General News
1 November, 2026
Walking the distance for kids
KENNETH McKean is expected to arrive in Melbourne early next week after walking all the way from Warrnambool in support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Ken began his walk at Warrnambool’s Snap Fitness on the morning of Saturday, October 17 with the aim of walking around 260 kilometres over 16 days.
His plan is to arrive at Buckingham Reserve in Melbourne early next week.
Inspired to complete the journey after watching a group of Buddhist monks walk across America, Ken is raising some much-needed funds for UNICEF – an agency working through the United Nations to protect children’s rights across more than 190 countries and territories.
“I was watching a group of Buddhists walk across America for world peace, and then I thought about all the violence in the world – children are suffering because of things they have no control over,” Ken said last week.
“Those Buddhist monks doing what they were doing inspired me, and I also remembered the children in places such as Gaza and Iran, so I wanted to do something.
“I decided to do a walk from Warrnambool to Melbourne to raise funds and awareness for world peace, and that’s my main motivation.
“I’ve just been trying to walk about 18 to 20 kilometres a day and get there when I get there.”
Ken said his first day was really hard – tackling hills around the Hopkins Road.
“I got to just before Panmure and I was exhausted. Luckily, my niece lives in Panmure too, so that’s where I stayed for the night.
“My niece took my bag to a friend’s place and gave me a new bag, which made it a lot easier because it’s a lot smaller.”
Ken said he was thrilled with the amount of encouragement and support he had received on his walk.
“My goal is $10,000 but the more I can get to UNICEF the better.”
He said he was thrilled with his progress so far, encouraging others to contribute even if it’s only a small amount.
“I’m hoping the funds I raise will help children in need because every kid’s life is important, and I don’t want to see any more children suffering,” he said.
“If everyone does something, it helps; even if it’s a small difference.”
To donate to Mr McKean’s walk, visit fundraise.unicef.org.au/kenneth-mc-kean.
