Forbes man Peter White has set out to travel the 1400km length of the Lachlan River on his own, in a kayak.
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He started his journey at Darbys Falls on Saturday June 16, anticipating it will take him 35 days to travel to where the Lachlan meets the Murrumbidgee. Peter is not anticipating the trek will be easy, but he’s on a mission – to prevent youth suicide by raising awareness as well as funds for seminars aimed at Central West high schools.
The seminars would be designed to create and foster discussions about mental health among high school students, he explained.
“If we can save one life, it was worth it,” Mr White said.
On the journey, he’ll be carrying just a first aid kit, dehydrated foods, sleeping bag and tent along with his camera. His kit has to be light enough to negotiate the 163 weirs along the way, or lift over fallen trees if necessary.
Peter pulled up early on Day 1 due to a bit of a set back and set up camp on the Wyangala side of Cowra.
“I ended up in the drink,” he said in a video posted on his facebook page.
He finished that leg on Sunday, arriving in Cowra around 12pm. Peter reached Gooloogong on Tuesday afternoon before travelling on to Forbes on June 22. From there he’s expecting to reach Condobolin on June 29, Hillston on July 13 or 14 and Booligal on June 22.
All the way, Mr White will be carrying a Wiradjuri Message Stick. In Aboriginal culture, Message Sticks are very symbolic and were often used to carry messages, identify the individuals carrying them and why they were travelling, he explained.
A Wiradjuri Message Stick travelled 2400km along the Murray River, carried by South Australian Kevin Cook on a similar journey in 2017.
Mr White is partnering with the Australian Horizons Foundation, who will administer all funds raised. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
For more information go to his Facebook page at 2018 Lachlan River Kayak. To support the trek, SMS the word ‘Prevention’ to 0437 371 371 and follow the directions.
If this story has raised any issues for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.