29 OCTOBER 2025 | ISSUE 584 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
Walking the Talk for Men’s Mental Health
From Melbourne to Canberra, Alan Thorpe and partner Kelly Cassidy are proving that real change begins one step at a time. Ballarat man Alan Thorpe is on an extraordinary mission, walking from Melbourne to Canberra to raise awareness and drive action for men’s mental health. Supported every step of the way by his partner Kelly Cassidy, who drives the pilot vehicle and provides the vital backup that keeps the journey safe and on track, the pair are walking the talk together. Kelly’s steady presence has become a legacy of support in itself, a quiet reminder of the strength that comes from standing beside someone, not behind them. Alan began his journey on October 20 and plans to reach Parliament House on November 19, which is International Men’s Day. His arrival will coincide with the fifth annual 2500 Too Many visual presentation of shoes on the Parliament lawn, symbolising the number of men lost to suicide each year. Alan’s goal is to encourage real change at a national level, believing that current approaches to mental health are not enough and that stronger, long-term support systems are needed for men across Australia.
Known throughout Victoria for his dedication to men’s wellbeing, Alan has completed four major awareness walks in just two years and raised more than $80,000 for Beyond Blue. His journey has not been without hardship. In late 2023, Alan and Kelly were at a burnout event in Stawell when they witnessed the tragic death of an 18-year-old spectator. The pair narrowly avoided being hit by the car involved in the incident, which deeply affected them both and led Alan to step away from public activity for a time. After months of recovery and reflection, Alan returned to walking with a renewed sense of purpose. During their journey north, Alan and Kelly have been met with warmth and encouragement from communities across Victoria. Their stop in Nagambie was a particular highlight, with locals offering waves, friendly chats and gestures of support as they passed through town. Kelly said the welcome in Nagambie was something special.
“When we got to Nagambie, there was a group of people waiting and cheering Alan on. A few even jumped in and walked with him into town. We hadn’t had that happen before, and it really lifted his spirits and gave him the push to keep going.”
The kindness they received lifted their spirits and reminded them why they are walking. Nagambie’s sense of community and compassion reflects exactly what Alan’s message is all about: connection, understanding and the importance of checking in on one another. Having faced his own mental health challenges and personal losses, including suicide within his family, Alan’s mission is to help men realise that they do not need to face their struggles alone. On Monday, October 27, Alan and Kelly were 190 kilometres into their journey, on day seven, heading towards Murchison after enjoying a well-earned rest day in Nagambie. Already on his second pair of runners, the 6 foot 1 walker is literally pounding the pavement, putting his trusty Brooks to the test with every stride. Alan’s admiration for Kelly is clear. “She holds my life in her hands on a daily basis, not just on this journey but through life. We’ve had a few close calls on this walk with distracted drivers almost running over the top of us and vehicles just driving too fast and too close,” said Alan. It’s a timely reminder for all drivers to take extra care when passing pedestrians. Alan’s pilot vehicle gives plenty of notice to motorists that he is walking along the roadside, making him as visible and safe as possible, but driver awareness remains critical. When he reaches Canberra on International Men’s Day, Alan hopes his walk will raise national awareness and encourage real policy action. He is calling for stronger mental health services, particularly in regional areas, and for a greater balance in leadership roles.
As Alan and Kelly continue their journey, their story is inspiring others to take that first step, whether it’s reaching out to a friend, starting an honest conversation or simply offering a listening ear. Their time in Nagambie served as a reminder of how powerful small-town kindness can be. Change, they believe, does not always begin with big gestures. Sometimes it starts with one step, one smile and one supportive community walking beside you. A final message from Alan as he continues north toward the capital: “I encourage all blokes to speak up, don’t sit at home and think you’re a burden on anyone. Make that first step and start the conversation.” Locals can follow and support Alan’s progress on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok under @ iwalkformensmentalhealth, or donate online to help fund his ongoing work in men’s mental health.