Paul Barker to take a walk for Soldier On

SURF Coast Shire councillor Paul Barker will be stepping out in support of Australia’s veterans next month, and is inviting local veterans to join him.

Throughout March, charity Soldier On will run “March On with Soldier On” – a 96km challenge that represents the length of the Kokoda Track, the location of one of the most significant battles of World War II.

Cr Barker, who previously served with the Royal Australian Air Force, will take part by completing a 127km lap around the Surf Coast.

“While I very much appreciate that there are broad and significant mental health challenges among the wider community, I want to do what I can to specifically address veteran suicide and other mental health challenges faced by the often-forgotten veteran community,” the Torquay Ward councillor said.

Cr Barker hopes to raise $1,000 via personal donations and $5,000 via team sponsors for Soldier On and welcomes other veterans in the region to sign up to his team, Surfcoast Veterans, at fundraise.soldieron.org.au/join/SurfcoastVeterans.

The charity’s services aim to help individuals build resilience and create and expand meaningful connections with family, community and employers through their health and wellbeing services, employment programs, learning opportunities, and participation activities.

As well as the 96km distance, March On with Soldier On is also offering two other options for participants: The Mountain Challenge, a four-day walk along the Ten Aussie Summits track at Kosciuszko National Park; and The Schools Challenge, where 96 students walk a symbolic 1km together on their school oval.

The Pinnacle Challenge, where walkers travel to Papua New Guinea and complete a 10-day trek along the Kokoda Track itself, has been cancelled for this year due to the uncertainty about travel arrangements because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Soldier On is a national not-for-profit organisation and has been supporting the veteran community since 2012.

Founded by John Bale, Cavin Wilson and Danielle Clout following the death of Mr Bale’s close friend Lieutenant Michael Fussell from an IED blast in Afghanistan, Soldier On was established to support returned personnel who have been physically or psychologically impacted by their service.

Through the delivery of holistic services, Solider On presently supports more than 3,000 veterans and their family members.

For more information about March On with Soldier On or to register, head to fundraise.soldieron.org.au/marchon.