Tony Hopper, 71, and Wayne Hueske, 61, will embark on a 235-kilometre walk from Walla Walla to Tallimba to offer support to other farmers and help break down the barriers of isolation in rural communities. Photo: Supplied.
Two Riverina farmers are set to embark on a 235 kilometre walk from Walla Walla to Tallimba to raise funds for and awareness of mental health in rural communities.
Wayne Hueske, 61, and Tony Hopper, 71, will set off on their quest on Friday (4 July), hoping to create opportunities for other farmers to join them along the way in a bid to break down barriers of isolation and create a platform for frank conversations that could save a life.
The idea for the Walk N Talk fundraiser became a reality after the close-knit community of Tallimba in NSW’s Central West was rocked by the loss of one of its own farmers to suicide recently.
“He was only 56; he was married with a family and a best friend to the whole community,” Wayne said. “It was a huge loss; there were over 2500 people at the funeral and the main street was blocked off.”
Over a beer at the pub, Wayne and Tony resolved to put the wheels of a walk in motion.
“We didn’t want this to happen again,” Wayne said. “So we thought, how about we walk from Walla to Tallimba and see how we go?”
While these weather-beaten blokes are no “spring chickens”, they are pretty confident they’ll have a spring in their own steps as they attempt to complete the walk in nine days – thanks to fellow Tallimba local Meghan Hardie, who works at Back on Track Physiotherapy.
Joined by a hefty portion of the town’s tiny population, the pair has been in earnest training for the past two months including regular walks as well as weights and fitness sessions at the local sports ground, overseen by Meghan, who has also co-ordinated much of the event’s logistics.
“We probably walk somewhere between 10 and 15 kilometres every three to four days,” Wayne said.
“I’m pretty excited because I’ve actually gained 3 kg as I’ve never been real heavy – there’s also been a lot of comparing of calf muscles to see if they’re getting solid!”
Behind the good-natured banter and what’s become a wonderful community camaraderie-building experience, Wayne is well aware of the critical importance of their mission.
Wayne, Tony and several other residents recently completed certificates in mental health first aid, which they said provided invaluable insights and information about how to better support someone who might be struggling and steer conversations in safe and beneficial ways.
“We’ve studied the statistics and we know that nine Australians take their lives every day, and that men in our age range are particularly at risk,” Wayne said.
“Mental health challenges are a big thing in rural areas, exacerbated by the isolation; the pressure on some farmers is bloody huge at the moment and I am worried things will get worse. We want to encourage farmers and community members to keep talking and to remind people they are not alone.”
Wayne Hueske and Tony Hopper have been in serious training at the local sports ground ahead of their Walk N Talk Fundraiser. Photo: Supplied.
Roadside mailbox drops along the route have provided information about what days the walk will pass through local towns and farmers’ front gates.
The support from the Tallimba and wider community has been huge, according to Wayne.
“Everyone is chipping in, with the local AGnVET donating our escort vehicles and residents offering their time to drive or walk with us,” he said.
“Local footy clubs along the route are offering to put us up for the night, and cook us dinner and breakfast.
“We are hoping about 25 to 40 locals will walk with us and then our ambitions are for 100 people to join us for the final 5 kilometres from Tip Hill into town on the last day.”
There’s a rousing reception planned at the Tallimba pub for Saturday afternoon, 12 July, along with entertainment, an auction and monster raffle to boost fundraising efforts for men’s mental health charity Mongrels Men.
Wayne’s daughters – aged 12, 14, and 16, “who are all pretty fit” – have their swags at the ready, declaring their intention to walk the whole way, while his wife Tanya, and 90-year-old mum will also be on hand to support the crew.
“Mum says she’s going along in the escort car,” Wayne said.
A recent reconnaissance to Walla got the locals talking at that end, and Wayne, who also has longstanding ties to the community there, said he’d rallied “a few of my old mates” to start off the walk bright and early on Friday.
The first day will see walkers take the back way from Walla to Henty, where they will stay overnight before heading straight up the highway to The Rock.
Wayne shrugged off concerns about potential injury or the physical toll the epic trek would take on feet more used to farm boots than sneakers.
“We are not even thinking about that,” he said.
“Anyway, it’s not so many years ago I thought I could still get a kick on the footy field!”
For details on how to donate or where you can join the walk go to Walk N Talk Fundraiser
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
