EVENT
A long-distance walk to raise awareness around first responder mental health and wellbeing; including suicide, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premature mortality.
Commencing: July 2023, from Lambert Centre of Australia (Heart of Country), on the Northern Territory/South Australia border;
Arriving: Thursday 28 September 2023 to Australian Parliament House, Canberra (Heart of Nation).
It is intended that walkers and support crew will be represented by current and former first responders, and their families.
First Responder Engagement Days (FRED)
Throughout the journey we will participate in gatherings in towns along the route, engaging with former, serving first responders, and their families. Our intent is for these engagement opportunities to be hosted by our supporting partners, community groups, and first responder agencies in these respective locations.
The Final Walk Day (Supporters, Families & Public Event)
On 28 September 2023, day 90 (the final leg) of the walk, we invite everyone to walk with us on the final leg of the journey, from the National Emergency Services Memorial (along the footpath around Lake Burley Griffin), onto Parliament House.
ROUTE
Lamberts Centre of Australia is located near the small Aboriginal settlement of Finke near the NT-SA Boarder approximately 130 km from the Kulgera Roadhouse. The distance from Lamberts Centre of Australia to Canberra is approximately 2,400 km.
The first approximately 800 km of the walk involves walking along rough dirt roads passing only a few small settlements and roadhouses. From Finke in the direction of travel the closest centre with medical and resupply facilities is approximately 600 km to Coober Pedy.
Live Tracking and Interactive Map
Produced by the ACT Emergency Services Agency - Geospatial Intelligence Team
Proposed Overnight Stays
1. Finke
2. Camp – Roadside (TBC)
3. Mt Dare Hotel (2)*
5. Camp – Eringa Waterhole (2)
7. Camp – (‘Hamilton’/‘Mt Sara’) (2)
9. Oodnadatta Roadhouse (3)*
12. Camp – Algebuckina Bridge (2)
14. Camp – Boorthanna Siding Creek
15. William Creek (2)*
17. Camp – Coward Springs (2)
19. Camp – Bopeechee Bridge
20. Marree (3)*
23. Camp – Farina Campground
24. Camp – Lyndhurst
25. Leigh Creek (Police Barracks) (3)*
28. Hawker (4)*
32. Carrieton
33. Orroroo (2)
35. Peterborough (3)*
38. Yunta
39. Manna Hill
40. Olary
41. Broken Hill (4)*
45. Popitah Lake/Coombah Truck Stop (2)
47. Bungerungee Campsite (2)
49. Mildura (4)*
54. Robinvale (2)*
56. Boundary Bend Caravan Park (2)
58. Toolybuc
61. Swan Hill (3)*
64. Kerang (3)*
65. Barham/Camp – Wakool (2)
67. Deniliquin (3)*
70. Camp – Conargo (TBC)
71. Jerilderie (2)
73. Urana (2)
74. Lockhart
75. Wagga Wagga (3)*
79. Junee (3)*
82. Gundagai (3)*
85. Tumut (2)*
87. Brindabella Valley
88. Uriarra Village
89. Government House, Canberra
90. Final Walk Day (public event) - National Emergency Services Memorial
* Includes First Responder Engagement Day
FIRST RESPONDER ENGAGEMENT DAYS
Built into the Heart 2 Heart Walk route planning are First Responder Engagement Days (FRED). Our aim for FREDs are to support a positive platform for former, serving and potential first responders (and their families), bringing them together with local communities to raise awareness of first responder wellbeing throughout the journey.
We're looking for first responder agencies, community groups and supporters of first responders to host FRED engagement events; this can be anything from a barbeque to a ball; at your station, shed, community centre or place of business.
Below are the current planned and available FREDs. Please contact us if you, or your organisation would like to participate or host an event.
03-JUL-2023 - Witjira, SA:
Bbq event and charity auction at Mount Dare Hotel - 6pm. Click HERE for more information.
10-JUL-2023 - Oodnadatta, SA:
Bbq event at The Pink Roadhouse - 6pm.
20-JUL-2023 - Marree, SA:
First responder bbq event hosted by local CFS - 6pm at town park adjacent tennis courts.
30-JUL-2023 - Hawker, SA:
Bbq event - 6pm at the Sports Centre.
05-AUG-2023 - Peterborough, SA:
First responder bbq event and guest speaker - 6pm at the Town Hall.
12-AUG-2023 - Broken Hill, NSW:
First responder bbq event - 6pm Royal Flying Doctor Service Wellbeing Centre.
18-AUG-2023 - Mildura, VIC:
First responder bbq event hosted by local CFA - 6pm at Fire Rescue Victoria Fire Station 72.
28-AUG-2023 - Swan Hill, VIC:
First responder event - Swan Hill Tennis Club
31-AUG-2023 - Kerang, VIC:
First responder bbq event hosted by local CFA - 6pm at Kerang Fire Station.
05-SEP-2023 - Deniliquin, NSW:
First responder event - Coach House Hotel
11-SEP-2023 - Urana, NSW:
Bbq event hosted by Deputy Mayor Shaun Whitechurch - Federation Council. Details TBC.
14-SEP-2023 - Wagga, NSW:
13 & 14 SEP 2023 - Mental health first aid course, hosted by Emerge & See. Delivered through lived experience, this two-day accredited Mental Health First Aid Course teaches you practical skills to identify and best support someone suffering with mental health issues. More information and sign up; HERE
14 SEP 2023 - Community event Trivia Night - 6-10pm, Wagga Boat Club. In conjunction with Emerge & See.
17-SEP-2023 - Junee, NSW:
First responder event - Commercial Hotel, Junee - 4pm.
21-SEP-2023 - Gundagai, NSW:
Details - TBC
24-SEP-2023 - Tumut, NSW:
First responder event - hosted by NSW SES Tumut Unit - 3.30pm at Tumut SES Shed.