Walk for PTSD - Operation K9

Ex-Army and Navy returned serviceman, Chad McLaren, current returned serviceman, Air Force Aircraft System Technician, Sergeant Adrian Borlace, and former Navy Marine Technician Dustin Roberts will complete a 40km pack march along Adelaide's beaches on July 2 to raise money and awareness for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Operation K9 program.

Mr McLaren served with the 6th Battalion in East Timor in 2000 and strives for more to be done for men and women of the Australian Defence Force returning from active duty with PTSD, anxiety and combat stress related issues.

Operation K9, using assistance dogs to boost Veteran morale, is a new program established in 2014 between RSL-SA and the Royal Society for the Blind (RSB).

The program brings together two progressive charities to address the complex issue for many Veterans; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Originally referred to as ‘shell shock’, PTSD is now at the centre of significant research as more cases are diagnosed. RSB are leaders in the breeding and training of guide dogs and assistance dogs while the RSL are leaders in Veteran welfare and have an obligation to provide innovative solutions.

A total of seven dogs have been placed with Veterans who have satisfied our screening and matching requirements. An additional dog – Gunner Murray – has been adopted by the 16 Air Land Regiment at Woodside to assist with morale and homesickness on the barracks. In South Australia there is currently 7 Veterans on a waiting list to receive an Operation K9 dog.

The Operation K9 philosophy is simple. By developing a bond with the Operation K9 Dog and through specifically trained tasks and companionship, independence for the Veteran can increase. It is known that pet dogs can act as catalysts for human social interactions and it has been suggested that this may enhance feelings of well-being.

Operation K9 Dogs can also help in motivating the Veteran to exercise which, in turn, triggers other health benefits. It is known that pet ownership brings a marked increase and dogs can aid in breaking down communication barriers.

Department of Veterans Affairs are aware that 46,500 Veterans have a mental health condition, and of these, approximately 28,500 Veterans have PTSD, anxiety and combat stress related issues.

The cost for allocating one dog to one Veteran, including training, screening, veterinary care and food for the life of the dog, is $25,000.

Henley and Grange RSL and Bendigo Bank West Beach branch are assisting with raising money and promotion of the walk, which will begin at the Brighton RSL, continue along the beach to the Largs Bay RSL, and finishing at Henley Beach.

South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service will be part of the day to help raise money and awareness of PTSD with in the Emergency Services. SAMFS crews will complete the final leg of the 40km walk with Chad, Adrian and Dustin in full firefighting uniform.


Our goal is to raise $25,000 and unite one South Australian veteran with a dog. People can donate to the walk in the following ways:

· Online at https://www.gofundme.com/25rpss24

· In any RSL in South Australia

· At the Bendigo Bank West Beach branch

· Along the Bendigo Bank March for PTSD route on July 2

Patron of the Bendigo Bank March for PTSD is former 7RAR platoon Sergeant Craig Hansen

For further information please contact Chad McLaren on 0409 691 497 or [email redacted].au