IN 2023, Moree’s Luke Woods and a group of volunteers raised more than $22,000 as part of the One Foot Forward campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute.

The group walked nearly 30 kilometres from Weebolla rugby grounds to Pallamallawa to support those suffering from mental health issues and remember those who lost their lives to suicide.

There has been no rest since that trek along the Gwydir Highway nearly 12 months ago, and Woods and his mates will be back at the main gates of Weebolla rugby grounds on Saturday, October 26 to do it all again.

Woods decided in 2022 to take the walk and was quickly joined by friends and acquaintances.

The plan two years ago was to walk solo, but when Woods’ mates got wind of it, they jumped on board.

“I originally came up with the idea for a long charity walk in 2022, which I was going to undertake by myself,” Woods said.

“But word spread in our small community and I was joined by another nine Moree locals.

“With two support cars and no idea of the physical pain ahead of us, we were One Foot Forward – OFF – to Pally,” he smiled.

“We were able to raise over $10,000 across the group in our first year, and walked just shy of 30 kilometres in six hours from Moree to the Pally Pub.”

Last year, all returning members from the original group were joined by other Moree locals.

This time, 30 walkers wore out 30 pairs of shoes and, along the way, raised $22,500 for the Black Dog Institute.

“We had walkers ranging in ages from 13 to 84,” Woods said.

“Additionally, we were ranked first out of all teams undertaking the One Foot Forward campaign, which is an incredible achievement for a rural community.

“It is just a matter of showing up for the walk,” he said.

“The Pally Pub has also jumped on board again as sponsors, and we will be refreshing with some cold drinks after the walk, followed by raffles, live music, great food and great company.”

To join the OFF to Pally 3.0 fundraising team on October, message Luke directly.

This will allow a profile to be set up with participants added to the team page.

“If anyone would like to be a support car driver or volunteer, please contact me directly as well,” Woods said.

The support vehicles will also store snacks and fluid for walkers, and all walkers must wear hi-vis attire.

“Participants do not have to walk the whole distance, as there will be support vehicles they can hop in and out of at their convenience.

“We’ll try and have everyone there by 5.30am and head off by 6am,” Woods said.

The One Foot Forward campaign encourages people to get out and go for a walk, talk about mental health issues and raise money for the Black Dog Institute, a charity focused on helping those suffering from mental illnesses.

The campaign, established in 2020, has so far collectively logged 644,666 kilometres.

That’s nearly 43 laps around Australia – including Tasmania.

Moree to Pally One Foot Forward

When: Saturday, October 26

Start: Meet at Weebolla rugby grounds at around 5.30am for a 6am start

Finish: Pally Pub

Anyone wishing to join the walk and fundraise on the day, can contact Luke on 0407 154848.

More information available here: https://www.onefootforward.org.au/