I’ll be honest – asking for help has never come easy to me. It’s the Defence training: independence is drilled into you, and needing help is too often seen as a weakness. But the truth is, strength is KNOWING when to reach out.
When Deb from Flourish Australia at Caboolture first arrived at my home, I was nervous. But Deb’s warm smile and genuine presence immediately put me at ease. She didn’t rush. She listened with kindness and no judgement. That first meeting felt like a breath of fresh air.
I’ll never forget walking through the doors at Caboolture and being welcomed not just by one or two people but by everyone. Staff members paused what they were doing-turned away from their computers- to greet me. ME. For the first time in a long time, I felt seen.
What came next truly blew me away. I was asked by one of the support workers a simple question: ‘What do you enjoy doing in life?’
I was stunned, because no one had asked me for a long time. It was asked with genuine curiosity, as part of a conversation. I felt something I hadn’t in a while: Hope.
The kind of hope that whispers maybe I can rebuild. Maybe there’s still space for joy and maybe, just maybe, I’m allowed to flourish too.
I had been honoured to be the first female in the Australian Defence Force, Army within Aviation Corps – a milestone that gives me immense pride to this day. It was a time of discipline, structure and breaking barriers. Being part of that pioneering moment wasn’t just a job, it was history and I was living it.
But everything had changed. My time in the Army came to an unexpected end due to severe multiple injuries, leading to medical discharge. I’ve had to let go of many life long passions – scuba diving, sailing, painting, running, cycling and swimming. Letting those go has been heart breaking. They weren’t just hobbies, they were part of who I was.
I felt abandoned when I left the Army. The sense of mateship – of being part of something – vanished overnight. It was as if the family I belonged to suddenly disappeared, and I was left standing alone with no map, no compass and no support.
The military structure that held everything together gave me nothing to hold onto once I was discharged. I had to apply for a Medicare card, which was far more complicated and delayed than it should have been. I had no rental history to show when applying for housing. No employer references to call, despite years of service and discipline. Those early days of transition were some of the toughest of my life.
That’s why I often think about becoming a transition support person. Not an advocate because advocates focus mostly on claims, like injuries or mental health claims.
I needed all connections sorted out – so stepping into civilian life was not unprepared and unsupported.
Looking back, I wish someone had done that for me!
We all took an oath to serve our country Australia. No one who served their country should feel discarded. Transition should be a bridge, not a cliff.
Since leaving the army, I haven’t returned to work. But I have found something just as valuable – Connection.
Now, I’ve committed myself to rehabilitation, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. For the first time in years, I’ve ventured out of my home. I’ve visited the art galleries, wandered by rivers, stood in awe at a waterfall, and taken in the pure peace of nature on scenic drives.
To the Flourish Australia team, I have nothing but deep gratitude. You helped bring me back to life. You’ve helped me laugh again, talk again and feel like ME again.
Kim is back. The woman that was lost so many years has found her way back home.
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For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
