Starting mid-March 2022, I'll be kayaking the length of Australia's Murray River to raise money and awareness for Black Dog Institute and mental health issues.
The third longest navigable river in the world, the Murray rises in the Australian Alps, draining the western side of Australia's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, then meanders its way northwest across the country's inland plains. I'll begin my journey at Bringenbrong Bridge (one of the first safe drop-in spots for expedition kayakers), roughly 2,500km from the Murray mouth near Goolwa. Provided everything goes to plan, this epic journey should take 60 days to complete.
These last two pandemic years have been tough. Studies have found over three-quarters of Australia's population claim their mental health has worsened by the effects of COVID-19. So, there never may be a more important time to talk about our mental health.
1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia, that's around 5 million people. And roughly 60% of these people won't seek help. Mental illness doesn't discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life — individuals, families, workplaces and communities.
So, why BDI? This internationally recognised not-for-profit is a pioneer in identifying, preventing and treating mental illness, and the promotion of wellbeing, whose approach incorporates clinical services with cutting-edge research, health professional training, and community education programs.
Join me as I swap poles for paddles, a backpack for dry bags and hiking boots for neoprene booties, all while raising money and awareness for mental health.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$20
John Semmler
$21
Kate Farmer
$52.50
Mon And Fluff
You truly are bloody incredible. Have loved following you on yet another amazing journey.
$105
Yolanda Sulser
$52.50
Anonymous
$200
Steven Schmidt
$21
Annie
You're amazing Boots ! Im going to need those campsite reviews.
$50
Angela
Brilliant paddle Josh!
$50
Alex & Celia
$105
Graham Wakeling
I was hoping you’d get dumped again though 😊
$105
Anonymous
$105
Justin And Nicola S
Unreal effort!
$21
Anonymous
Great work on reaching the finish line Josh! I have enjoyed watching your daily updates and the cause you have chosen. I know it’s not much but hopefully it can help in a some small way.
$50
Rosemary Gardner
$31.50
Nick Wood
Well done mate.
$105
Nick Norman + Alana Woods
Unbelievable effort!! Enjoy the last few days
$21
Lynley Nietschke And Lightowlers
On the home stretch now - amazing effort Josh!
$52.50
Kerina West
Amazing effort for a very worthy cause… keep paddling, Josh!
$105
Ryan Egan
$52.50
Cindy Ruediger
Keep going Josh…you’re nearly there. You’re such an inspiration to everyone. Thank you for pushing your body so hard to raise money for such an important cause.
$52.50
Dianne Egan
Well done Josh a magnificent achievement paddling all that way
$21
Rosie
$210
Sally Nadler
Mental health is out of control in the world today and the resource s are so scarce. I’m thrilled the you are creating awareness for this cause.
$31.50
Joss
Almost there mate!
$20
Paringa Bakery And Cafe
$105
Steve And Sarah
That’s a paddling, keep up the great work Josh!
$52.50
Sue Schmidt
Well done Josh. Love you taking us on a scenic tour. Ps those river snakes will follow you. ❤
$21
Natalia Salas
bit by bit ❤️
$78.75
Abilities Sa
Epic Journey for a great cause. Well Done Josh, stay strong, your nearly there.
$21
Leonie Hobbs
Loving watching your river adventure! Good onya!
$157.50
Liam Boschen
Loving your work mate!
$105
The Morrisons
Keep up the great work mate. Sorry we missed you on the way through Mildura. Next time :)
$150
The Grace Culture
Keep paddling! Keep up the sunscreen and don’t forget your Drops Of Youth! 🍃🌿 P&J x
$31.20
Kirsty C
Well done Mr West!
$52
Amelia S
Paddle forth!
$52
S And D
Great job for a great cause
$31.20
Andrew Pfeiffer
$104
Harry
Keep up the great work Westy! What a fantastic cause and also a great honour to see ALL of the mighty Murray.
$104
Graham Wakeling
Can hardly wait for the second half and and maybe getting dumped again? Missed the 1st one
$52
Michael Menz
Love your work westy! Excited for when you hit the beautiful waters of Renmark!
$104
Robbo
Donating in return for you finding me all the good campsites :-)
$50
Ev And Chris Leske
Go Josh!
$20
Josh West
$60
Steve And Nicola
Great work, Josh! May the sky clear and the journey continue so beautifully and so dry :)
$50
Charles Rawlings-way
Carry on down the Murray, bro. So impressive. Also, imagine if your name was Murray. I think there's something in that for all of us...
$200
Brett&yung
Go you good thing Josh!
$104
Michaela
$52
Jay Frentsch
Keep up the good work!
$208
Taryn, Hugh & Keira Mackey
The Murray, and Mental Health, 2 things close to our hearts. Keep up the great work paddling and breaking the stigma.
$52
Goss Family
Saving The Day once again, you are an inspiration mate! Love your work
$25.32
Jen Ly
That's a paddlin' - keep up the great work!
$312
Daniel And Amber Schilling
Bloody legend. Great work, bloody good thing ya doing.
$41.60
Michael And Shoppee
Groundskeepers from Yarrawonga Caravan Park
$52
Sarah + Joel Baldwin
Such a wonderful cause, love your work! Best of luck x
$104
Brenton And Janelle Miegel
Aden just filled us in on your Trekking West. Great coverage of your journey. You are an inspiration Josh and a worthy cause.
$31.20
Andrew Fisher
$52
Justine Smart
Great effort Westie! Best Wishes Bob & Justine Smart & Family
$52
Shari
Enjoy your paddle. I love the river and the peace it brings me.
$312
Pam O’donnell
$52
Melanie
I shared your pain thru the head wind & then heat; may you have comfortable days ahead. Loving the scenic videos.
$52
Michael & Lindy Alderslade
Awesome work Josh.
$52
David & Dian Gogoll
Loving your updates
$52
Scott Babolka
Another incredible effort & initiative from you Westy. Loving the videos, can’t wait to see the rest of the adventure.
$104
Christopher Grear
Go Josh, safe trip and have great time. Love the video's you make. All the very best.
$20.80
Michele Williams
amazing adventure for a wonderful cause. Best of luck!!
$50
Martin Pietsch
Keep it up Westie. Making it look easy!
$52
Kiel Falkenberg
Keep paddling on!!!
$31.20
Robert A
Good luck - Keep paddling. And keep enjoying the experience.
$300
Aden And Nicola Miegel
Keep up the work legend!
$104
Darryl And Sharron Grear
Good luck Josh. Enjoy watching your posts.
$31.20
Marie
All the best Josh. I’m sure the almighty Murray river will become one of the most epic of adventures as it is close to our hearts in SA. Looking forward to many more blogs. Marie.
$135.20
Belinda
Good luck and enjoy the experience … even on tough days 👏👍
$104
Sheree
So inspired by your vision to kayak the Murray for mental health, Josh. Thanks for sharing all the beautiful scenery with us.
$104
Roger Ind
All the best Josh
$100
J And K Roesler
Keep up the fantastic work mate. We love watching your videos and enjoying the amazing Australian scenery you travel through.
$31.20
Serena, Brett And Ailbhe Grear
As always, a Stirling effort Westie! Best of luck buddy. From The London Grears xx Miss you heaps.
$20.80
Kristin Spurrier
Awesome work Josh! Have an amazing time.
$20.80
Julia Johnston
In May we will hike the last 240kms of the Heysen Trail. We have also completed a few 200km Murray River Paddling Marathons in our time. Feeling your pain….lol. Keep going!
$50
Kaelene Darling
$20.80
Shane
Great work all the best
$864
Anonymous
Cheering you on, Josh! Rejoice in every sky and bird, twist and turn. Psalm 104
$20.80
Frank Gallasch
Travel safe Joshua
$208
Charmaine Lynas
So proud of you Josh. I hope it all goes well. You are a special person to make such an incredibly arduous trek for so many others. Take care and enjoy. 🥰
$104
Scott Harris
Good luck homeboy! May the headwinds forever be in your favour 😂 My bro and I did most of Glenelg river a few years back and it was awesome. You’ll feel like Popeye when you’re done. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
$52
Ap
Don't worry, we'll hold down the fort.
$20.80
Christine Birrell
You continue to inspire us to venture Josh. Thanks for your good work.
$52
Bec Lynas
$20.80
Suzy Judd (nee Alcorn)
Well done!! What a journey ☺️
$50
Luke Stein
You’re a legend Westie
$52
Sarah
Best of luck West!!
$104
Donation from John Semmler Rotary