Defence force personnel and first responders to triumph over trauma with Freemasons help

Enoggerathistlebarronbarnettthespian 202203

A Queensland charity that runs life-saving mental health rehabilitation programs for current and former defence force personnel and first responders, has been backed by the Freemasons.

Moved by the demand for these programs, Enoggera-Thistle, Barron Barnett and Thespian Freemason Lodges, donated $50,000 to the 4 Aussie Heroes Foundation last month.

The donation will help support the development and upkeep of the 32-acre Camp Courage retreat site, from where the short-term live-in rehabilitation programs will be run when construction is complete.

A new tractor and other grounds maintenance equipment, which have been on the organisation’s wish list for some time, will now be purchased – meaning their volunteers will no longer have to borrow as much equipment to look after the rural retreat, nor use so much outdated manual equipment.

The donation will also fund office equipment including two laptops, a printer and audio-visual equipment for the Program sessions.

Enoggera-Thistle Lodge representative Gary Golding said the mission of 4 Aussie Heroes really struck a chord with the three Lodges.

“Early intervention support for our Aussie heroes living with PTSD and other mental health related issues is vital,” Gary Golding said.

“The programs run by this organisation do so much in terms of improving self-esteem, enabling comeraderie and improving participants overall wellbeing and quality of life. They are known to have saved lives.

“We’re very proud to support the 4 Aussie Heroes Foundation with this donation.”

Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Sara Parrott said the Freemasons of Queensland are making positives impacts in local communities across the state.

“We work in partnership with our Members to support the causes they care about most in their community, by topping up their giving,” Ms Parrott said.

“Having a local organisation that provides compassionate and professional mental health support is an incredibly valuable asset and we can see why our Members wanted to help out.

“By adding to the Lodge’s giving, we have helped to increase the impact of their community work,” she said.

Photo: Representatives of Enoggera-Thistle, Barron Barnett and Thespian Lodges handover their $50,000 donation to the 4 Aussie Heroes Foundation Founder Gerry Gerard. 

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