CFA and other emergency services personnel, Australian Defence Force personnel and the community will walk around Victoria Park in Ballarat on Saturday 24 March to raise awareness of depression and post traumatic stress disorder.
The walk is a tribute to CFA firefighter Nathan Shanahan from Ballarat, who struggled with PTSD and passed away in December 2016.
CFA Firefighter Josh Martin from Ballarat City Fire Brigade, who is coordinating the event, said the challenge was a replica of the walk Nathan completed in April 2015 when he walked from Mildura to Adelaide - more than 400 kilometres while carrying a 20kg pack.
“In memory of Nathan and other fallen servicemen and women we will march around Victoria Park for 20 kilometres with a 20kg pack, which symbolises the weight of depression and the equipment our service personnel often carry,” Josh said.
“It is designed to raise awareness of post traumatic stress disorder and depression, and to let others know there is support for them and that they are not alone.”
The ‘Walk off the War Within’ challenge encourages people to share the burden and march as one, and is open to all emergency services organisations across the country.
“We encourage all emergency service personnel, organisations, businesses and the community to take the challenge and help raise awareness for depression and post traumatic stress disorder," Josh said.
“If you can’t walk, come along and be a supporter and cheer on those taking part.”
The walk will start at 9am at the rear of St Patricks College in Ballarat, Sturt Street, with the walk taking place around the 5km walking track of Vic Park, Ballarat.
More information including an online registration link can be found on the website www.walkoffww.com
Last year's event was a fantastic success, and this year is already proving to be something not to miss.