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What We Do
We understand the profound impact of military service, particularly for those affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the families of those Killed In Action (KIA). Our mission is to offer a crucial safety net, ensuring that those who have served our nation, and their loved ones, can access the essential support they need when they need it most.
We focus on helping real people whose lives have been profoundly changed by military action. Statistics show a higher-than-normal percentage of returned soldiers develop PTSD, and tragically, many contemplate or take their own lives. We are here to help these soldiers and their families before they become another statistic, before their world collapses, and before their debilitating sense of crisis reaches boiling point.
Financial Assistance When It Counts
The Rising Sun Charitable Trust provides financial aid to ensure that veterans and their families can meet the ‘essentials’ of everyday life. This includes, but is not limited to: health and medical care, education, welfare, food, transport, clothing, household maintenance, accommodation, security, bereavement support, childcare, disaster relief, and recreation/leisure related costs.
Our Origins
The Rising Sun Charity’s roots are deeply embedded in the period of Operation Slipper (2001-2014), where over 26,000 Australian soldiers served in Afghanistan. This era brought both pride and profound loss, with many wounded, mentally and/or physically. Sadly, 41 Australian Army soldiers died in Afghanistan, leaving 41 families forever changed. For those who returned, thousands have since been severely impacted by PTSD, having seen, heard, and lived through experiences far from the ordinary.
Who We Support
We support families who have had Australian (Army/Navy/Air Force) soldiers:
- Killed In Action (KIA), or
- Lost to, or severely impacted by, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related illness.
Definition of Families: Wives/husbands (legally married); Wives/husbands (divorced and not re-married with soldier having at least 50% custody of any dependent children); De-facto Spouse; biological children or children legally adopted; Mothers and Fathers (biological or those legally adopting soldier); Brothers and Sisters (biological or those legally related through adoption or similar).
Definition of Soldiers: An Army/Navy/Air Force member, current or retired, who joined the military no earlier than 1990.
If you fit these definitions and require our support, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to provide the help you need as quickly as possible.
Get Involved
Donate Today
Donations are the lifeblood of our charity. Your generous, fully tax-deductible contribution enables us to provide desperately needed financial assistance to soldiers and their families. Every dollar makes a difference.
Book a Guest Speaker
Hearing the story behind The Rising Sun Charity is both eye-opening and inspirational. Our Director, Neil Trigwell (a highly decorated 7-Year Army Veteran), and Director Chris Suttie, along with our valued Ambassadors, are available to share insights into the help we provide. We discuss the realities of service, the grave effects of PTSD on family life, and the devastating impact of soldiers Killed In Action on their loved ones. We welcome invitations to speak to various groups, including Returned Services Organisations, Rotary and Lions Clubs, Corporate Events, Community Organisations, Business Networking Groups, Government Groups, Schools, and Sporting Clubs.
We focus on helping real people whose lives have been profoundly changed by military action. Statistics show a higher-than-normal percentage of returned soldiers develop PTSD, and tragically, many contemplate or take their own lives. We are here to help these soldiers and their families before they become another statistic, before their world collapses, and before their debilitating sense of crisis reaches boiling point.
Donations are the engine room of our charity and allow us to provide the desperately needed financial assistance to those soldiers and their families in need. Please click the donate button below to make your very much appreciated, fully tax-deductible donation.
Testimonials
It’s truly a lovely thing to be able to provide a testimonial for The Rising Sun charity and Neil, so has directly worked with me.
From the moment Neil phoned in reply to my online inquiry, he was compassionate, kind and understanding. Over a number of phone calls, Neil took time to listen and offer emotional support - along with providing me with the process to provide some financial assistance at a time I really needed it most.
I’m very thankful, and encourage people to reach out - even if it feels overwhelming or difficult. Neil is a safe place to land.
Testimonial from donation recipient (Sep 2025)
The Rising Sun Charity have recognised the importance of looking after their veterans and their families that are often left behind and forgotten. As a former member of the Austrlain Regular Army, now working for an Ex-Service Organisation, I know collaboration and genuine support for our community is vital, here's why the Rising Sun are so important. The Rising Sun Charity has provided direct financial assistance to veterans and their families by referal from our service. This has provided support which has improved veterans families situations,enabling them to get through rough patches. I personally know that every veteran and family has been positively impacted by the genuine support provided by The Rising Sun Charity.
Ex ARA member and current Ex-service organiser employee
The lad's have helped my family get through a difficult time while I try to integrate back into civilian life, and find employment. We couldn't praise them highly enough.
7 year Navy Veteran
News & Stories
We are extremely proud to announce that our supporters helped us raise over $42 thousand dollars at the Iron Bark Station in what was an amazing day. The turn out was brilliant, the weather played its role, and the support staff, food trucks and entertainment groups made the day a huge success. ADBO World have… Continue reading The Rising Sun Charitable Trust Homepage
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The crew have been working away steadily at designing another amazing day full of activities for children and adults alike. We have attendances from the Geelong Military Reinactment Group, live music throughout the day, mechanical bull rides including a prize for our best cowboy or girl on the day. The IronBark station is a beautiful… Continue reading The Rising Sun Charitable Trust Homepage
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The team at Pepper Money have acknowledged the work of Neil and Chris for their contribution to community services in the veteran and defence families sector. They have donated $20,000 dollars to the trust and also rewarded Neil with the purchase of a brand new Martin Guitar to the value of $5000 dollars which he… Continue reading The Rising Sun Charitable Trust Homepage
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Visit Our Online Store
Our Rising Sun merchandise is a crucial part of our fundraising efforts. We offer high-quality T-Shirts, Hoodies, Tank Tops, Singlets/Military Undershirts, Polo Shirts, Stickers, Flags, and Caps/Hats. Your purchase directly supports our mission to help soldiers and their families in need, with Australia-wide delivery available.
Our Partners/Major Donors
Some donors to The Rising Sun Charitable Trust are particularly generous in their contributions to our cause. Each of our partners/major donors have contributed over $5,000 towards soldiers and their families in need. We sincerely thank them for their contribution and we undertake to get the money into the hands of those who need it as soon as possible.
Major Partners/Donors include
- Chris Suttie and Family/Pinnacle HJWP Pty Ltd
- Clare Colson and family
- Benjamin O’Neill and Family
- Joe Scordo and Family/AJ Building & Restoration
- IntelliTrac Pty Ltd/Dean Calapai and Family
- Leo & Jo cooper
- Jonno McCartney and family
- Enviroment Essentials
