conversation gave me the self-motivation to 'get back on the bike.' Today, through disciplined sleep hygiene and medical support, I am successfully reclaiming my health.

The Journey Continues

As a lifelong learner, I know healing doesn't have a neat 'full stop'. We are constantly evolving. But TA39 gave Denise and me the holistic reset to leverage our strengths and embrace our truest selves.

 If you are a veteran or partner standing on the edge, don't give it a second thought. If you have an open mind and are ready to take responsibility for your healing journey, step into the breach and put your application in. You will be truly rewarded.

 By Kevin O'Sullivan

Veterans Care Association (VCA) is currently working through a busy period, with several important social impact projects progressing at the same time across Timor-Leste.

The work continues, and the combined efforts of Veterans Care Association, Timor Awakening alumni, supporters, donors and our partners in Timor-Leste continue to make a genuine difference to people’s lives.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Caibada Village School Refurb. The Caibada Village project is currently underway and includes the refurbishment of an English classroom, improving living conditions for the English teachers, construction of fencing and installation of a roof over the village gathering area. These may appear to be relatively simple projects, but they provide practical improvements that will benefit the village, and particularly its young people, for many years to come.

Laga Village - TA40. On TA40 recently the team travelled to Laga Village during their journey. They commenced maintenance and preparatory work on the school site. While the school building is not yet completed, we are hopeful that construction will be finished by the end of this year and that the school will be operational for the 2027 school year. This project has been made possible through the generous support of Commander L7, Maun Mendes, and a generous donation from the Veterans Care Association.

RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS

Encouragement House – Maliana. The kitchen and restaurant facilities at Encouragement House in Maliana have now been completed and are expected to be fully operational by the end of August. The Principal, Deo. and the Encouragement House Committee have expressed their sincere gratitude for the support and donation provided by the Veterans Care Association. We hope that Michael, Roy and a couple of other TA alumni will be able to remain in Timor-Leste to attend and support the official opening. This project is another example of what can be achieved when people work together with a common goal.

Pro Ema. One of the most significant project recently completed has been the refurbishment of accommodation at Pro Ema. The accommodation can house up to 16 students and includes cooking facilities, bathrooms, showers and other essential facilities.

This project has provided safe accommodation for up to 16 vulnerable young women who might otherwise have been living on the streets or in unsafe circumstances. They are now living in a secure environment while learning new skills and receiving opportunities that can help them build a better future.

This is exactly the type of social impact that Veterans Care Association and Timor Awakening are about — providing practical assistance that changes lives rather than simply providing short-term support.

SABEH. For those who may not be aware, SABEH has one of the longest-standing associations with Veterans Care Association.

Dr Andre and his dedicated team joined us many years ago, when SABEH was still in the early stages of developing its project. Over the years, we have watched SABEH grow and thrive, and VCA has remained committed to supporting Dr Andre and his team through some incredibly challenging times, including the difficult period during COVID and continuing through to the present day.

Most recently, VCA donated a carry truck to SABEH, which was delivered around the same time that TA40 arrived in Dili. The truck will be an invaluable asset to SABEH, assisting with the transportation of supplies and supporting the organisation with its day-to-day operations. The total value of this donation was $14,000.00 (US$10,000).

It is another example of the long-term commitment VCA has made to supporting organisations that are making a genuine difference in the lives of people across Timor-Leste.

Same School. The AHHA education provider we have had at Same is no longer providing life skills tuition there, and the facilities we have contributed to building are now being utilized by the Institute Boaventura Timor Leste for tertiary studies.

Our commitment to supporting education in Timor-Leste remains, and we will continue looking for opportunities where our assistance can have the greatest impact.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

There are many people who continue to contribute to our work, often quietly and without seeking recognition. Their efforts deserve special mention.

Aaron – TA37. A huge thank you to Aaron from TA37 for his ongoing support. Aaron has raised funds through raffles at his local pub, cash for cans, donated numerous laptops and continues to support our projects, including sponsoring children. His solo efforts and commitment demonstrate that you don’t have to be in Timor-Leste to make a difference.

Garry Francis and Rick Mann. Garry Francis and I have continued raising money through raffles, initially to support the children at Same School. With Same School now closed, the funds raised are being directed to other areas where they can provide meaningful assistance. For example, money raised on one Sunday allowed us to sponsor four students at Pro Ema, as well as purchase food for the children.

We will continue holding raffles every third Sunday at the Apollonian Hotel for anyone who happens to be around the Noosa area. Every dollar raised goes towards helping people in Timor-Leste.

Dean – TA37 and FedEx. A very special thank you to Dean from TA37, who has been incredibly supportive. Through FedEx, numerous boxes of medical supplies have been organised for Dr Andre to collect in Dili and utilise through SABEH. This type of assistance is invaluable, particularly when medical organisations in Timor-Leste are working with limited resources.

Ongoing Medical Donations. We also want to acknowledge everyone who continues to send medical supplies to Dili whenever they are able to. In particular, David and Kathryn York - our quiet achievers - have provided a ridiculous amount of much-needed medical supplies for the Timorese community. The impact of your contribution is immediate, with Dave doing the hard yards to get it all through customs! These donations are making their way to organisations and medical professionals who can put them to good use.

Danielle Finlayson. A very special thank you to Danielle Finlayson, a former Timor Awakening participant, for organising free transportation through FedEx to Darwin to meet the DCP container. Danielle’s willingness to step in and help with the logistics of getting much-needed equipment and supplies to Timor-Leste is greatly appreciated.

DCP. We would also like to thank everyone at DCP, and particularly Mary, for the assistance provided when products arrive in Dili and for helping coordinate the container that leaves Darwin. Getting equipment from Australia to Timor-Leste is not always straightforward, and the assistance provided by DCP is an important part of making these projects happen.

Kelly and Her Gang. The Strong Women Program. A huge thank you to Kelly and her team of former Timor Awakening alumni for conducting the Strong Women Program for approximately 120 female students at the conclusion of TA40.

The program provides an important opportunity to educate, empower and support young women, and it is fantastic to see former TA participants continuing their involvement and giving back.

Maree Butcher TA39. Maree recently travelled to Timor‑Leste with her mother to support Pro‑Ema’s culinary training program. Her visit aligned perfectly with the Kelly team’s schedule, allowing her to contribute meaningfully alongside them. Maree’s mother, a qualified nurse, also stepped in to assist with training.

The experience has had a profound impact - Maree is now deeply connected to Pro‑Ema’s mission and committed to continuing her involvement.

Dave Johnstone. A very special thank you to Dave Johnstone.

Dave has been overseeing the Pro Ema project, coordinating the Laga project and being involved in numerous other VCA initiatives. He also continues to serve as Secretary of the Veterans Care Association.

Dave’s contribution is invaluable. His commitment, time and effort behind the scenes help keep many of our projects moving forward.

LOOKING FORWARD

The Veterans Care Association and Timor Awakening alumni continue to demonstrate that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they work together.

Whether it is refurbishing a classroom, providing medical supplies, building accommodation, supporting education, sponsoring a student, supplying computers or simply giving their time, every contribution makes a difference.

We don’t always know exactly where the next project will take us, but we know there are people in Timor-Leste who need our support.

We will continue to do what we can, for as long as we can.

If you would like to become involved, donate, sponsor a student, assist with equipment or simply find out more about what we are doing, please get in touch.

 Rick Mann: Veterans Care Association : 0400 107 346

You can also speak with any member of the Veterans Care Association or the Timor Awakening Alumni.

Together, we really are changing lives in Timor-Leste and we intend to keep doing so for as long as we can.

Obrigado Barak.

Richard Mann

Timor Awakening Scheduled Program

• VCA Retreat - November 2026 17-23 November 2026

2027 Forecasted Program

• TA41 Gold Coast: 16 to 21 February 2027

• TA42 Timor-Leste: 16 to 27 April 2027

• TA43 Timor-Leste: 16 to 25 July 2027 (tbc)

• TA44 Gold Coast: 7 to 12 September 2027

• VCA Mentor Retreat: 17 to 21 November 2027

If you’d like to get involved with VCA, the first step is to join one of our programs as a participant.  This gives you a genuine feel for the program and helps us build a mentor team with real lived understanding. The EOI for program attendance for attendance in the first half of the year will open in October. This will be advertised via our Facebook site and updated on our website.

Once you’ve completed a program, you’re welcome to put your hand up for future volunteer opportunities. As positions become available, we’ll reach out and give you as much notice as possible. We aim to let our volunteers know around six months in advance so you have plenty of time to plan, prepare, and be part of the VCA mentor team.

If you have mentored before, or completed our Mentor Training, please fill in your availability for next year here: Mentor EOI

Our community continues to be strengthened by the generosity of those who believe in the mission of Veteran Care Association, and we are deeply humbled by the support shown throughout 2025 and 2026.

This year, the Australian Special Air Service Association - Western Australia Branch (ASASA-WA) made a financial contribution in recognition of the support we have provided to their members and families. will directly fund opportunities for more veterans to attend a Timor Awakening Retreat and immerse themselves in an experience that has proven to be life‑changing. In addition, their extraordinary medical equipment contribution, in conjunction with St John's Ambulance Warehouse Team in Western Australia will support the establishment of new medical facilities in Timor‑Leste - a development that will change lives for years to come. Thank you Tony McKay for your advocacy and we look forward to embracing many more from the SASR community going forward.

Your continued support ensures that more veterans can attend a Timor Awakening Program and immerse themselves in an experience that has proven to be life‑changing. Our programs give veterans and their families the space to heal, rebuild and reconnect through community. Because of you, they are rediscovering their strength and many are turning that strength into meaningful acts of service and giving back.

It is the generosity of everyday Australians, local businesses and partners like the SASR that keeps this mission moving forward. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real and tangible difference.

Our programs give veterans and their families the space to heal, rebuild, and reconnect through community. Because of this generosity, they are rediscovering their strength and many are turning that strength into meaningful acts of service and giving back.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in this work and for helping us continue to support those who have served.