Darwin: RAAF to Robbo veterans awareness walk gets Luke Gosling endorsement

A mammoth walk will aim to raise awareness for veterans’ mental health. Read how Territorians can get involved.

Members of 5th Battalion geared up for a previous RAAF to Robbo stomp. Picture: Supplied.

This week, Territorians will lace up their boots before smashing out a four hour, 14.5 kilometres walk with a special cause in mind.

Pre-dawn on Friday, soldiers, sailors, airmen and local supporters will gather at RAAF Base Darwin to stomp out the RAAF to Robbo walk – an annual tradition aiming to raise funds and awareness for veteran mental health.

In a speech to Parliament House on Tuesday, Solomon MP Luke Gosling explained the initiative to his fellow elected officials.

“(The tradition) started as a way for Daniel Hilliard from Mix 104.9 to wrap up the March On Challenge for not-for-profit Soldier On,” he told the Lower House.

“And it’s grown into a proud Darwin tradition – with 50 to 70 people expected to participate on Friday.

“It’s a great way to celebrate Soldier On’s awesome work providing mental health and support services and connections for those transitioning from the ADF to civilian life.”

Solomon MP Luke Gosling and Mix 104.9 presenter Daniel Hilliard. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Gosling said Stuart Highway road users could also contribute to the cause.

“And hot off the press – Dan (Hilliard) has confirmed local business Murray Oakley Retravision will donate $5 for every honk we get on the morning from RAAF (Darwin) to (Robertson Barracks).”

Promotion for the walk comes after Mr Gosling penned an opinion piece last month titled ‘Australia is failing its Afghanistan veterans – but we can change that’, in which the Solomon MP maintained former servicemen and women had been left behind at the conclusion of their service.

The RAAF to Robbo walk will start at 5.30am on 22 March at RAAF Darwin and finish at Robertson Barracks, Holtze.

The estimated duration of the walk is three to four hours and will include multiple checkpoints with hydration stations.