The Journey from Injury to Wellbeing
Tracks
Springbrook Room - In-Person Only
| Tuesday, March 5, 2024 |
| 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM |
| Springbrook Room |
Overview
Geoff Evans, CEO, Disaster Relief Australia
Speaker
Geoff Evans
CEO
Disaster Relief Australia
The Journey from Injury to Wellbeing
Abstract
Geoff Evans served for nineteen years in the Australian Army’s Special Operations Command as both a commissioned and non-commissioned officer.
From 2008 Geoff deployed twice to Afghanistan, where he experienced the horrors of war, witnessing one friend blown up by a mine, another shot and killed by a rocket and the death of innocent woman and children. Geoff’s second tour came to an end when the vehicle he was riding in drove over a bomb. The explosion crushed his spine and left him with a brain injury.
Upon returning home, on top of his physical recovery, Geoff embarked on a 7-year journey to heal his mental wounds, which were making his days and nights traumatic for himself and his loved ones as he relived his time at war.
During his recovery Geoff founded Homes for Heros, a charity intended to support homeless veterans and their families. It was here that he discovered that the ability to be of service and support others was a powerful tool on the road to recovering from mental ill health.
In 2016 Geoff was appointed the CEO of Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), a not for profit that utilises the skills and experiences of Defence Force Veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy to disasters in Australia and the Asia Pacific. Through his work with DRA Geoff is able to help hundreds of other veterans and first responders find a strong sense of purpose and identity. Knowing that he is helping others on this scale continues to drive Geoff and support his own wellbeing.
From 2008 Geoff deployed twice to Afghanistan, where he experienced the horrors of war, witnessing one friend blown up by a mine, another shot and killed by a rocket and the death of innocent woman and children. Geoff’s second tour came to an end when the vehicle he was riding in drove over a bomb. The explosion crushed his spine and left him with a brain injury.
Upon returning home, on top of his physical recovery, Geoff embarked on a 7-year journey to heal his mental wounds, which were making his days and nights traumatic for himself and his loved ones as he relived his time at war.
During his recovery Geoff founded Homes for Heros, a charity intended to support homeless veterans and their families. It was here that he discovered that the ability to be of service and support others was a powerful tool on the road to recovering from mental ill health.
In 2016 Geoff was appointed the CEO of Disaster Relief Australia (DRA), a not for profit that utilises the skills and experiences of Defence Force Veterans and first responders to rapidly deploy to disasters in Australia and the Asia Pacific. Through his work with DRA Geoff is able to help hundreds of other veterans and first responders find a strong sense of purpose and identity. Knowing that he is helping others on this scale continues to drive Geoff and support his own wellbeing.
Biography
Geoff Evans served for nineteen years in the Australian Army’s Special Operations Command as both a commissioned and non-commissioned officer.
In 2013, Geoff founded Homes for Heroes, a national charity supporting homeless veterans and their families. In this role, Geoff gained extensive experience in dealing with veterans experiencing mental illness, addiction, family breakdown, incarceration, homelessness, and suicide.
In January of 2016, Geoff was appointed as the CEO of Disaster Relief Australia (DRA). DRA utilises the skills and experiences of the Defence community and first responders to rapidly deploy to disasters in Australia and the Asia Pacific.
