In April, I’ll be attempting to solo hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) - a 4,250 km continuous footpath stretching from Mexico to Canada. It’s roughly 6 months of walking, carrying everything I need on my back and sleeping in a tent along the way.

Along the trail, I’ll be raising money for Community Outreach Illawarra, a local charity supporting women and families leaving domestic violence. Every dollar raised goes directly to Community Outreach Illawarra - not one cent is used for my travel, gear, or expenses.

The PCT is long and demanding, but it’s navigated step by step. In a very different way, women and families leaving domestic violence are also moving forward one step at a time. When they are provided with housing, those homes are often completely unfurnished. Basic items (beds, fridges, tables, towels) are missing, yet essential to starting again safely and with dignity.

For years, Barbara Atkins and her volunteers have been mobilising the community to meet these needs - sourcing pre‑loved furniture, appliances and care packages through local networks like the Thirroul Living Facebook page. Her approach has always been practical, fast, and deeply community‑led: people give what they can, items are reused sustainably, and women receive what they need when they need it most.

In 2025, Barbara formally registered Community Outreach Illawarra as a charity, allowing people who don’t have items to donate money instead - helping fund essentials, logistics, and the long‑term goal of purchasing a dedicated van so furniture can be delivered without relying on costly rentals.

I’m incredibly lucky to have a supportive partner and community behind me as I chase a personal goal. It’s reassuring to know that the same sense of community exists here in the Illawarra for women and families at one of the most vulnerable points in their lives.

Just as I’ll rely on the right gear in my pack to stay safe and keep moving forward, the support provided by Community Outreach Illawarra gives women and families the essentials they need to rebuild, regain stability, and move ahead.

If you’re able, please consider donating or sharing this page.

Let’s support women and families in the Illawarra - step by step.