ABOUT US
Trek2Health provides practical wellbeing programs for frontline workers and veterans in recognition of the extraordinary contribution they make to the community.
Our programs are designed to give people a supported pathway outside the usual workplace or clinical environment. Participants move in nature, connect with peers, take on guided challenges and receive support from the Trek2Health team.
This approach is built around a simple belief: people should not have to wait until breaking point before they are offered a practical way to move forward.
Our Story
Trek2Health was created to support the people who carry the community through crisis, danger and trauma. Frontline workers and veterans often experience things most people will never have to face. Many continue serving, leading and helping others while the pressure of those experiences builds quietly in the background.
Trek2Health was founded to provide a different kind of support: practical, active and stigma-free. The program does not treat people as broken, or expect them to explain everything before they are allowed to begin. Instead, it uses nature, movement, guided challenge and community to create an environment where people can reconnect with their health, confidence and sense of possibility.
The work began with a clear recognition: those who protect and serve the community deserve a supported pathway of their own.
Today, Trek2Health continues that work through programs for eligible frontline workers and veterans, community support initiatives, partnerships, corporate wellbeing experiences and evidence-informed reporting.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Trek2Health’s mission is to support the health and wellbeing of emergency services personnel, frontline workers and veterans in recognition of the extraordinary contribution they make to the community.
We provide a supportive, stigma-free environment designed to strengthen mental and physical wellbeing through evidence-informed green exercise programs, team-oriented nature treks, professional support and measured progress.
Our work helps build healthier individuals, stronger service communities and a more resilient wider community.
Our Vision
Our vision is a community where frontline workers and veterans can access practical, trusted and stigma-free wellbeing support before they reach breaking point.
We seek to contribute to a future where service is recognised, resilience is actively supported and people who protect the community are not left to carry the effects of that service alone.
The Trek2Health philosophy is grounded in resilience, determination, compassion, innovation, fairness, mateship, community and service. These values guide how we support participants, work with referrers, engage donors, build partnerships and represent the frontline communities we serve.
Trek2Health Ambassadors
Trek2Health is supported by ambassadors who help champion the mission, strengthen community awareness and stand behind frontline workers and veterans.
Cr Steve Toomey
Councillor for The Gap WardHe is also a strong supporter of serving and returned service personnel. From the very beginning of Trek2Health, Steve has been a steadfast supporter of our mission, actively participating in community treks and championing our cause to promote resilience and wellbeing. His commitment to both our charity and the people we serve reflects his passion for making a meaningful impact.
Jonty Bush MP
Member for Cooper
Fortunately, over that time we’ve come a long way in talking about the impact of these roles on the psychology of first responders, in particular the cumulative impact of working in and around trauma. I whole-heartedly support the work of Trek2Health who are breaking down the stigma in relation to help-seeking, while also incorporating another of my passions – spending time with good people in nature.”
Keith Banks BM
Author & Mental Health Advocate
… depression, and the effects of trauma. My personal mission is to help people build resilience and lead fulfilling personal and professional lives.
I am honoured to be an Ambassador for Thousand Strong, a project that will enable the provision of support to those who are impacted by their service to the community.”
Medy Hassan OAM FRSN FAIB
Founder Haus Holdings Pty Limited
Committed to philanthropy and innovative commercial strategies, he drives impact in health, property, food & water security, education, and digital disruption. Passionate about ‘green exercise’ and health research, Médy proudly serves as an Ambassador for Trek2Health and the ‘Thousand Strong Program,’ supporting those who have served society.
Dr Andrew W Grieve FACRRM FACTM FCMI
Senior Medical Officer, Emergency Medicine/GP
He is a current rural & remote physician (Emergency) holding portfolio appointments across private practice (BNE), academia (UQ) and medical management (MNHHS).
He is an internationally recognised expert on deployable health, remote and austere medical support, and medical leadership. He is a strong advocate for strengthening mental health and wellbeing, particularly in frontline workers.
Donna Thistlethwaite
Mental Health Advocate and Trainer
Shaped by her lived experience of surviving a suicidal crisis, she is committed to creating a world where everyone can recognise the signs that they – or someone they care about – may be struggling and feel confident knowing how to offer support.
As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and career soldier, and with four other close family members serving in the military and emergency services, Donna has a deep personal connection to the Trek2Health mission. Donna’s story was featured on Australian Story, where she shared her journey of hope, resilience, and recovery.
Our Expertise
The Trek2Health Team
Trek2Health is supported by a committed team of program specialists, trek leaders, board members, operational staff, researchers, advisers and professional contributors.
Together, the team supports program delivery, participant care, logistics, governance, communications, research and community engagement.
Hellene Maguire
Senior Program specialist
Leanne Butterworth
Senior Program specialist
Merendi Leverett
Senior Program specialist
Stuart Robinson
Senior Trek Leader
Katrina Carr
Senior Trek Leader
Sarah Bennett
Trek Leader
Tony McManis
Remedial Trek Leader
Jason Gill
Training & Logistics Manager
Justin Andrews
Breath Coach
Georgia MacLean
Client Intake Administration
Matt Harris
Senior Trek Leader
Colin Briggs
Senior Trek Leader
Peter MacLean
Multi-Day Trek Leader
Damien Lacey
Plumbing Program Consultant
Jason Gallagher
Board Member – Finance
Paul Ferry
Chief Marketing Officer
John Lewis
Director – Medical
Colin Bushell
Photographer/Video
Jason Hicks
Director I.T & Marketing
Kate Hunter
Chief Marketing Technologist
Bruce Barker
CEO
David Esler
Chairman
Clare Jenkinson
Board Member
Dr. Peter Le Rossignol
Program Director
Tony Brennan
Board Member – Medical
Our Partners
Trek2Health’s work is made possible through the support of partners, sponsors, donors, community contributors and organisations that believe frontline workers and veterans deserve practical support. Partnerships help Trek2Health continue delivering programs, building awareness, funding participant pathways and strengthening community backing for frontline wellbeing.
Trek2Health is proud to partner with
We welcome new partnerships and contributors.
Support the Mission
Trek2Health exists because frontline workers and veterans should not have to carry the effects of service alone.
Whether you are considering applying, referring someone, donating, partnering or supporting the organisation in another way, there is a practical pathway for you to get involved.
