Timor Awakening Podcast

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