Waler Walk is more than just a walking group, it’s a movement dedicated to connection, healing, and support, founded by veteran Dean Franklin to encourage Australians to come together through the simple yet powerful act of walking.

“We walk to honour service, to share stories, and to remind each other that no one walks alone,” Dean said.

Born from Dean’s own experience as a veteran navigating the challenges of transition, isolation and mental health, the initiative began with a simple idea.

“Walking, talking and showing up for each other can change lives, especially for veterans, first responders and anyone doing it tough,” he said.

The movement was named in honour of the Waler horse, which originated in Harden.

“They’re known for their strength, loyalty and tenacity,” Dean explained.

“Those are the same attributes we see in Australian soldiers and frontline workers. It just felt right to link that history to what we are doing.”

Dean said Waler Walk started as something small and personal.

“I began walking my dog to help my own physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

“While I was walking, I started thinking about what I could do to help others.

"I wanted to do something meaningful that was mine, not through the RSL, something that encouraged people to keep moving and talking.”

What began as a few posts on social media has now grown into a daily livestream on TikTok.

Each day Dean walks and talks with his growing online community, using a different theme to guide conversations.

“Monday is all about mindset, Tuesday is tips and tricks for mental health, Wednesday is ‘Wear Your Colours Wednesday,’ which encourages people to wear something that connects them to their service,” Dean said.

“Thursday is for sharing memories and stories, Friday focuses on looking ahead, Saturday is about giving shout-outs to someone in the community, and Sunday is a silent walk for reflection.

"Silent Sunday is probably the hardest one for me,” he added with a laugh.

Dean has also begun travelling to different towns on weekends, visiting local war memorials and sharing the history of the area while encouraging others to join him.

“It’s about connecting veterans back to their service and their community,” he said.

While Waler Walk is about connection, it also raises awareness of the devastating rates of suicide among veterans, farmers and frontline workers.

“Since January 1997, 1,677 Australian veterans or ex-service members have taken their own lives," Dean said.

"That’s roughly one every four and a half days.

“Farmers are dying by suicide at a rate of one every nine days, and frontline workers at a rate of one every 10 weeks.

"And those are just the cases officially ruled as suicide, there are many more we don’t see in the statistics.”

Dean spoke openly about his own challenges with anxiety and depression.

“Walking helps me, and if it can help even one other person get out, move and feel supported, it’s worth every step,” he said.

The movement’s merchandise helps raise awareness as well as funds.

“On the back of our shirts it says, ‘Ask Me Why I Walk,’” Dean said.

“It’s there to start conversations.

"Everyone has their own reason for walking.

"My sons wear the shirts too, one in Darwin and one in Sydney, and people stop them to ask about it.

"Those conversations matter.”

Dean said that just being together and doing something physical can open the door for more serious conversations later.

“It’s the same reason we have RSL coffee catch-ups or art sessions in Boorowa,” he said.

“People build trust, and down the track, if someone is struggling, they know they have people they can reach out to.”

Supporters can join the movement by following Waler Walk on TikTok, buying merchandise or donating through the website.

“Ultimately, this is about reminding each other that no one has to walk alone,” Dean said.

“One step. Every day. Together.”

For more information, visit https://www.walerwalk.com/ or follow @WalerWalk on TikTok.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Australian Veterans and Families Counselling Service on 1800 011 046.