How do Brian and Nerida live if they do not get any financial gain from Aussie Helpers?
Since 1999 when Brian and Nerida lost their farm and home and were left penniless they have been supported by Veterans Affairs as Brian is a Returned Serviceman so they live on a meagre veterans pension, about the equivalent of the Old Age pension.
They have very few personal material possessions and live in a rented house in Western Queensland.
Has Brian recovered completely from the severe depression that he suffered?
No, the Beast, as Brian calls it is still lurking in his head however he says that his Aussie Helpers work is the positive thing that keeps negative thoughts from taking over his mind.
Brian was so seriously ill with co-morbid depression that he twice tried to take his own life and it was only after spending some twelve months in hospital that he began on the road to recovery that took another two years.
At his worst Brian lost the ability to speak and to write and at times did not know who he was or who other people were. Brian has been left with many gaps in his memory and still can't write more than one short sentence at a time.
Is Aussie Helpers all over Australia?
At this stage Aussie helpers are in six states, Qld, NSW, Vic, South Australia and Tasmania as of February 2008.
How many vehicles operate in the bush
5 4x4 Wagons, 5 4x4 Utilities, 2 Vans, 3 rigid trucks, 1 truck trailer, 4 Box trailers
Are all Aussie Helpers volunteers?
Yes indeed, Aussie Helpers freely give their own time and expertise to help others less fortunate.
Some of our devoted volunteers come from all parts of Australia for example Brian 'Dolly' Parton, Graeme and his trusty Kenworth and 'Boof' a most mischevious character loved by all for his devotion to helping others in need of a "Helping hand" he resides a few doors up the street from Aussie Helpers so he can keep an eye on everyone.
So come help us to help those people
Here we have some of the volunteers after a hard day on the road
