An inspiring local is setting sights on raising both awareness and financial support for the mental health of our valued emergency services by participating in the Kokoda Trail in October alongside other personnel, side by side.
Ti Hokins has worked in the emergency services for many years, coordinating events for disaster management situations. Involved with memorial services for high profile murders, massacres and terrorist attacks, Ti was often the person who others looked to for support and strength.
“I was tasked with providing support for the community but in many ways was not allowed to feel it myself,” said Ti.
“Emergency Service Personnel are so resilient but these collective trauma events tear at the fabric of society and this eventually impacts on our personal wellbeing.”
In 2019, Ti began suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through,” they said.
Eventually with the support of a peer group within the Emergency Services Foundation and working closely with a GP, Occupational Therapist and Psychologist, Ti managed to find a way out.
“I thought, if I could get through that, then I could get through Kakoda!” they joked.
Leaving for Papua New Guinea in October, Ti will trek 96 kilometres in nine days and will be accompanied by 20 other emergency service personnel who all have a connection with, and are raising money for, mental health within the service.
Currently in training, Ti is going to the gym as regularly as possible and completed the 27-kilometre Honey Eater to Brandy Creek trail last weekend.
With two young children and a supportive wife, Ti has decided to embark on this ambitious adventure and is thrilled to see many locals rally around the cause.
From kind raffle prize donations to hosting events, there are many ways the community can support.
This Saturday Airlie Beach Bowls Club are hosting a barefoot bowls Kokoda Fundraising Event and next Saturday 3 Little Birds Espresso is hosting a Paint and sip for a Cause.
If this topic has brought up anything for you, reach out to your supports.
Lifeline 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
WHAT: Barefoot Bowls Kokoda Fundraising Event
WHEN: Saturday, August 27 from 4pm-6pm
WHERE: Airlie Beach Bowl’s Club
WHAT: Paint and Sip For A Cause
WHEN: Saturday, September 3 from 2pm-4.30pm
WHERE: 3 Little Birds Espresso Bar
Incredible views from the top
Ti Hokins practices for Kokoda the Whitsunday Great Walk
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