Walking off the mental War once more

EMERGENCY and defence force servicepeople will stand supported by the public at this weekend’s Walking off the War Within event.

The 20-kilometre walk is held annually in memory of the late Nathan Shanahan, to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression amongst servicepeople, and offer an opportunity for the community to march as one, sharing the burden.

Participants are invited to walk any distance they can this Saturday, 24 April around St Patrick’s College’s two-kilometre circuit, with or without a 20-kilogram pack, to show those who are experiencing or have experienced mental health issues that they’re not alone.

Nathan’s father, John Shanahan said he is “terribly proud” of the committee for organising a relaxed, warm and non-intimidating carnival atmosphere.

“We don’t want it to be sombre. We want people to feel included and comfortable to talk about the problems they’re experiencing, mix with people who are going through the same thing, and seek help,” he said.

“With Nath being ex-army personnel, the announcement of the Royal Commission into veteran and serving defence personnel suicides has been a terribly important aspect leading up to our walk.

“The military suffer badly and have been terribly neglected. I can see in the four years we’ve run the walk that there’s been a greater recognition of mental health… but we need to do a lot more work.”

Mr Shanahan said nine Australians are dying by suicide daily. Between 1 January and 20 March this year, 35 return personnel took their own lives.

Walking off the War Within’s proceedings start at 7.45am with a warm-up by Ben Sellars who served alongside Nathan in the Soloman Islands. At 8am, the With One Voice Choir Ballarat will perform, led by Suzanne Hobson.

Following the official opening the walk will take off at 8.30am. Food will be available on-site including pancakes, a barbecue, coffee, ice-creams, Boost juice, and Grill my Hunger.

Visit walkoffww.com to register or make a donation, which will be directed to mental health support and suicide prevention services like Soldier On, Lifeline and Survivors of Suicide.

People can register for free, for a 10 or 25-dollar donation, or for a figure of their choosing.