Troy Koerntjes
Qualified Counsellor and Founder of various successful businesses all centered around the help, support and care of others, he brings a lived experience shaped by addiction, trauma, and life as a former outlaw motorcycle club member. After hitting rock bottom during a mental health crisis, he made the decision to completely turn his life around. That journey led him to study mental health, addiction, and community services, in his powerful words “transforming my pain into purpose.”
Today, he leads a team of professionals and peers who share similar backgrounds, using real-life experience to build connection, trust, and engagement with some of the most complex and misunderstood individuals in our communities. He focuses on early intervention, identity-building, and giving participants a path toward meaning and purpose. He breaks stigma head-on, funding and supporting grassroots, “no-bulls**t” mental health projects that speak the language of lived experience.
He's committed to disrupting cycles of shame, disconnection, and self-destruction. His mission is to show people that no matter how far gone they think they are, there’s always a way back, and often, it starts with someone who’s been there.
Troy brings an impressive record of successful business and extensive social media following, often being seen and recognised doing public speaking, supporting those giving back to the community, counselling, and using his free time and influence to help those navigating their struggles, making him a perfect fit for Mental Health Militia Foundations Public Officer.
Aiden Benson
Aiden is a dedicated mental health advocate bringing years professional experience working in the mental health industry as a support worker, psychosocial recovery coach, now taking studies to support and empower those navigating the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Aiden has over a decade of managerial experience to bring to his role as Director and Secretary of the Mental Health Militia Foundation.
Aiden’s journey has been marked by resilience and transformation. After battling addiction and finding himself amidst the chaos of an Outlaw Motorcycle Club, Aiden made the courageous decision to turn his life around when he became a parent. Despite ongoing struggles, he left behind a life of dependence and anti-social behaviour, seeking a more positive and meaningful path. Today, Aiden channels his experiences into helping others.
Drawing from his own life’s challenges, Aiden is committed to advocating for mental health awareness, supporting positive parenting practices, and providing legal advocacy, referrals, and mental health support for those in need. He finds immense reward in serving others, using his unique perspective to offer understanding, support, and hope to those navigating similar struggles.
Stumpy
We’d like to take a moment to show our deepest appreciation to our longest-standing and most dedicated volunteer, Stumpy.
Stumpy has been with us since the very beginning, and for more than three years he’s been the friendly face you’ll see at every BBQ, always ready for a chat and a laugh. But his contribution goes far beyond that.
He wears many hats, our trusted bus driver, our go-to maintenance man, and most importantly, a peer support volunteer and mentor. Stumpy brings wisdom, lived experience, and endless patience to our participants, and he has a special way of connecting with people wherever they are in life.
Whether it’s fixing a blown tyre on a bike ride, taking kids fishing on respite, kicking the footy around with a participant who needs some one-on-one time, or quietly offering guidance when someone’s struggling, Stumpy is always there.
He’s a huge part of our Mental Health Militia events, showing up every time to lend a hand, share his support, and genuinely change lives through his kindness and presence.
Stumpy, you are an absolute legend, and we are beyond lucky to have you as part of our team.
Thank you for everything you do, we couldn’t do it without you.