Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Ten local soldiers from Mayo are taking on the challenge of trekking the Kokoda Trail to help raise awareness about Defence mental health issues. They will begin their trek in mid-April to coincide their arrival at the Isurava Memorial on Anzac Day. That's 96 kilometres that they are trekking. To help them get there and raise awareness and funds, they've worked with many in our community and veterans groups. With Black Dog Ride, locals have been generous in providing both financial and practical support, as have groups such as the Macclesfield RSL, Meadows Community Association, Meadows Bowling Club and the Hahndorf Lions Club just to name a few. Countless sausage sizzles, and even a fundraising training walk, helped the soldiers to raise the profile of their activity and have open discussions with soldiers and others in our community about the challenges of mental health. It was a valuable experience for all involved, and for the soldiers it was a unique bonding activity and an opportunity to build mateship and friendship. What has been especially heartening is the way in which our Mayo community has rallied around these wonderful soldiers, our local troops from our community. I think we're going to see real impact from their walk for many years to come. To the soldiers who are doing that 96-kilometre trek: we are so proud of you. Stay safe. We are all walking with you.