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 Team Challenge is planned to be undertaken on 27 September 2023 (day 90 of the walk), from Uriarra to the gates of Government House).
Though we're still working through the mechanics, we envisage first responder organisations will be able to register teams, competing through fundraising and lighthearted challenges (with healthy banter) over the course of the day.
Supporter, Family & Public Day (the last leg)
On 28 September 2023, day 91 of the walk, we invite everyone to walk with us on the final leg of the journey, from the gates of Government House, along the footpath around Lake Burley Griffin, to the National Emergency Services Memorial (for a short remembrance service), and then 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 would involve 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.
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)*
86. Tumut (3)*
89. Wee Jasper
90. Canberra (Team Challenge day)
91. Canberra (Supporter/Family/Public day)
* 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 at Mount Dare Hotel - details TBC.
10-JUL-2023 - Oodnadatta, SA:
Available - Contact us if you would like to host a first responder or community engagement event.
20-JUL-2023 - Marree, SA:
First responder bbq event hosted by local CFS - details TBC.
29-JUL-2023 - Hawker, SA:
First responder bbq event hosted by local CFS - details TBC.
05-AUG-2023 - Peterborough, SA:
Available - Contact us if you would like to host a first responder or community engagement event.
12-AUG-2023 - Broken Hill, NSW:
First responder bbq event - details TBC.
19-AUG-2023 - Mildura, VIC:
First responder bbq event hosted by local CFA - details TBC.
28-AUG-2023 - Swan Hill, VIC:
Available - Contact us if you would like to host a first responder or community engagement event.
31-AUG-2023 - Kerang, VIC:
Available - Contact us if you would like to host a first responder or community engagement event.
05-SEP-2023 - Deniliquin, NSW:
Available - Contact us if you would like to host a first responder or community engagement event.
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, hosted by Emerge & See.
18-SEP-2023 - Junee, NSW:
Available - Contact us if you would like to host a first responder or community engagement event.
21-SEP-2023 - Gundagai, NSW:
Available - Contact us if you would like to host a first responder or community engagement event.
24-SEP-2023 - Tumut, NSW:
Available - Contact us if you would like to host a first responder or community engagement event.
TEAM CHALLENGE
The Team Challenge is planned to be undertaken on 27 September 2023 (day 90 of the walk), from Uriarra to the gates of Government House).
Although we're still working through the mechanics of how it's going to work, we envisage First Responder organisations will be able to register teams, competing through fundraising and lighthearted challenges (with healthy banter) over the course of the day.
ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: With key aspects of the Walk being our top priority, we're seeking volunteers to assist with the planning and implementation of the 'Team Challenge' event. If you're a current or former first responder and would like to join the planning team, please contact us, your help would be greatly appreciated.
SUPPORTER, FAMILY & PUBLIC DAY (THE LAST LEG)
Supporter, Family and Public Day (the last leg)
On 28 September 2023, day 91 of the walk, we invite everyone to walk with us on the final leg of the journey, from the gates of Government House, along the footpath around Lake Burley Griffin, to the National Emergency Services Memorial (for a short remembrance service), and then onto Parliament House.