Former Geelong bikie’s journey to counsellor revealed ahead of men’s mental health ride

A Norlane man has revealed how he went from your “typical” outlaw motorcycle gang member to saving lives.

Norlane man Troy Koerntjes gave up life as your “typical bikie” to become a counsellor.

Mr Koerntjes, 39, said he was the president of a social motorbike club before joining an outlaw group, which he did not wish to name, for five years.

He left the club three years ago, after being what he described as a “full-time bikie” – although he remained tight-lipped about exactly what that entailed.

An ex bikie, Troy Koerntjes is organising a motorcycle ride from Geelong waterfront to Ocean Grove. Troy Koerntjes with his Harley-Davidson custom softail. Picture: Mark Wilson

During his time with the club he said went through a number of difficult life events: he was injured while working as a forklift driver, endured an abusive relationship, and his brother died.

He saw a psychologist through WorkCover, and also credited the support of the outlaw club with giving him “strength to heal”.

As part of his work Mr Koerntjes helps vulnerable people now, including those who left jail recently and young people with disabilities.

Troy Koerntjes before his weight loss. Picture: supplied

He left the gang, partly driven by the need to get relevant clearances.

“Now that I’m out people love the life experience I have,” he said.

“If I can change and talk about feelings and emotions and say ‘it’s okay to cry’, people think it’s okay.”

Workplace injuries to his back and hip left Mr Koerntjes bed-bound but he has since lost almost 60 kilograms.

Mr Koerntjes, who studied counselling, operates Complete Health Geelong where he offers mental health and fitness assistance.

He is opening a gym on the site in January that he said would be open to everyone.

Mr Koerntjes is co-organiser of a men’s mental health event which will take place on Sunday, October 9.

“I think there’s a lot of stigma behind men not being able to show emotions … it needs attention,” he said.

The motorcycle ride is anticipating 300 bikes.

It will start at the Geelong waterfront from 9.30am, depart at 10am and finish in central Ocean Grove where there will be free coffee, food and services like massages and mental health workers available.

More information is available at Complete Health Geelong’s Facebook page.

Originally published as Former Geelong bikie’s journey to counsellor revealed ahead of men’s mental health ride