Page 174 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

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for 24 hours; in 2011 I embarked on raising funds for Legacy and fulfilling my dream. I rode my MTB for 24 hours around Lake Burley Griffin finishing at the Australian War Memory for Remembrance Day Service; I rode 452km / 283 miles and raised $25,000 for Legacy. Legacy is a charity providing services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service.
Where to from here; once upon a time the Australian Dream involved owning 1 acre of land; I’ve staked my acre five hours north of Brisbane, Queensland in the sleepy hollow beach town of Moore Park Beach. I’ll finish my time and retire quietly to the glorious weather, amazing beaches and relaxed lifestyle; PERFECT!
Ex APTCIs who took on the Lateral Transfer Challenge
Pauline Frampton (Ex QMSI)
Start rank SGT current rank SGT
Matthew Hallett (Ex SI)
Start rank CPL current rank SGT
Andrew Hudson (Ex SMI)
Start rank LT current rank MAJ
Neil McCallum MBE (Ex QMSI)
Start rank SGT current rank Major
Danny McCuaig (Ex MAJ)
Start rank MAJ current rank MAJ
Bruce Murfin (Ex CAPT)
Start rank CAPT current rank MAJ
Darren Wilcock (Ex QMSI)
Start rank CPL current rank SGT
Discharged:
Kenny Carter (Ex CAPT)
Start rank SGT discharge rank SGT
Steven Grey (Ex SMI)
Start rank CPL discharge rank CPL
Jeff Hassel (Ex QMSI)
Start rank SGT discharge rank SGT
Simon Horridge (Ex RSM / SMI)
Start rank SGT current rank SGT
Gareth Hughes (Ex SSI)
Start rank SGT discharge rank SGT
Paul Magill (Ex SSI)
Start rank SGT discharge rank SGT
Dean Miller (Ex QMSI)
Start rank SGT discharge rank SGT
Ex APTCIs who took on the Australia Challenge as Civilians
Sue and Paul Blake (Ex QMSIs) Richard Carey (Ex QMSI)
Pete Chapple
Michelle (McBride) now Cox (Ex QMSI) Dave Evan (Ex QMSI)
Kevin Mason (Ex QMSI)
Dean May (Ex SSI)
George McLemon (Ex QMSI)
Peter Smith (Ex SSI)
Rick Withapee
Well where do I start? G’ Day!!
Having left the Corps in June 2012 after
completing my 22 year service, I set out to start my new life in Canberra, Australia.
On arriving in Canberra after a short visit home to Hull to say farewell to my family and friends, I arrived in Sydney after a wee 28hr flight from Manchester. Planning a new career and not been a citizen you don’t get much assistance from the job centre (Centrelink) in finding a job. I fell back on my good old REPs and started a career as a Personal Trainer at Fit n Fast in Belconnen. Having to pay $900 a month to operate your business from their facility and having no clients took a while to grasp. I set out to build my cliental and after a few months I had around 20 full time clients and the money was pretty good. I also jumped on board with two ex-Australia Army guys Dan and James, who had their own Battle Camp Fitness Business: full on military PT right up my ally. I worked for Dan and James for 4 years before they sold their business after 10 years and moved out of state.
Ex SSI Peter Smith – Capital Punishment MTB Race
Overall Canberra is a fantastic location for families, fitness and many different activities. I love nothing more than riding my mountain bike all over Canberra which provides me with over 300km of single track. I have competed in 24hrs events, 8hrs events, 100km and 50km events. Life is good!!
I am loving what Australia has to offer and over the next few years I will do my best to explore it more. Be it by bike or by my 4x4 Ute.
Since arriving I have met up with Ex QMSI Paul Blake and Ex WO2 QMSI Richard Thomas who have visited Australia with his work. I found out that my good mate Richard was in Sydney doing some work. So, I took Friday off and set out for Sydney to meet up with him having not seen each other for nearly 10 years let me tell you what a weekend we had. After a few schooners on Sydney Harbour and few early nights (5am), we then took a trip to Bondi beach for a wee bit of sightseeing. Tomo even had the time for a quick head stand. All in all, a great weekend and a great catch up. Don’t let the present
PETER SMITH (EX SSI) – LIFE DOWN UNDER
During this four year period, I was a Manager of Summit Fitness and after a short period I bailed ship and went on to work at the Australia National University (ANU) where I work today. Working at the ANU has given me the necessary skills to show I can work in a civilian organisation and this will allow me to further my career in the public service or border protection. I have applied for my Australian Citizenship and Im currently waiting on the outcome. Fingers crossed.
push away your past. Get out and visit your mates!
It’s time to say my farewells as I need to crank up the Barbie, down a few schooners so until next year. Farewell!