Invisible Injuries- Mental health ambassadors

Location #17 - Ropers veterans retreat / Mataranka

August 09, 2021

Location 17 - Ropers Veterans retreat / Mataranka

Tour Journal

Day 1 - 09 Aug
  • Staging area @ Little Roper for admin and census 2 nights
  • Recce for our site at Ropers veterans retreat
  • 15mins breathing
  • Mena (radio producer:mental health charity content producer) - caked about some questions for piece he’s producing for charity & connection to SA ESO’s/ Charities.
  • Recce of Ropers retreat…track not suitable to tow our caravan Bushy so disappointed. Alternate to stay at Little roper for the week and explore, wait for mail and punch onto Katherine
  • Met 4 veteran couples at Ropers Veterans, such a beautiful spot. 4 veterans, 4 family/immediate support - Barry & Donna, Bill & Chris, Terry & Jan, Alan & Sue
Day 2 - 10 Aug
Little Roper
  • 20min breathing
  • 100 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
  • Recorded 4 VMA mediations along Riper River
  • Explored the Mataranka hot springs - Wow!
  • Lifeline cohort 6 training webinar #1
  • Veteran Stacy G called to say their coming up to meet and see if they can stay at Ropers Veterans
  • Census night
Day 3 - 11 Aug
A visit to the veterans retreat
  • Arvo visit planned for nibbles meet and greet at Ropers Veterans retreat
  • Recorded 2 more VMA meditations
  • Met Greg & Christine first responder Firie from Wollongong - 1 FR, 1Family
Day 4 - 12 Aug
A nothing day
  • 20min breathing
  • 100 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
  • Top up admin
  • Allowed ourselves some rest
  • A bush visit from veterans Stacy G & Darren
  • Connected with veteran Pauly - 1 x veteran
  • Donation of foodstuffs form the boys
Day 5 - 13 Aug
Veteran hangs
  • 20min breathing
  • 100 push-ups, sit-ups, squats
  • Hangs with the veteran boys
  • An explore of Larrimah museum WWII history, visit & connected the boys to the Ropers veterans retreat
  • Bon voyage dinner meal cooked for the boys
  • Donation offer feom Helena Connor to assist with website rebuild
  • Locked in Vantastic awning design
Day 6 - 14 Aug
Maintenance and chills
  • 10min gratitude and breathing
  • Explore to Bitter Springs and grounding with nature, what an amazing experience
  • Maintain bushy
  • Mindfulness through music listening to the “Repeat offenders” and whip show with Nathan “Whippy” Griggs
Day 7 - 15 Aug
Around the camp
  • 45min run
  • 10min gratitude routine and snooze up breathing
  • Explored the Mataranka markets and introduced ourselves to local police SGT Chalky and his 2 offsiders, we’ll be seeing them again at Veterans day memorial. 3 x First Responders
  • Recorded final 2 x meditations for VMA collaboration
Day 8 - 16 Aug
  • 25min Workout of the week.
  • Katherine lockdown so daytrip cancelled
  • Lifeline elearning modules
Day 9 - 17 Aug
  • Mat Heston welfare catch-up
  • Lifeline elearning modules
  • 1hr Bitter springs Morning swim
  • Podcast production
Day 10 - 18 Aug
Vietnam Veterans Day
  • Check 5 mates - Afghanistan situation
  • 1hr riverside walk - Elsey creek
  • Pre-transit day admin
  • Make wreath
  • Memorial service at Ropers veterans retreat.