A Darwin Defence battalion has swam 250km to raise money for the Black Dog Institute

A Darwin Defence battalion is trying to reduce the stigma of mental health and raise funds for vital research. Read how you can support their cause.

1st Combat Service Support Battalion members Private Jeremy Dora, Lieutenant Colonel Dean Clark and Private Jack Hughes. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

The nation has heard harrowing stories of veteran suicide through a year-long royal commission, but a battalion at Robertson Barracks is tackling mental health head-on.

The 1st Combat Service Support Battalion swam more than 5000 laps, or 250km, to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.

The 24 hour aquathlon is part of the group’s annual charity event and one that is close to their lieutenant’s heart.

“This is particularly special to me because my father suffered mental health throughout his entire life and he ended up dying of an overdose,” Lieutenant Colonel Dean Clark said.

1st Combat Service Support Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Dean Clark at the pool. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“If he had help I think the outcome would have been a lot different and Black Dog Institute encourages people to talk and reduce the stigma of mental health.”

Lieutenant Colonel Clark said his childhood experiences had made him a more “empathetic” leader.

“It makes me more empathetic to people who are struggling through mental health.”

Using three lanes, teams swam through the torrential rain on Monday and Tuesday, with some individuals clocking up more than 10km by themselves.

By 9am on Tuesday the group had already achieved their 5000 laps and were powering on to midday.

Anyone who wants to donate can do so via the battalion’s public fundraising page.