Meet Narelle Rusk, a dedicated volunteer, creative force, and community-builder who has spent the past eight years walking alongside Soldier On participants – both literally and figuratively – through her role as an admin and moderator of the March On Challenge group and the broader Soldier On online community.
Holding Space, One Step at a Time
For Narelle, the March On community is more than a fitness challenge. It’s a place where grief, strength, humour, and resilience intertwine – where every kilometre walked carries meaning, and every post shared helps someone feel seen.
“Moderating the March On group has been particularly special,” she shares. “Whether it’s cheering someone on at kilometre 97 or quietly reaching out when their silence says more than words ever could, being part of that support system has been a gift.”
As a moderator, Narelle helps create a space that’s both safe and uplifting, especially for those navigating personal struggles. The group is alive with encouragement, check-ins, and quiet moments of solidarity – and behind much of that heartbeat is Narelle, showing up with empathy and presence all year round.
Grounded in Giving Back
Narelle began volunteering with Soldier On in 2017, initially through fundraising. But over time, it grew into something far more personal and profound.
Her connection to Soldier On initially began through her brother Stuart, a proud Army veteran who battled PTSD after serving in East Timor and Afghanistan. They were inseparable – just 13 months apart – and she stood by him through his darkest days. When Stuart suddenly passed away in 2021, Narelle’s grief was immense. Volunteering became her lifeline – a way to channel heartbreak into purpose, and to keep Stuart’s memory alive by supporting others walking the same path.
“As someone navigating personal loss and mental health challenges, being able to moderate and support the online community gave me a sense of purpose – especially during those quiet hours when someone just needed to be seen.”
Now in her eighth year of volunteering, Narelle has formed deep connections and witnessed just how powerful peer support can be. She recalls many standout moments, but one in particular stands out – hosting a fundraiser for her 40th birthday.
“It turned what was a hard day into something joyful and purposeful – and I’ve tried to carry that energy forward ever since.”
Another highlight she recalls came while volunteering at a Pathways Networking Event (PNE). Meeting a former participant who had secured a role with a Pledge Partner – and then seeing new participants just starting their journey was a full-circle moment.
“It showed me just how much Soldier On does help.”
From Grief to Creative Connection: Bad Decisions Club
Outside of Soldier On, Narelle is the founder of Bad Decisions Club, a project born from personal loss and powered by storytelling, humour and radical honesty.
“Bad Decisions Club is equal parts comedy, chaos, and community. After losing my brother Stuart, I needed a way to keep storytelling alive while honouring the messiness of healing.”
What began as a murder mystery tribute has since grown into a creative movement – complete with immersive events, kits, and ongoing acts of connection. At its heart, BDC shares the same core values that brought Narelle to Soldier On.
“No one should have to fight alone, we heal better in community, and even the darkest stories deserve light. Everything I do with BDC is built on the idea that your story matters – even the messy chapters.”
Thank You, Narelle
At Soldier On, we know that service takes many forms – and Narelle’s ongoing commitment is a powerful reminder of that truth. Through her role in the March On group, her years of volunteering, and her creative advocacy, she holds space for others to feel supported, understood, and never alone.
Thank you, Narelle, for showing us the power of community, one story and one step at a time.
Find your people. Share the journey.
Join the Soldier On March On Challenge Facebook Community – a space for support, stories, and walking alongside others who understand: https://www.facebook.com/groups/302435001019440
