General News
28 November, 2025
Walk shines a light on mental health
WALKERS of all ages are welcome to take part in this weekend’s ‘Walking off the War Within’ event to shine a light on mental health.
This Saturday’s event, which will start at Lake Pertobe in Warrnambool, will focus on the fight against depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“This is a family-friendly event for all ages and all fitness levels,” event coordinator Adam Kent said.
“The walk will be followed by free, fun events for the whole family including live music, a sausage sizzle, interactive animal displays, face painting, emergency services displays and more.”
Walking off the War Within is held in memory of Nathan Shanahan, a returned soldier and firefighter, along with other fallen service men and women who have taken their own lives after battling mental health issues.
“The walk is for emergency services and defence force personnel, along with members of the public, to come together and share the burden and march as one,” Adam said.
“Nathan was an advocate for mental health and PTSD but sadly he lost his battle in December, 2016.
“He started Walking off the War Within and created the image of a soldier with a shadow on his back.”
The walks, many of which now happen at various locations around Australia, ensure that Nathan’s legacy continues.
These walks replicate the walk Nathan completed in April 2015 from Mildura to Adelaide, when he walked over 400 kilometres with a 20+ kilogram pack to raise awareness and funds for PTSD and depression.
Walking off the War Within has transformed from one man’s movement to a series of events, where people of all ages and fitness levels get together and walk and talk about ending the stigma that is often associated with mental health.
“We hope the walk continues to grow each year so that more people are encouraged to have a conversation about mental health, depression and suicide,” Adam said.
“Be part of this movement and help raise awareness of mental health; it’s a simple way to let those suffering know that there is support and that they are not alone.
“We encourage all participants to ‘wear their colours or uniform’ to display a united front in tackling depression and PTSD head on.”
This Saturday’s challenge is complete the ultimate 20 kilometre walk with a 20kg pack – or walk any distance you can, with or without a pack.
Registrations are free but donations are most welcome.
All proceeds are donated to local charitable organisations that work in the field of mental health and suicide prevention.
This Saturday’s walk will commence at 8.30am at Lake Pertobe.
To book your place simply head to Eventbrite.
