Name: Cara Musk
Age: 37
Occupation: Australian Army Veteran, Senior Liaison Officer at Mates4Mates.
Cara is an Australian Army Veteran who embodied peak physical fitness living an incredibly active lifestyle. During her dedicated service, Cara faced an unexpected and life-altering injury. The injury left her struggling to walk, even to local parks and walkways in her area, places that had been a cornerstone of her daily routine and well-being. The struggle was made more challenging by the lack of a footpaths connecting Cara’s home and street to the parklands and walking tracks. The lawns and nature strips were uneven, and with her injuries, too painful to negotiate.
Undeterred by this setback, Cara channelled her determination and resilience into a new mission. Recognising the lack of accessible pathways in their neighbourhood, she campaigned to convince the local council to build a footpath on her street. Her advocacy was driven by a vision of improved accessibility not just for herself but for all residents, enhancing the community’s connection to local parks and bikeways. Cara had often observed that parents with prams and kids riding their bikes to school, were choosing to use the middle of the road rather than the rough nature strips between these beautiful parks and pathways.
The successful campaign resulted in the construction of a much-needed footpath, solidifying and supporting Cara’s journey to recovery. As Cara gradually regained her mobility, walking along the newly built path became a therapeutic and empowering practice, aiding in both her physical rehabilitation and mental health recovery. This journey was not just a personal victory but also a testament to the power of community and the impact of advocating for positive change.
Building on this transformative experience, Cara now works in the Veteran Support Services sector. Here she now brings her passion for active travel to the forefront, by facilitating social activities and programs designed to support Veterans and their families on their own recovery journeys. These activities include walking and running groups, bushland hikes and organised social bike rides, each offering vital support and community connection.
Through these initiatives, Cara leverages their personal journey and commitment to active living to inspire and assist fellow Veterans and their families. Cara understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of recovery, making her a compassionate and effective advocate. Her work not only promotes physical health but also fosters mental well-being and a sense of camaraderie among participants, continuing their legacy of service and resilience. Cara continues to share her passion for active travel with others through her work at Mates4Mates and encourages others to not only utilise the existing infrastructure in their communities but also for others to advocate as she did for better facilities where they are needed to ensure that those of all abilities and backgrounds can move around their local communities safely and effectively.
