Greyleigh, the crown jewel of Kiama’s hinterland, set the stage for a spectacular evening of elegance, connection and purpose as guests gathered for The Man Walk’s premier fundraising event. From roaming canapés and a dessert bar to a silent auction and heartfelt speeches, the formal garden party drew supporters from Kiama, Jamberoo, Sydney and beyond, all united by one goal - keeping men walking and talking. And talk they did.Among those speaking was Glenn “Ernie” Wright, a poet, former soldier and long-time supporter of The Man Walk. His poem, written on the morning of the event, moved the crowd to tears.“No one is immune to the pressures of life,” Ernie said. “Sometimes just walking beside someone is enough to help them keep going.”Founder and CEO Mark Burns also addressed the gathering, reflecting on how far the movement has come and the people who helped shape his thinking along the way.One of those people is Judy Henderson, who also spoke that night. Judy held Mark in her arms when he was just three days old. Her decades-long career in international policy and change management has made her a trusted voice in his life.“She’s a voice of intelligent reason,” Mark said. “When I’m unsure, Judy is one of the first people I call. She reminds me what matters, and how to keep going with care and purpose.”When Judy stood to speak, she didn’t say much, but her words landed with weight.“Their pride in him was shining when he was three days old,” she said, speaking of Mark’s late parents. “And I know it would be just as strong if they could see him now.”Derek McMahon Alan Threlfall Joe Cato and Paul TurnbullThe Man Walk, which began humbly in Kiama, now operates in more than 80 locations across Australia and internationally.Its quiet success stems from its simplicity: regular walks, no judgment, just conversation and connection. The ripple effect touches not just the men who walk, but their families and communities.One of the longstanding board members helping to steer that growth is property developer Charlie Daoud. On this night, he was simply one of many giving his time and energy to a cause that has quietly changed lives.“The mental health crisis can affect anyone, at any point of their lives, and that’s the scariest thing,” Charlie said. “When we hand over the keys to a new homeowner, there is a level of satisfaction, of course."But nothing compares to the feeling of knowing you’ve genuinely helped someone, or a large part of the community, through the Man Walk. This kind of satisfaction does not fade. It only grows stronger with time. And I hope we can continue to increase the scope and influence of the Man Walk for years to come.”Robert and Rhonda Williams, Fiona Phillips and Stuart Larkins.Chairing the board is Alex Wade, a former finance executive who once called Kiama home and now lives in the UK.He joined The Man Walk during a difficult period in his life and has helped expand its reach globally, including a new walk in a small village in Wiltshire.While the gala was dazzling, the message was grounded. “We do need more support from the big end of town,” Alex noted. “But we’re building something powerful here, and people want to be part of it.” Perhaps, in time, the Kiama community will begin to see some familiar names in a new light, not just for what they build, but for how they show up.Because at the heart of this movement is something simple. A man walking beside another man. And that, in the end, is how change begins.Gareth Ward, Mick Emmett, Nathan Strong and Lance Cross.
