Who we help
The CWT provides support to members of Special Operations Command Units (SOCOMD) and their families. Due to their specialist skills and training, special forces soldiers are at the front line performing a dangerous and often confronting job. Sadly most of those killed in recent combat operations are from SOCOMD units and many of those who returned suffer physical and mental illnesses related to their service.
How do we help?
The Commando Welfare Trust was created to provide beneficiaries with support that is outside the scope of, but complementary to, existing Defence and non-Defence support mechanisms (eg. Legacy, DVA). The CWT is able to provide support in unique ways including; Payment of school fees, modified equipment such as wheelchairs & computers; family reunion travel and financial aid such as back to school help.
Show your support
Donations to the Trust will be applied either to the ongoing support of families left behind by the death of a loved one in the service of our country or alternately directed into making life the best it can be for the families of Commandos who are seriously injured whilst on operations. You can assist us in achieving our goal by making a donation today;
The Story of Corporal Tim Pereira
Tim Pereira is a young man who has paid a heavy price for doing his job.
Tim is a deeply private person but has given permission for his story to be made public. He hopes that this will help people become more aware of the ways in which the Commando Welfare Trust is supporting Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) soldiers and their families.
In 2012 on his second tour in Afghanistan, Tim, an Electronic Warfare Operator, was on a mission manning the rear gun in a Bushmaster Armoured Vehicle. Tim had just volunteered to stay on and cover the winter rotation instead of returning home with his platoon.
Bad weather had made conditions poor. The vehicle was involved in a collision and Tim was knocked unconscious. When he came to, he realized he was paralysed from the neck down and was unable to breathe. He thought he was going to die. A medic travelling in the same vehicle acted swiftly and kept him alive. Tim would later learn that he had sustained a C4 burst fracture in his spine. He spent over 18 months in rehab, both overseas and back in Australia. He worked tirelessly trying to regain as much movement as possible but remains paralysed and requires 24/7 support.
Medically discharged from the army in 2019, Tim used his compensation payout to assist in purchasing a house. However, he still needed a significant mortgage to secure the property and complete modifications works necessary to accommodate his special needs. Tim’s care puts a significant strain on his military pension.
Tim has never asked for support from anyone. However, on hearing of his circumstances, the Commando Welfare Trust (CWT) is now funding Tim’s mortgage interest payments. In addition, the Trustees have pledged to raise the funds necessary to pay off the mortgage completely.
Should you wish to support Tim Pereira, who has paid a massive price in the service of his country, please donate to this worthy cause.
To read more about Tim’s story please click here. For more information about this story or the CWT please contact the CWT Executive Officer.
How You Can Help
The CWT is aiming to raise $300,000 to reduce Tim’s mortgage to zero.
Since the campaign was launched over $100,000 has been raised towards this target. Donations can be made via direct debit to:
The Commando Welfare Trust
Commonwealth Bank Martin Place Sydney
BSB 062 000 | Account 14345057
Donations $2 and over to this cause are Tax Deductible.
If you prefer, you can also donate via the Tim Pereira – Zero Mortgage Pledge GoFundMe page (fees apply)
What is SOCOMD?
The Special Forces of the Australian Defence Force are grouped under the Special Operations Command (SOCOMD). Due to their specialist skills and training, special forces soldiers are often at the front line as they conduct and or support special operations in places such as East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. The job they perform is dangerous and often confronting and sadly most of those killed or wounded in recent combat operations are from SOCOMD units and many of those who returned from duty suffer physical and mental illnesses related to their service in the military. SOCOMD units covered by the CWT include;
- Headquarters Special Operations Command (HQ SOCOMD)
- Headquarters Special Forces Group (HQ SFG)
- Defence Special Operations Training & Education Centre (DSOTEC)
- 1st Commando Regiment (1 Cdo Regt)
- 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt)
- Special Operations Engineer Regiment (SOER)
- Australian Defence Force School of Special Operations (ADFSSO)
- Australian Defence Force Parachuting School (ADFPS)
- Special Operations Logistics Squadron (SOLS)
- 6th Aviation Regiment (6 Avn Regt)
- No 4 Squadron RAAF (4SQN)
The Commando Welfare Trust was established to provide support to these special forces soldiers and their families.
* Members of the Special Air Service Regiment are covered by the Special Air Service Resources Trust Fund.
Donate Today to Support Commandos & Their families
The Commando Welfare Trust provides financial support to families in times of hardship.