Support my 192km March On challenge to help our heroes march on

Please support me to help our heroes march on

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Walking off my feelings like it’s a sport

I’ve recently discovered that my mental health strategy is basically “walk it off”… which honestly tracks for someone who’s been pretending to be fine since forever. Honestly though, life has felt a bit heavy lately. Not in a dramatic “cue the violins” way, more like an annoying little weight that climbs onto your shoulders uninvited and refuses to get off. You still do the school run, still answer the emails, still smile politely like a functional adult while internally muttering, “I’m fine… which is girl‑code for ‘Bleep, bleeeeeeep I’m holding it together with vibes, spite, one functioning brain cell, and copious amounts of caffeine.’” Then I go for a walk, usually near water, because that’s my reset button. The lake, the shoreline, even just the sound of it does something to me. Throw in a good sunset and I’m basically fixed. The heaviness loosens, my mind quiets down, and for a little while everything feels less crowded in my head. So I’ll keep walking, mainly because stopping feels worse and also because I’m mildly competitive with myself.

6 more kms in the bank…still -1 car fob

Did some walking today to retrace some of my steps from yesterday. Unfortunately didn’t locate my lost car fob but it was nice to do a walk with my best mate

Appreciation post

Thank you to my supporters and your donations 🫶🏼

Kokoda reached. turning home

Well… I’ve officially reached Kokoda, which feels mildly heroic considering most of this journey has been powered by stubbornness and snacks. No dramatic victory speech though because now it’s time to turn around and head back. The kilometres keep adding up, the cause is worth it, and apparently so is my refusal to quit halfway.

Sneaky lunch walk

Decided to get out and walk a few laps around the precinct.

Marching on for the cause…staying for the margs

Tonight’s walk was a casual one with company, which was nice ☺️

Support my challenge to prevent veteran suicide and save lives

In Australia, ex‑serving men and women are over twice as likely to die by suicide than the general population. Read that again. Now think about someone you know...a mate, a colleague, someone you care about. The idea that it could be them stops me in my tracks.

Anyone who’s spent time with former ADF members knows the stories, the humour, and the bond that comes from being pushed to the edge together. What you don’t always see is what stays with them after service. The exhaustion, the identity shift, the silence they default to, and the weight that keeps pressing long after their day is done.

They’ve pushed their bodies and minds past limits most people will never come close to, spent months or years away from the people they love. Some have had to walk away from service, not by choice, but because their body or mind simply couldn’t keep going.

Transitioning out brings its own set of challenges. New pressures, new uncertainties, and a loss of the structure and identity they’ve known for so long. This is where Soldier On can make a real difference. Their mental health services and programs can genuinely change, and sometimes save lives.

This March, I’m walking 192 km to support Soldier On (the distance to Kokoda and back). It won’t fix everything, but doing nothing isn’t an option either. This is one real way I can show up. A small drop in a very big ocean, but something that goes towards making a difference...even for just one person.

If you’re able to donate, it would mean a lot.

Your support goes directly to those who need it most.

Cheers,

Mel