This May, veterans, first responders, and supporters will once again come together on the Redcliffe Peninsula for the fifth annual Walking Off The War Within.
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Set for May 31, the community event encourages participants to unite in support of mental health awareness and to honour those who have served—particularly those who have struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
The walk begins at Clontarf’s Pelican Park, tracing the scenic foreshore to Scarborough and back. While the ultimate challenge involves walking 20 kilometres with a 20-kilogram pack, attendees are welcome to walk any distance they feel comfortable with, pack or no pack. The event is free, but participants can opt to make a donation during registration.
From Humble Beginnings to a Community Movement
Since its inception in 2021, the event has grown both in numbers and in impact. What started as a small gathering with minimal infrastructure has evolved into a major community event, complete with live music, shaded seating areas, and a growing network of mental health support organisations. These enhancements aim to create not just a physical journey, but an emotional and social one—helping participants feel connected, supported, and understood.
The walk serves a dual purpose: to raise funds for veteran and first responder support services, and to create a safe, inclusive environment where people can talk openly about mental health. Last year’s event drew over 350 participants and raised more than $3,000 for Trek2Health and SMEAC, two charities offering essential services for those in high-stress professions.
More than just a fundraiser, the event fosters a spirit of camaraderie. Participants are encouraged to engage with others along the route, turning the walk into an opportunity for meaningful connection. In doing so, it challenges the isolation that often accompanies mental health struggles and reminds people that they are not alone.
Walking Off The War Within was created in memory of Nathan Shanahan, a soldier and firefighter who walked more than 400 kilometres from Mildura to Adelaide in 2015 with a heavy pack to raise awareness for PTSD and depression. Although Nathan tragically took his own life in 2016, his mission has lived on, transforming into a nationwide movement that continues to grow in reach and relevance.
The event honours his legacy by inspiring everyday Australians to take part in something larger than themselves—one step at a time. Whether walking alone or alongside mates, family, or colleagues, every participant becomes part of a collective effort to support mental health and reduce stigma.
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With each footstep along the Redcliffe foreshore, this gathering continues to build a stronger, more compassionate community—one where no one has to face their battles alone.
Published 21-April-2025
