02/05/2025
I’ve never shared this publicly before, but...
I spent time in military prison for something I didn’t do.
Framed by a neighbour and accused of being the leader of a drug ring while serving in the Army, I was locked up, humiliated, and left questioning everything — including who I was.
I was eventually proven innocent, but by then the damage had been done. I requested discharge the moment I could. It was the lowest point of my life.
That’s when I found training.
Not just as a way to stay fit — but as a way to survive. I didn’t just need to rebuild my body. I needed to rebuild my mindset, my confidence, and my purpose.
Before the Army, life was mostly smooth. I grew up on the Gold Coast with a loving family.
My parents raised me Christian, and I was lucky to have a safe, simple life. But I guess I needed to see what I was made of, so I joined the military and learned quickly that real challenge doesn’t knock - it kicks the door in.
I also met my best friend Todd there. The kind of friendship that rewires you. Before him, I saw the negative in everything. After him, I learned what it meant to see the good - even when it’s buried under pain.
That outlook has carried me through the deepest losses. Like watching my two closest friends lose themselves to addiction.
All of it has taught me that strength isn’t loud. It’s quiet. It’s showing up when life guts you.
It’s doing the next rep — not for your body, but for your mind.
I’m now lucky to lead S30 Mermaid Beach, and I don’t take it lightly. This isn’t just a job to me — it’s a second chance to give people what training gave me: something solid to hold onto when life falls apart.
If you’ve ever walked through something heavy, I see you. You belong here.
