Tony’s Trek reached an important milestone on Good Friday when Tony Pearce strode into Nowa-Nowa. His arrival at the Nowa-Nowa General Store marked the halfway point in his 1,140 km solo Trek in support of the many emergency services workers in Victoria.
Tony is the Chair of Victoria’s Emergency Services Foundation and the Inspector-General of Emergency Management. In these roles he is passionate about the need to address the mental health needs of paid and volunteer emergency service workers. His Trek is to raise awareness of this need and, also, to raise much needed funds in support of the Foundation.
Tony has walked from Melbourne to Mallacoota, and back to Nowa-Nowa. The second half of his Trek started on Easter Saturday as he walked to Bruthen. From there his Trek sees him climb the road to Mt Hotham and then on to Wodonga before a return walk to Melbourne via the Hume Highway.
Right from the planning phase of Tony’s Trek, Rotary offered to be a strong supporter of the Project. This has included donations to his fundraising efforts and banners to highlight the importance of our support of emergency workers.
At many of his rest stops along the way, Tony was greeted by local Rotarians who walked with Tony or joined with emergency services personnel to encourage Tony and to support his fundraising efforts. Orbost Rotary hosted Tony at their weekly Club meeting where he addressed members. In return, President Don Osborne presented a substantial donation to his cause.
His Nowa-Nowa arrival was celebrated by a large contingent from the Lakes Entrance Rotary Club, including its President, Ian Dunkley, who presented Tony with a further donation to help with the work of the Foundation. Peter Sindrey, Rotary’s Assistant Governor for East Gippsland says, “We were also privileged that Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland, joined us to congratulate Tony”.
Easter marks the point at which Tony’s Trek left District 9820 and heads north. We wish Tony well for the remainder of his Trek. We trust that his efforts will achieve the recognition and financial support the Emergency Services Foundation deserves.
