Chairman’s Report June 2025
I am delighted to present the Commando Welfare Trust (CWT) Chairman’s Report for June 2025.
As we draw towards the end of the financial year, we have continued to build strong momentum on our goal to increase our presence so we can raise more funds to support our continuing growing list of beneficiaries and provide more services to better serve Australia’s Special Forces community.
Unfortunately, this mission is driven by a real demand.
Last year, the charity gave a record million dollars to beneficiaries and the trend continues this financial year with the CWT supporting 50 families and assisting with the education of 35 children and the provision of advice to many others.
Children Scholarship Program Progressed
Jayde is one of the Special Forces children whose tertiary education we’ve helped support.
Through our partnership with the AVCAT (Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust), the CWT is proud to co-fund scholarships for the children of Special Forces veterans.
Jayde has had an excellent semester and is thoroughly enjoying her course as she begins her first placement. She’s embracing the challenge of becoming a paramedic and is incredibly grateful for the financial support provided by her scholarship.
It has allowed her to focus on her studies while easing the burden of relocation and placement-related costs.
The AVCAT has awarded more than 3,000 scholarships, with an impressive 82% completion rate. We look forward to working with AVCAT to continue to deliver education opportunities for Special Forces children.
Continued Our 15 Year Support of the Till Family
Meet Ziggy Till, who we’ve proudly supported since our inception as a charity in 2010 — pictured above at just six months old and now in 2025.
On 19 March 2009, his father, Sergeant Brett Till, was tragically killed while disarming a Taliban IED in Afghanistan. The Till family became the first beneficiaries of the Commando Welfare Trust and have remained supported by the Trust since its inception.
We’ve watched Ziggy grow over the years into a remarkable young man, carrying forward his father’s legacy with strength and character. Ziggy is a keen member of the Airforce cadet program he is humble, kind and generous like his father. He is an Australian who never got to meet his father and the Command Welfare Trust is proud to support this remarkable young man now and into the future.
We remain committed to supporting children like Ziggy, and families across Australia who live with the ongoing impact of military service and conflict every day.
The Krait Foundation's Programs Continue to Deliver for the Veteran Community
The Commando Welfare Trust is proud to support The Krait Foundation’s and the Wandering Warriors’ comprehensive program, designed to assist Special Forces veterans in transitioning from military service to civilian careers.
These tailored programs build on veterans’ unique and transferable skills, equipping them with valuable, high-demand civilian capabilities while also providing educational opportunities.
Programs:
- Mission: To provide a supportive ecosystem for the post-military career endeavours of those who served within SOCOMD and their families.
- Education Pathways: Access to top-tier university scholarships and training.
- Mentoring Program: Structured guidance, meaningful connections, and tailored development opportunities.
- Entrepreneurship: Support for fostering innovation and problem-solving to help veterans start and grow a business.
If you are a Special Forces veteran who has recently transitioned, the Commando Welfare Trust is committed to assisting you in accessing these programs. Please contact us for details: [email protected].
Funding the Veterinary Bills for an Ex-Special Forces Dog Tyson
Tyson was born at Holsworthy in 2016—one of twelve pups, with two selected for the 2nd Commando Regiment. The rest went to other units or became pets.
Tyson was certified for duty in 2018 and served five years on multiple Strike and Recovery Joint Task Force rotations. Tyson specialised in explosives detection, building clearance, and human tracking—often leading teams on entry.
He retired at age 7 and now lives with his second handler. Recently, Tyson faced serious health issues that resulted in significant vet bills. The Commando Welfare Trust is proud to support Tyson in his retirement.
Upcoming Events
Due to severe weather conditions in Papua New Guinea, the May 2025 Kokoda Fundraising Trek has been postponed.
The region was hit by heavy rainfall during the weeks leading up for the planned Trek, making parts of the track unsafe and several river crossings particularly dangerous.
The Trek will now occur 13-25 April 2026 culminating with ANZAC Day at Kokoda for the participants of the Trek.
This provides the opportunity for more people to join us walking in the footsteps of our diggers, and raise crucial funds to support Special Forces soldiers, veterans, and their families.
Merrick Watts, long term supporter of the Command Welfare Trust, will be also doing the trek and recording the journey for a podcast planned for release in late 2026 on Kokoda and the Commando Welfare Trust.
Key Details:
- Total trip costs are $5,950, which can be paid upfront or in instalments.
- The fee covers all costs of the 12-day trip.
- Only 20 spots available.
Join us for the 2025 Commando Welfare Trust Charity Ball — the marquee east coast black tie fundraising event recognises the service and sacrifice of our soldiers and their families.
Hosted at The Pillars, a restored four-storey heritage building in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, at 11 Barrack Street, Martin Place.
Funds raised on the night will provide emergency and long-term financial assistance to Special Forces soldiers, veterans, and their families. The Commando Welfare Trust is a registered charity and all donations are fully tax-deductible and go directly to those in need.
Key Details:
- Friday 21 November 2025
- 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- A premium drinks and cocktail food package served throughout the night
- Live music and entertainment
- A silent auction and raffle
- Dress code: Black tie with miniature medals
- Military dress option: Number 6B Mess Dress with White Jacket
Only 200 tickets available — book early this event will sell out.
The Second Jack Fitzgibbon Cup
The Commando Welfare Trust is taking expressions of interest from those wanting to participate in the Second Jack Fitzgibbon Cup. You are also welcome to attend the Cup as a supporter.
The sports day will be held on Sunday, 23rd November 2025 in Canberra.
The event will provide you with an opportunity to play Rugby, Tennis, Golf and other sports against politicians, including cabinet members.
Last year’s event brought together a community of politicians, current SOCOMD members, veterans, Andy Turnbull, the Australian Parliament Sports Club, David Pocock, the Classic Wallabies, Anthony Albanese and other prominent politicians.
The main event will be the Australian Parliament Rugby XV v Commando Welfare Trust XV (over 35 rules will be used for the game).
The day will honour the late Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, with all funds raised will go towards the Commando Welfare Trust.
Click the the button below to register.
Outlook for the Second Half of 2025
As we close out the first half of 2025, we will continue to build our public presence to increase fundraising to allow us to meet the needs of our growing base of beneficiaries.
If you know of any people who need our support or areas where we can improve the level of support we are providing within the Special Forces community, please reach out.
We welcome any assistance you can offer in our mission to provide essential support to those who have devoted their lives to serving our country.
Please forward this email to your friends, family, business associates, so we can expand our network, which will enhance our ability to support our Special Forces Community.
In closing, we are committed to providing ongoing support to the 50 families and stand prepared to support others as needed. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left without assistance during their time of need, SOF for Life.
Mark Smethurst DSC, AM,
Chairman,
The Commando Welfare Trust