WEDNESDAY, 18 MARCH, 2026
Golfers take safe steps
Organiser of the Safe Steps on the Green Charity Golf Day on 28 March, Amanda Thompson (front) practises her putting with MC Ellen Smith, Andy Smith from Vic Hotel Footscray, and Isiah ‘Izzy’ Kumar from the Westgate Golf Club. (Damjan Janevski) 540451_02
Community members, local businesses and supporters will take to the greens and fairways of Westgate Golf Club to fundraise for victims of family violence. On Saturday 28 March, Safe Steps on the Green will take place, a charity golf day raising funds for Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, Victoria’s 24-7 family violence crisis support service. “Safe Steps provides a lifeline to thousands of Victorians every year,” Amanda Thompson, the chief executive of event partner Endurance Financial, said. “Th is event is about bringing our community together to raise both awareness and funds for a service that literally saves lives.” The day will feature a four-ball Ambrose golf competition, welcoming golfers of all abilities. Participants can register as teams or individuals, with organisers matching players where needed to ensure the day remains inclusive and community focused. “Family violence affects every community,” Ms Thompson said.
Tony takes a trek By Afraa Kori Williamstown adventurer Tony Pearce will embark on a solo 2400-kilometre paddle down the Murray River to raise awareness and funds for the mental health of Victoria’s emergency workers. The journey, starting 12 April, 2026 at Bringenbrong, New South Wales, and ending at Goolwa, South Australia, is expected to take about 60 days. The funds raised will support the Emergency Services Foundation Residential Wellbeing Program, which provides early, structured support for emergency workers before crises escalate. Tony’s Trek 2026 – Paddle for Awareness highlights the often-hidden toll of
emergency work, Mr Pearce said. According to a study led by Beyond Blue, one in three emergency service workers experiences high or very high psychological distress, yet only 37 per cent return to work within six months of a mental injury claim, and many are unable to return at all. “The really sad part about these statistics is that they only relate to those who have been diagnosed and are in the Workcover system – we know categorically that the as yet undiagnosed numbers are much higher,” Mr Pearce said. Mr Pearce said the solo journey down the Murray River will be a physical and mental challenge, however it’s his way of acknowledging the daily challenges faced by emergency workers.
“Th is isn’t about toughness or resilience slogans. It’s about recognising mental injury as a real occupational risk, and making sure the people who protect us know they’re allowed to ask for help, and that help will be there when they do,” he said. “Along the way, I hope to connect with local communities, share stories of resilience, and highlight the need for robust mental health resources and support systems.” So far, he has raised more than $25,000 towards his $50,000 goal. “I am inviting everyone to support me on this journey, whether by following my progress, spreading the message, or contributing to the cause,” he said.
“Let’s paddle together toward a future where we have mentally healthy people and workplaces across the emergency services sector.” The journey along the Murray River is Mr Pearce’s latest awareness-raising adventure. In 2023, he completed One Step at a Time, trekking 1506 km through fi re-affected areas and raising $240,000 to fund six pilot Residential Wellbeing Programs. In 2024, he trekked to Mt Everest Base Camp in Nepal with 25 emergency services colleagues, raising $40,000 for the Emergency Services Foundation’s Lived Experience Program. Details: givenow.com.au/tonystrek2025
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