It was a perfect day for taking a stroll along the waterfront from
St Kilda Pier to
Station Pier and I did it in the best of company.
A wonderful group of ExplorOz delegates came down and walked with me for the first day of a long walk around around Australia raising awareness about depression and suicide prevention.
We all gathered with Sarah Eagle of Walking Feat, Patrick McGorry (Australian of the Year and founder of Orygen and headspace for youth mental health) and an enthusiastic group of supporters.
When we reached
Station Pier and the ferry to take me to Tassie Sarah passed her engraved baton to me to carry around Australia. The baton has traveled with Sarah for thousands of kilometres of awareness walking and riding for mental health so it was a very significant moment. The baton is engraved with the words "Every Step Counts" meaning that every small thing we do towards better health for ourselves and others, helping to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness and getting help is a step in the right direction. No matter how big or how small, every step counts.
It was a good day for meeting new people, sharing stories and starting anew chapter in life.
![The ExplorOz delegates at St Kilda]()
The ExplorOz delegates at St Kilda
![Sarah Eagle and myself]()
Sarah Eagle and myself
![Some of the group at Station Pier]()
Some of the group at Station Pier
![The ExplorOz Team at Station Pier]()
The ExplorOz Team at Station Pier
![Patrick Mc Gorry, Sarah Eagle and myself]()
Patrick Mc Gorry, Sarah Eagle and myself
![Diane and the baton]()
Diane and the baton
![John and Josh and the baton]()
John and Josh and the baton
![:)]()
:)