General News
14 September, 2023
Teen's mind set to walk
Warracknabeal teen Rohan Richards hopes to make communities more aware of the effects of mental illness when he embarks on a 250 kilometre hike on Monday. Rohan, 16, has planned the nine-day hike to draw people’s attention to the fact that mental...
Warracknabeal teen Rohan Richards hopes to make communities more aware of the effects of mental illness when he embarks on a 250 kilometre hike on Monday.
Rohan, 16, has planned the nine-day hike to draw people’s attention to the fact that mental illness doesn’t discriminate, and is hoping to raise $1000 for the Black Dog Institute.
From September 18 to 27, Rohan will hike from Warracknabeal to Antwerp, Jeparit and Rainbow, before heading up to Hopetoun, Beulah, Brim and back to Warracknabeal.
The son of Andrew Richards and Angelique Konen, Rohan said a school project sparked the idea of embarking on the hike.
“We were asked to choose a community issue in Yarriambiack Shire and I saw a small box hidden away that showed 40 per cent of residents suffered some form of mental illness,” Rohan said.
“The fact that almost half the population, some aged 18 or even younger, were experiencing this didn’t sit right with me.”
Making the issue particularly poignant is the fact that both Rohan and people he describes as close to him have experienced mental illness.
“It affects one in five Australians every year and the impact can be devastating, not only for the person living with the illness but also for those around them,” Rohan said.
“I want to support crucial mental health research and support services that help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.
“Mental illness is no joke.”
Preparing for the journey, Rohan has completed a number of hikes in the past few months.
He has also taken up weight training, including carrying weights on his back, in readiness for carrying the estimated 20kg gear pack.
“The training was hard initially, but the cause fuelled my fire,” he said.
“I want everyone to realise that it’s okay to not be okay, and that it’s not weak to ask for help.”
Launching a GoFundMe page, Rohan is asking supporters to help him create a “meaningful moment for mental health as I work up a sweat, all for a great cause.”
Inviting the community to join him on any segment of the walk or as an overnight camper, Rohan also urges people to consider donating via the link on any of his posters displayed in local businesses.
Rohan will set off from Warracknabeal Post Office at 9am on Monday.