On the right track for mental health awareness

Alan Thorpe cuts a mighty figure whenever he walks across the country.

The Ballarat resident is to walk to Beaufort today and to Rokewood on Friday 17 April as part of work he is doing to provide a community space supporting people’s wellbeing.

Mr Thorpe, who has completed walks to places such as Canberra and Adelaide over the past five years, believed his tall, tattooed appearance helped draw attention to his causes.

“Everyone’s like, ‘What’s this bloody guy doing walking up the highway?’ So, it really helps getting the message out there,” he said.

The mental health advocate, who has raised about $80,000 for Beyond Blue, is walking across western Victoria as part of starting his own not-for-profit charity. The charity will aim to open a community hub with a focus on open communication in improving mental health and wellbeing.

Mr Thorpe is passionate about his cause. He had experienced suicide in his own family, while the death of a spectator at a burnout event in Stawell during 2023 left him shaken, severely affecting his mental health. He said he stopped his partner from getting hit by a car in the incident.

He said walking had helped him through his mental health battles.

Last year Mr Thorpe walked to Canberra as part of the 2500 Too Many campaign, which raised awareness about the men and boys who were lost to suicide in 2025.

“As hard as it is some days going for a walk, once you do, you feel so good,” he said.

“It releases all those natural endorphins in your body. And I honestly believe if you stick at it for a while, it just changes the way you think and you start to feel better physically.

“A lot of people ask me like how do you walk to Canberra because I’m six foot, 125 kilos, I’m covered in tattoos, I look like a bikie.

“I believe it’s the passion and the drive because it means so much to me.”

Mr Thorpe hosts walks at Lake Esmond on the first Sunday of each month from 10am to 12pm.

Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/one-walk-many-towns-one-conversation.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.