Episode 48 – Anthony Eddie: From Military Service to Mental Health Advocacy and the Yarramundi Veterans Shed

In this powerful episode of Triumph Beyond Trauma, I sit down with Anthony Eddie—Australian Army veteran, PTSD survivor, and co-founder of the Yarramundi Veterans Shed in Western Sydney.

Anthony shares his story of joining the Army at 19, serving for three decades across Australia and overseas, and how he navigated the mental and physical challenges that came after deployment. Following a medical discharge in 2024, Anthony turned his focus to mental health advocacy and peer support for fellow veterans and first responders.

Together, we talk about life after service, living with PTSD, and the healing power of community. Anthony now plays an active role in veteran support networks as President of the Air Dispatch Association, Vice President of Penrith RSL sub-Branch, and Secretary & Treasurer of the Yarramundi Veterans Shed—a growing hub for connection, skill-building, and shared stories.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Anthony’s Army journey and transition into civilian life

• His experience with PTSD, medical discharge, and mental health recovery

• Why community spaces like the Yarramundi Veterans Shed are vital

• The importance of peer support for veterans and emergency service workers

• Ideas for improving veteran services in Western Sydney and beyond

Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, or someone who supports them, this episode offers honest insight, hope, and real tools for navigating post-service life.

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Anthony Eddie

Facebook

Website

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

In this deeply honest episode of Triumph Beyond Trauma , Rosie sits down with Steve Budgen — a former Navy diver, tactical operations leader with the AFP, and now a crisis leadership and resilience consultant. But this conversation isn’t just about job titles or high-stakes operations. It’s about the human behind the uniform, the layers of trauma many carry in silence, and what it really takes to heal and rebuild a meaningful life.

Steve shares his journey from a chaotic childhood through the intensity of frontline policing and into the unexpected challenges of civilian life. He talks openly about complex PTSD, imposter syndrome, and the emotional toll of leaving behind a tribe that once gave him purpose. But he also shares what pulled him through — a strong work ethic, daily journaling, breathwork, Pilates, and the simple but powerful act of choosing to believe in himself, over and over again.

This episode is packed with moments of insight and truth that so many first responders, veterans, and anyone navigating big life transitions will relate to. Steve’s vulnerability, humility, and refusal to let his past define him will leave you feeling inspired and less alone.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or on the other side, this episode is a testament to what’s possible when you back yourself, even in the smallest way.

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Steve Budgen

LinkedIn

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

In this episode, Rosie sits down with NSW Police Veteran Roger Eichler, now program director at Trojan’s Trek

Trojan's Trek is a powerful peer-to-peer program supporting veterans and first responders through meaningful connection and time in nature.

Roger opens up about his policing career, the challenges of stepping away from the job, and how finding purpose again through Trojan’s Trek has shaped his own recovery journey.

They explore the power of shared experience, the impact of preventative mental wellness, and hint at an exciting new event on the horizon for Trojan’s Trek—one that could take this life-changing program to the next level.

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Roger Eichler

Website

LinkedIn

Roger's Fundraising Dinner

Roger's Book

Trojan's Trek - KOKODA

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

In this powerful episode of Triumph Beyond Trauma , Rosie sits down with Justyn Backhouse, a former NSW Police Sergeant whose 25-year career spanned highway patrol, elite aviation support with PolAir, and some of the most intense frontline experiences imaginable.

Diagnosed with PTSD in 2021, Justyn opens up about the silent toll his career took on his mental health — from life-threatening car crashes early in his policing journey to critical incidents that shaped his final years on the job. He shares with raw honesty what it was like to hide panic attacks at work, lose confidence in his abilities, and ultimately step away from the job he loved.

We dive deep into Justyn’s healing journey, including his experience with EMDR therapy, the challenges of navigating workers’ compensation, and the struggle to rebuild purpose and identity after leaving the police force.

Justyn’s new book Hidden Scars: From Crime Scenes to Crisis, The Price of Service is a raw, moving account of the realities faced by first responders — and a powerful reminder that healing is possible.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has lived the highs and lows of frontline work, or who supports someone who has.

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Justyn Backhouse

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

In this EMDR special episode, I’m joined by Michelle Anderson, a former NSW Ambulance Paramedic who now works as a trauma therapist specialising in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).

After 21 years on the job and her own battle with PTSD, Michelle made the courageous shift into mental health—retraining as a social worker and now helping others heal in her private practice on the NSW South Coast.

We talk about Michelle’s frontline career, her lived experience with PTSD, and how EMDR has not only transformed her life, but the lives of so many first responders she now works with. Michelle breaks down how EMDR works, what makes it so effective (especially for those of us with multiple traumas), and how she now offers 5-day intensives—often fully covered by workers comp for eligible emergency service workers in NSW.

This is a must-listen for first responders, veterans, and anyone supporting them. It’s full of practical insight, deep empathy, and a reminder that healing is absolutely possible—even after the hardest calls.

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Michelle Anderson

https://emdrtraumaclinic.com.au/

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

This episode of Triumph Beyond Trauma highlights the incredible work of Shane Dimech and his charity, Our Mateship Limited.

Our Mate Ship provides free wellness days on the water for current and ex-serving military personnel, emergency services members, their families and carers.

Shane, a veteran himself, shares his powerful personal journey of overcoming significant mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol addiction, which ultimately inspired him to create this vital support system.

Learn about the healing power of connection, nature, and giving back, and how Our Mate Ship is making a difference in the lives of those who have served.

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Shane Dimech

Our Mate Ship

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

In this episode, Rosie chats with Samuel Harris, the heart and soul behind Veteran Gaming Australia (VGA), a charity that's doing incredible things for veterans and their families.

Discover how VGA is building community and tackling social isolation in the veteran community through a shared love of gaming and geek culture.

Sam's own journey, from his time in the Australian Defence Force to overcoming significant challenges, has fueled his passion for supporting his fellow veterans.

Hear all about VGA’s innovative programs, from setting up social gaming hubs and eSports initiatives to their awesome hospital loan device program, providing Nintendo Switch consoles and Kindle E-readers to veterans in hospitals.

This episode offers a look at the positive impact of community, connection, and a bit of fun! It's a great listen for anyone interested in learning more about veteran support and the power of innovative initiatives.

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Samuel Harris

Website

Discord

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

In this powerful episode, Sonya Leeding—Queensland Police Detective, author, and widow of Senior Constable Damian Leeding—shares her deeply personal journey of love, loss, and resilience. Before tragedy struck, Sonya had already faced significant challenges, including postnatal depression after the birth of their first child. Then, in 2011, her world changed forever when Damian was tragically shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery.

Sonya opens up about navigating grief, raising their two young children, and how she found healing through writing her memoir, Blue Widow . Her story is one of strength, vulnerability, and hope—a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is a path forward.

This episode covers themes of trauma, recovery, and resilience, making it a must-listen for anyone facing adversity. Please note that sensitive topics such as grief, postnatal depression, and trauma are discussed.

Listen now and be inspired by Sonya’s incredible story.

Find Rosie Skene:

Tactical Yoga Australia

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Sonya Leeding

Website

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

Season 5 is here, and I couldn’t be more excited! In this intro episode, I get real about connection—why it was my intention for 2025, how I’ve navigated feeling disconnected, and the powerful lessons I’ve learned along the way. I also share why I took a step back before launching this season and why it’s so important to normalize the ups and downs of mental health. Plus, I’m giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming—powerful interviews with former defence personnel, a deep dive into EMDR therapy for trauma, and incredible stories of resilience and hope. This season is going to be an absolute cracker, and I can’t wait for you to hear it!

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/ 

** Content Warning **

Due to the nature of this Podcast and the discussions that I have with Guests, I feel it's important to underline that there may be content within the episodes that have the potential to cause harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.

In this powerful season finale of Triumph Beyond Trauma, Rosie Skene sits down with Steph Bochorsky, a West Australian Police Officer, Australian Defence Force veteran, and a passionate mental health advocate. Steph’s incredible journey encompasses resilience, bravery, and a steadfast commitment to service.

Steph shares the pivotal and harrowing 2015 incident that earned her the inaugural National Police Bravery Award, the Star of Courage, and the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery. She recounts the traumatic events of that night and how they’ve shaped her life, career, and outlook on mental health.

Together, Rosie and Steph discuss the lasting impacts of trauma, the stigma surrounding mental health in first responder communities, and the critical changes needed to better support those who protect and serve. With raw honesty, Steph also opens up about her own healing journey, her transition to studying psychology, and her passion for helping others rewrite their stories.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation as we wrap up season four of Triumph Beyond Trauma

Find Rosie Skene:

Website

Learn more about the First Responder Mental Wellness Method

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Join our private Facebook Group - First Responder & Veteran Mental Wellness

To keep up to date and get weekly emails from me - Newsletter

Roll With The Punches Podcast Episode 820

Everyday Warriors Podcast Episode 16

Emerge & See Podcast Episode 12

Find Stephanie Bochorsky

LinkedIn

Mental Health Resources:

000 - Concerns for someone's immediate welfare, please call 000 (Australia)

RUOK? - Resources https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources

LIFELINE, Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention - 13 11 14 - https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

1800 Respect, Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Counselling - 1800 737 732 -https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Suicide Call Back Service, 24hr free video & online counselling - 1300 659 467 -https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Blue Knot, Empowering Recovery from Complex Trauma - 1300 650 380 - https://blueknot.org.au/

Head Space, National Youth Mental Health Foundation - https://www.headspace.com/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Support line for Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander peoples - 13 YARN (24/7) 13 92 76 - https://www.13yarn.org.au/

MensLine (24/7)  1300 78 99 78 - https://mensline.org.au/

QLife (3pm-midnight) 1800 184 527 - Anonymous, free LGBTI support - https://qlife.org.au/