General News
12 December, 2025
Nathan’s legacy continues to shine
THE memory of veteran Nathan Shanahan was once again at the forefront of all who participated in last month’s ‘Walking off the War Within’ (WOTWW).
The free community event again attracted an enthusiastic crowd to Warrnambool’s Lake Pertobe.
In 2015, Nathan set out on a remarkable journey, walking over 400 kilometres from Mildura to Adelaide with a 20 kilogram army pack.
Along the way he shared his personal battle with mental health (the ‘war within’) with everyone who joined him.
He never walked a step alone as friends, strangers and locals stood beside him united in purpose and solidarity.
Tragically Nathan lost his battle with mental illness in 2016 and in his memory the first ‘Walking off the War Within’ was held in Ballarat in 2017.
It has since grown to a nationwide movement, with over 20 walks held in communities across Australia.
The recent Warrnambool event again brought together people from all walks of life to raise awareness for mental health, support those who have served, and to honour those who have been lost.
