Deborah Richardson

I absolutely couldn't wait to get home to my family and to hug my kids.

But at the same time, it was really tough to leave them, to know that they were still going to be subjected to this and that I didn't have any more control about it.

But

I came back changed.

I was absolutely a changed person.

And I knew that whilst I'd had the most incredible career in so many different areas, Sarah, that a year after returning, I knew I needed to get back into something that made a difference.

And it was my next mission was to make sure that I worked in a not-for-profit or a NGO because I have more to give and

And I truly hope that one day war finishes soon and then I can bring out another bunch of another 200 or 300 children, Ukrainian children, that are absolutely going to need some respite and some sunshine.

And I hope I can do that one day.

And what role are you in now professionally?

I am now the CEO for Police Veterans Victoria.

I've absolutely come full circle and so blessed to be here.

We run an incredibly important peer support program.

It's one of our major support programs where we match up a veteran with another veteran that needs help and support.

And so that is someone that has that lived experience and understands what it was like to serve your community and

and your state and your country and can relate to that police member that's going through a hard time.

It did, Sarah.

Unexpected consequences of going to Ukraine.

I really felt like I came home and I used the word healed.

And that's not to say I still don't have a physical reaction if there's a loud noise, but there is a weight that was lifted off my shoulders.