They fight for us;
They protect us;
They rescue those that are vulnerable;
But what happens when they become vulnerable?

They choose to serve;

THEY DESERVE OUR SUPPORT.
THEY ALSO DESERVE GOOD LIVES AND GOOD HEALTH

Our Mission

To prevent the suicide and suffering of all service and ex-service personnel caused by post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. In partnership with traditional owners, provide a remote nature-based transformational experience, designed to promote self-awareness, mindfulness, physical and mental health as well as a sustainable support network. Thereby re-establishing connection with self, community, and country

Why support them

Over 500 defence personnel have committed suicide since the beginning of the Iraq war.
There are an estimated 6000 veterans reported to be homeless.
The rate of suicide among ex-servicemen in the ADF is 18% higher than the national average.
The rate of suicide among ex-servicewomen in the ADF is 115% higher than the national average.
A 2018 study by Beyond Blue and a QLD Senate inquiry found that amongst emergency workers 2 out of every 5 employees and 1 out of every 3 volunteers had been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
1 out of every 4 first responders have symptoms consistent with PTSD.
Figures released in 2015 by the National Coronial Information System, revealed that one first responder was dying by suicide every six weeks.

support us with a donation

All donations are tax-deductible.

Healing Country is a not-for-profit Charity that provides programs free-of-charge to service personnel, it runs purely off donations. We therefore gratefully accept donations of any amount. All donations are tax-deductible.

Healing Country is committed to ensuring the effectiveness of every dollar you donate. Until Healing Country has its own Gift Recipient Status all tax-deductible receipts will be issued by Resilient Leaders Foundation via an Auspicing arrangement with Healing Country. All funds donated are tax deductible and will go to Healing Country.

Donating for a specific person

The cost per individual is $5000.00 for a 12-day remote activity which includes airfares from the closest major city as well as food and equipment. To raise funds and donate for a specific individual please email admin@healingcountry.org.au

How We will Help

The Seven Rivers Project

Developed as a FREE program (for Service Personnel) and possible only through the kindness, support and gratitude of the public.

This program is focused on nutritional, physical, mental and spiritual health, delivered in partnership with the ANGKAMUTHI people and the Healing Country project development committee.

The program is a transformational, life-changing experience, that will be run on a monthly basis from May-Oct limited only by the weather. Participants will attend at no cost to themselves.

The program involves introducing evidenced-based concepts for self-acceptance, human connection, and support. The potentially healing nature of the country promotes an opportunity for reflection, self-development, re-working interpretations of self and others and one’s place, and, if open to it . . . acceptance and new meaning.

The programme runs for 12 days including fly in and fly out days. Participants will arrive in Weipa and will spend 9 days walking the remote coastline of Western Cape York to near Seisia in the company of the ANGKAMUTHI elders and the Healing Country crew. The healing nature of the country promotes reflection, self-development, acceptance and clear thinking. Education centred around Neurology, Psychology, Mindfulness and thought processes, as well as Nutrition and its impact on mental health, will guide participants toward open and safe discussion around campfires at night. The program incorporates bonding time based around fishing and traditional bush tucker gathering and cooking as well as proven yoga and breathwork techniques. The programme is designed to offer the individual opportunity for re-experiencing and re-creating a sense of connection with a tribe, and thereby finding one’s place within a larger mutual support network.

Our Story Our People

Healing Country is a not-for-profit Charity that provides programs free-of-charge to service personnel to empower them to manage the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety, and to rebuild valuable human connections and meaning in their lives.

Healing Country is working in partnership with the Angkamuthi people of Cape York to form part of a New Dreaming arising within this country.

With the collaboration and guidance of the Angkamuthi people, Healing Country will deliver the Seven Rivers Project. The project aims to re-establish connection with this Ancient Land and the Spirit of Place, experienced through an elder guided walk along the remote Western Cape coastline over nine days, for the people who serve this land and for the people that have always been part of this land. It is a chance for all to reclaim the Spirit of Life that Country holds. An experience into the Heart of Australian Country.

Scott Cawley

Director and Chair

Scott served 25 years in the military in various roles and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Scott now lives and works in SW Queensland, where he has a cattle property with his family and works in a small local business…

Brian Benham

Founding Member and CEO of Healing Country

Over the last 25 years’ Brian has been drawn to the Cape York and Gulf region and its people. Establishing strong bonds and relationships over the years, Brian has a particularly deep…

Sandra Sebasio

Director and Project Development

Sandra is the Chairperson for Angkamuthi Tribal Aboriginal Corporation and lives in Injinoo Far North Queensland. Sandra has served her community for over 20 years, sitting on various…

Deena Birrell

Nutrition and Well-being Coach Healing Country

Knowing that food was essential to human existence and having a passion for Health and Well-Being, Deena attained a Degree in Applied Science in Food Technology, with Honours. Deena will ensure that…

Carole Hine

Director

Carole is a woman with incredible energy and passion and never backs away from a cause she believes to be worthy. Carole’s family has had firsthand experience with Post-traumatic stress and the effect this can…

James Greenshields

Director

James is a man with a huge heart and a vision to match, and one of his favourite sayings is “we haven’t hit the causal issue yet …” His experience with Post Traumatic Stress, after serving in Iraq, set him on…

Cristina Giai-Coletti

Project Development Healing Country

Cristina is a Clinical Psychologist with over 16 years’ experience in the field of mental health, having worked as a Clinical Psychologist in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. She has a particular…