LIAM DURKIN
COMMUNITY
By LIAM DURKIN
NOT even Mother Nature can stop a community when it bands together.
Hundreds of patrons braved the elements in Moe on Sunday, taking part in the inaugural ‘Walk With Chop’ walk/run, in memory of the late Riley ‘Choppy’ Pearce.
The event was organised by the Pearce/Walsh family of Moe and surrounds, in conjunction with mental health and wellbeing provider Mindfull Aus.
All money raised through the event went to help Mindfull Aus continue to facilitate the services it provides.
Attendees sported special Walk With Chop t-shirts on the day, lining up at the start line in the Moe Botanical Gardens to commence the walk/run.
Most people walked the six kilometre track along the Moe Yallourn Rail Trail, while those more eager undertook the 16km run.
Runners won all the praise they deserved, as the track resembled a river in some sections due to the intermittent heavy downpours.
But a little rain wasn’t about to stop a 400-strong crowd walking and running in solidarity for a cause as worthy as mental health awareness.
People from all generations came together; those running making it their mission to push through gruelling conditions; those walking taking the time to talk to the person next to them.
The Pearce family assembled at the start line, with Riley’s father Andrew proudly leading things off. Quite a poignant moment, as hundreds of people followed behind in full support.
Andrew addressed the crowd alongside Mindfull Aus founder Matt Runnalls before the event, thanking all for their fundraising efforts.
An amazing total of $24,000 was raised.
Understandably overcome with emotion, Pearce said the turnout had far exceeded expectations.
Such was the turnout, Mindfull Aus had to cap registrations for insurance purposes.
In a strong show of unity, a number of football-netball clubs from across the region took part in the walk/run.
As well as Moe Football-Netball Club, members from Newborough, Yallourn Yallourn North, Traralgon and Hill End were present.
The Lions and Maroons both had strong connections to Riley, and the Riley ‘Choppy’ Pearce Cup was established last year, played for between the two sides.
Moe currently holds the cup. The Lions will wear special Mindfull Aus guernseys when it plays Traralgon next month in the Gippsland League season.
Leongatha footballer Ben Willis also assisted as a track marshal, stationed underneath the bridge at Old Sale Road, jokingly referred to as a ‘troll’ by Pearce during his pre-race address.
Hot drinks were in order for walkers after they crossed the finish line, while a barbecue provided the ideal replenishment.
Runnalls paid tribute to all who came along, making particular mention of the strength of the Moe community.
“I’ve always said it, I work around the world and see a lot of communities, but this one seems to be head and shoulders above the rest,” he said.
“It was awesome, such a wet, cold, miserable day and you’ve got 400-something people in the community prioritising to come out here and do something towards mental health, to get around not only Chop and his memory and drive his legacy forward, but to continue to drive conversations.
“Whether it is to be here to have a conversation with somebody or whether it is donating, it is pretty overwhelming the support we are getting from this community. The Pearce and Walsh family are really good people and the community are getting right behind them.”
As Runnalls explained, events like these make a difference in more ways than one.
“We’re not a government funded organisation, so every dollar we get from these events helps drive our impact in the community,” he said.
“Without that impact and without that funding we don’t make the difference we do. It is these events that continue to allow us to have that reach across kids, parents, teachers and educators.”
When asked if there was an overriding message he hoped the event would help bring to light, Runnalls pointed to one key aspect.
“We had 450 people register for this event, and there was people that had to miss out. I feel like the message in that is don’t be the 458th person to register – be the first, and the same way when you are looking after mates, don’t be the person that sits back and waits until something tragic happens,” he said.
“Be the first person in their inbox, be the first person to go and reach out to them, that’s the message we have to continue to provide.
“If we can just continue to show up with love, belonging and connection, this world is going to look very different.
“We all need to know we don’t have to be a doctor, clinician, therapist or professional social worker, it is just the ability to have a heart and to use it every day.”
Riley ‘Choppy’ Pearce courageously battled with mental health illness for some time. Choppy’s determination and courage throughout his battle and his lived experience of this illness, allowed him to help and assist others in their own battle with mental health. Choppy was a vivid mental health campaigner and the legacy he has left behind was evident when many family, friends, and the wider community came together to farewell Choppy, and share their stories, after he tragically took his own life in January 2021, aged 17.
If you or someone you know is suffering, phone Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Word out: The message was loud and clear during the Walk With Chop event. Photograph Liam Durkin
Speech: Andrew Pearce addresses the crowd, flanked by Mindfull Aus founder Matt Runnalls. Photograh Liam Durkin
Come one, come all: More than 400 people took part in the Walk With Chop walk/run. Photograph Liam Durkin
Setting off: Riley’s father Andrew, mum Kerry (in beanie) and older brother Matt (Nike hat) lead the walk. Photograph Liam Durkin
Braving the elements: Showing no signs of stopping in driving rain are Moe Football-Netball Club players Jacob Balfour, Lachlan McGrath and assistant coach Stephen Rock. Photograph supplied
