Eleven local men will journey into Australia’s outback to complete a 64.5km trek after answering a call to raise awareness for domestic and family violence.
The Larapinta Trek – Champions for Change, from 28 August to 4 September, is the first-ever male-only walk organised by Jenny’s Place.
CEO Dawn Walker said the historic event was a pivotal moment that put men at the centre of the solution to help drive meaningful change.
“It can be hard for them to step forward on this issue,” she explained.
“However, this trek gives the men a platform to stand together and show leadership in helping put an end to domestic and family violence.”
Among the participants is Tommy Pulleine, a mental health, leadership and resilience trainer and veteran, whose personal connection to the cause inspired him to take on the trek.
“My family experienced domestic and family violence,” he stated.
“So, it’s important to me to support groups that help other people in the community get away from it.
“Our organisation does a lot of work in workplaces to educate people around domestic and family violence and, quite often, with some men, they don’t understand what domestic and family violence is.
“This is why the more we talk about it and do things like this, the more we are able to bring awareness into the community.”
Shaun Hicks, a registered nurse at the John Hunter Hospital and a roofing business owner, witnesses the impact of domestic violence through his work.
“In emergency, I meet a lot of people affected by violence, especially women and children,” he said.
“So, doing this is a way to give back to the community.
“Everyone has been very supportive as this is a way to learn how we can have a conversation with other men that make it safe for them to reflect on their own actions.”
With sponsors already backing the trek, organisers are hoping the event becomes a tradition, which inspires more males to step forward and lead the change.
Set against landscapes like Ormiston Gorge and Mount Sonder, the trek represents more than just physical commitment – it’s a vow to raise vital funds for Jenny’s Place.
For more news stories:
- No extra message sent after Newcastle DV victim knifed 78 times
- Personal journeys inspire Newcastle nursing students
- Cooranbong M1 twin service centres finally moving ahead
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
