Dear friends and family,

Happy New Year. However you’ve arrived in 2026, I hope you’ve stepped into it with purpose and living life above the line.

Our programs for the year are taking shape, with several already at capacity and others currently being finalised. It’s shaping up to be a big year. We have completed a remarkable 10 years of Timor Awakening programs, entering our 36th program next week. Huge thanks to all who have made this possible.

In a few weeks we are hosting an Alumni BBQ evening which is has been combined with our TA36 program, at Rainbow Bay. Friend, family and partners most welcome. We would love for you to join us for a relaxed afternoon and BBQ dinner to welcome in the year.

WHEN: Saturday, 21 February 2026 at 5pm onwards

WHERE: St George’s Defence Holiday Suites, 192 Marine Parade, Coolangatta, QLD

RSVP: By Wednesday, 18 February 2026 to support@veteranscare.com.au so we can cater for you.

Michael Stone

President VCA

Australia Day Reflections

In faith, hope and love, may we come together as One

As a veteran, I’m proud to be Australian and to celebrate our National Day, which is also marked liturgically in our Church with special readings and prayers. Australia Day is meant to honour the good that comes from uniting as one people from many backgrounds. Australians receive Order of Australia awards, thousands become citizens, and many gather joyfully in community. Yet some do not celebrate—some protest past injustices toward Indigenous peoples or concerns about migration; others feel unwelcome due to racism; and some push extreme agendas that undermine our unity. Ordinary Australians can feel disheartened when this day is used to promote division.

Most of us are grateful to live here and see our Flag and Anthem as symbols of unity. Our troops overseas are admired for compassion, courage and mateship. Yet at home, issue‑driven disruptors increasingly use confrontation and violence. Shootings, flag burnings, extremist plots, and toxic online behaviour all erode the peaceful society we—and God—desire. Racism, sectarianism and polarisation appear to be growing. As Pope Francis has said, extremism exists in many forms, not just Islamic. Pope Leo continues to call for peace, justice and unity in a world torn by conflict and tribalism. So what can we do locally? How can we be the Light of Christ?

Having served as a peacemaker in many conflicts, I know the answer lies in living the teachings of Jesus—actively promoting goodness, peace and unity, and calling out extremism and hypocrisy. Jesus calls us to be Peacemakers through loving our neighbours, at home and abroad, and welcoming those most in need. Having witnessed suffering that forces people to flee their homelands, I pray we show God’s love to migrants, refugees and the marginalised. We must bring people together as brothers and sisters, not exclude or reject them. I have seen in Iran, Iraq, Indonesia and Timor how extremism can soften when met with God‑inspired peacemaking that highlights our shared humanity. At the end of my mission in Iran, a secret policeman told me, “We thought you might be a spy, but by your actions we see you are our brother in God.” He gifted me an ornate Christian Cross.

Australia Day can also be a moment of gratitude for our spiritual foundations. God has been present in this land since the beginning, and Judeo‑Christian values have shaped our laws and way of life. In 1606 this continent was called “the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit,” and our Constitution’s preamble affirms we were united under God’s blessing.

Our flag is a powerful icon. Chosen from over 3,000 designs, it carries five Christian symbols: the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick; the Southern Cross with its seven‑point stars representing the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the smaller star symbolising the wounds of Christ; and the large Federation Star, representing our states and territories and the Morning Star of Jesus who unites us. On deployments, especially in danger, I would look to the Southern Cross as a reminder of God’s protection over our mission of peace. We can celebrate that we are still a people shaped by Godly values—love, joy, peace and compassion—welcoming those of all faiths and none.

Australia Day’s scripture readings remind us that justice, integrity, peace and security must prevail (Is 32); that the gifts of the Spirit guide us (1 Cor 12); and that we are called to be Peacemakers (Matt 5). Our mission is to bring these teachings to life through practical love of neighbour, regardless of race, religion, gender or status. We cannot wait for inquiries or commissions—each of us must act now, offering forgiveness and courageously calling out racism, bigotry and injustice. Jesus has already commissioned us: go into the world as peacemakers.

May we embrace the marginalised with encouragement, be proactive in society, spread Good News, and reach out to those who seem different. I now greet people in their language of birth—Salaam Alaikum; Bondia; Nee Hau; Xin Chow—as a small act of connection.

May we, like Jesus, be inspired to promote peace in Australia. May we be Good News in all we say and do.

Deacon Gary Stone, OAM

Our Chief Operations Officer (COO), Roy, has been busy behind the scenes making all the magic happen. He’s the one quietly keeping the wheels turning while the rest of us get to enjoy the ride. Below is a little peek into what he’s been up to — along with his update for TA35/36.

COO Update – February 2026

We closed out 2025 with our biggest year yet: seven programs delivered across the Gold Coast, Western Australia, Timor‑Leste, and our end‑of‑year Retreat. It was a huge effort from our team, mentors, and supporters—and it set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

As we move into 2026, we had originally planned to run eight programs. After reviewing budgets, staffing, and program design, we’re scaling this back slightly to ensure sustainability and quality.

Program Planning & Adjustments

Although we announced a May WA program, we’ve made the decision to cancel that event. We still intend to run a WA program in October, with dates to be confirmed.

Our June Gold Coast program will likely take on a new hybrid format: Mentor Training from Saturday to Tuesday, followed by a five‑day program from Wednesday to Sunday. Because St George’s requires bookings 18 months in advance, we’re working within fixed dates—but the upside is the opportunity for newly trained mentors to immediately apply their skills.

Funding & Grants

We continue to pursue DVA funding, with a grant submission due Thursday 5 February. DVA’s support is limited to domestic programs, so we’re actively seeking additional funding partners to secure our flagship Timor‑Leste programs for August and into 2027.

Upcoming Programs

• TA36 – Gold Coast (February): 18 participants confirmed, with around 8 mentors already locked in.

• TA37 – Timor‑Leste (April): 18 participants selected from a pool of 70 applicants; mentor selection underway.

• June Gold Coast: Approximately 20 applicants so far; expected to run as a combined Mentor Training + Program.

• August Timor‑Leste: EOI not yet released as we await confirmation from the SASR Resources Fund regarding potential sponsorship for an SF‑focused program—last year’s was a standout success.

• Mentor EOI – if you want to be considered for June’s Mentor Training, please fill out the Mentor EOI here: This is our EOI for mentors: https://forms.monday.com/forms/44c03f25dd5077dba987ca486d5f8b9b?r=apse2

New Opportunities

The NT Government has approached us to deliver a program in the Northern Territory at their cost. Their team is currently working to secure suitable accommodation, which is typically the largest expense for our residential model.

Our November Retreat may also become a training‑focused program, pending the outcome of DVA’s latest funding round.

That’s the current landscape from the COO’s desk. Plenty of moving parts, but strong momentum as we prepare for TA36 and the year ahead.

For all who share the Timor Awakening experience, there is often a moment of light — something that aligns with their own hopes, questions, and personal goals. Many arrive for different reasons, yet leave with something meaningful: a shift in wellbeing, a renewed sense of direction, or a moment of clarity that stays with them long after the retreat ends.

For January’s edition, we invited Cindy to share a snapshot of her Timor Awakening journey — what brought her to the program, the goals she set, how life has unfolded since returning home, the challenges navigated, and the moments where she has been able to pay her growth forward.

This reflection remind us that healing isn’t a straight line; it’s a series of small steps, brave choices, and the support of a community that understands. We’re grateful to share Cindy’s story with you.

Thank you Cindy.

TA33 with Cindy Emberson

Jarrahdale, WA Retreat Date: May 2025

I heard about the TA33 Jarrahdale program through someone connected to my veterans journey. As soon as I learned it was happening in Perth, I had a strong feeling it was something I needed to be part of. At the time, I felt stuck — stuck in my head, stuck in the past, and holding onto a lot of hurt and trauma that I didn’t know how to heal or move forward from. I was extremely apprehensive before attending. I didn’t really understand what the program involved or what would be required of me, and I considered pulling out several times. But from the first circle, when Gary (Stone) shared his opening words —

"We don’t care what service you were in, what rank you were, or what you have seen and done… this program is about growing into the future, not looking back at the past" —

I knew in that moment I had made the right decision to be there.

My Health & Wellbeing Goals

On the final day of the program, we set personal, achievable goals to support our journey forward. One of mine was to complete a Breathwork Facilitator course I had already started but had been struggling to finish. The second was public speaking — something I knew I would need to do as a Breathwork Facilitator, but my lack of self-worth had stopped me from allowing myself to be seen.

Life After the Retreat

Before Timor Awakening, I had never heard the term moral injury, yet it deeply resonated with me and gave me space to process so much of what I had been carrying. Being surrounded by other veterans in such an open, honest, inclusive, and safe space — with no pressure — allowed us to learn, laugh, cry, and share together.

It shifted something in me that 18 months of counselling hadn’t even come close to healing.

For the first time in a very long time, I truly felt seen for who I am — and that being me was enough.

Challenges & Wins

I’m incredibly proud of myself for becoming a fully qualified, trauma-informed Breathwork Facilitator and for the persistence it took to get there. Another big win has been the friendships I formed through TA33. I remain in regular contact with several people I likely would never have met otherwise, yet we share a deep bond through our military backgrounds and the experience of the program.

One challenge came after completing my course. While I was running regular sessions for friends and family, I still lacked the confidence to step out into the wider community. That’s when I realised how I wanted to use my training in a meaningful way.

My Pay-It-Forward Moment

I truly believe in the healing power of breathwork, so I connected with a veteran organisation and began offering weekly sessions free of charge as a way of giving back. The support and healing I’ve personally received through Timor Awakening and the veteran community over the past year has meant so much to me. Offering these sessions feels like the right way to honour that and pay it forward.

Today, I feel grateful, hopeful, and genuinely excited about my future.

I’m no longer afraid of being seen — and that feels like a huge step forward.

If you’d like to get involved with VCA, the first step is to join one of our Domestic programs as a participant.  This gives you a genuine feel for the program and helps us build a mentor team with real lived understanding.

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.