On 27 March, I will begin a 24-hour walk from Ballarat to Beaufort, arriving at 10am on 28 March in time for the Beaufort Truck, Car Show & Shine, proudly hosted by the Beaufort Football Netball Club.

This walk is about more than the kilometres — it’s about starting conversations that too often go unspoken.

This journey ties directly into my larger walk planned for August, where I will be walking to all rural towns across the Central Highlands district and beyond. The goal is simple but vital: to raise awareness around mental health, particularly for men and boys in rural communities.

We all know rural towns face unique challenges — isolation, drought, financial pressure, and the unspoken expectation to “just get on with it.” Too many men and boys struggle in silence. Too many feel they can’t speak up. And too often, help comes too late.

By physically walking into these towns, I want to bring the conversation to the heart of the community — football clubs, netball clubs, local events — the places where people already gather, connect, and trust one another. These clubs are the backbone of rural life, and they’re the perfect place to remind people that it’s okay to talk, it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to not be okay.

Every step of this walk is about showing up, starting conversations, and letting people know they are not alone.

I’m raising funds through this walk to help cover the cost of shoes and essential gear that allow me to continue traveling from town to town, spreading awareness about mental health. These walks are more than just miles—they’re about starting conversations, breaking stigma, and letting people know they’re not alone. The funds also help support the start up and operating costs for my nonprofit charity and cover necessary expenses that make these awareness walks possible. Every contribution helps keep me moving, literally and figuratively, so this mission can continue reaching communities that need it most.

Your support will help raise awareness, keep this journey going, and most importantly, help encourage men and boys to speak up, reach out, and look after one another.

Thank you for backing this walk, this message, and this mission.

much love guys

Alan