Brett Turley

Committee Member – Walk With Us Kokoda

Brett Turley is a father, veteran, and advocate for personal growth and resilience. A proud Wollongong local, Brett currently works in the tech sector as a Product Manager, where he also dedicates time to mentoring veterans transitioning into technology careers. Through his online fitness business, Brett supports veterans in managing injuries and rebuilding strength after military service, reflecting his passion for helping others find purpose and healing.

Brett served nearly a decade in the Australian Army, including two tours of Afghanistan as an Explosive Detection Dog Handler. His career spanned roles as a Combat Engineer in Darwin to operations with Special Operations Engineer Regiment (SOER). While his service provided opportunities to operate at the highest levels, it also exposed him to immense challenges, from navigating the physical and emotional toll of combat to the loss of mates both in battle and to suicide. These experiences left Brett grappling with guilt and a sense of inadequacy, leading to a long journey of self-discovery after being diagnosed with PTSD and depression.

Today, Brett looks back on his service with pride, having worked tirelessly to reconcile his experiences and channel them into supporting others. Walking the Kokoda Track is deeply personal for Brett, whose two grandfathers fought there during WWII—one as a stretcher bearer, the other as a rifleman. For Brett, retracing their steps is both an honor and an opportunity to reflect on their sacrifices and the legacy they left behind.

As a guide, Brett brings not only his military expertise but also his hard-earned perspective on resilience, purpose, and personal growth. His goal is to inspire participants to confront challenges head-on, draw strength from camaraderie, and find meaning in their own journeys. Brett believes Kokoda holds lessons for everyone, and he is committed to fostering an environment of support, reflection, and growth for all who walk its storied trail.