RoundUp 24 Speakers
Mark Direen
Kaz Lee Gibbs
Clair Norton
Founder Point Assist
President Young Diggers
President elect St Helens RSL
Point & Shoot is the concept of Point Assist founder Mark Direen, a former Infantry and Special Forces soldier with over 20 years military service including 6 overseas deployments.
Mark’s own experiences as a soldier were the impetus for this project. Operating in remote, high threat environments is both physically and mentally demanding. It was behind the lens of a camera, capturing both the ordinary and extraordinary experiences as a combat soldier he found stillness and meaning. Looking back at a plethora of images post service, Mark then began to wonder, maybe others do this too and so the concept began.
Kaz joined Young Diggers as a full-time volunteer 4 years ago after donating a dog, which has since become an accredited Assistance Dog.
She advocates for a personalised approach, recognising that each veteran’s experiences and challenges are unique.
She has served as an Officer in the Australian Reserve, notably as an Operational Troop Commander in NSW and in various leadership roles within the military.
Clair Norton joined the army in 2008 as part of its gap year program.
After almost 15 years of service, the young veteran looks at what inspired her to join, the ongoing impact of her time in Afghanistan and the importance of being back home in St Helens on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Ms Norton says that while she continues to navigate intense trauma from her time in the army, she is incredibly proud to have served.
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