On Saturday, March 21, the Port of Bairnsdale will serve as a starting point for “Walk for a Bloke,” a 25km trek designed to bridge the gap between mateship, exercise and mental health support.
The event is the flagship initiative of Spoke to a Bloke, an organisation founded by three brothers-in-law – Scott, Paul, and Matt – who turned a shared tragedy into a global movement.
Over 30 years, the trio has travelled the world and celebrated life’s wins together, but they were also united by the devastating loss of their brother and mate, Nick, to suicide, which led to the creation of Spoke to a Bloke.
Nick used to organise an annual 25km walk for a chance for mates to get together, do some exercise and check in with each other.
Their first walk was just four guys in 2019 and by 2022, they had 110 blokes from all around Australia taking part.
For 2026, that small gathering has evolved into a worldwide event spanning more than 30 locations.
The mission remains simple: to get men walking, talking and supported.
The Bairnsdale event will take participants on a 25km journey starting at the Port of Bairnsdale.
The route consists of four loops and concludes at the Howitt Park Bowling Club.
Organised as a “walk at your own pace” event, the day is less about athletic endurance and more about creating a safe space for honest conversations.
Event details:
When: Saturday, March 21 2026.
Time: Check-in at 6.30am for a 7am start. The walk concludes at approximately 1pm.
Route: Starting at the Port of Bairnsdale, finishing at Howitt Park Bowling Club.
Requirements: Participants are reminded to bring a hat and a water bottle.
Post-walk: A community lunch will be held at the Howitt Park Bowls Club following the finish. Loved ones are encouraged to attend and welcome the walkers home.
Organisers suggest utilising public transport or ride-sharing where possible. Community members are encouraged to register now to walk in memory of a loved one, beside those they care about, or for their own mental well-being.
As the founders often say: “No one should do life alone.”
For more information or to register for the 2026 Bairnsdale walk, visit the Spoke to a Bloke website.
