1,796 people signed up. $581,394 raised (and still counting). 571,962.5 kilometres tracked.
This October, something powerful happened.
Across the country, people put on a 10kg vest, walked 50km, and joined a growing movement to say: we see you, we hear you, and we’re here for you.
We walked for our mates. Our sons. Our fathers. Our uncles and brothers. We walked for the boys we work with in schools and communities. For the boys we coach and mentor. For the boys we want a brighter future for.
We walked to start conversations. We walked so that young men don’t have to carry the weight of mental health alone.
Every step told a story
Midcoast Trucks
At Midcoast Trucks, mental health isn’t just a conversation — it’s a commitment. With 25 young men under the age of 25 on their team, they know firsthand how important it is to look after the next generation. When Terry, Luke and Tony heard about Lift the Load, they didn’t hesitate. They laced up, put on the vest — and picked up the phone.
Calling on their industry partners, suppliers, and mates in business, they rallied hard. What started as a team effort turned into an industry calling — raising over $100,000.
“From the moment we learned about the Lift the Load and the Top Blokes mission to support young men’s mental health, we knew it was something we had to be part of. In our industry, these issues are very real — we employ 25 young men between the ages of 15 and 24 — so it struck close to home. We’re incredibly proud to have raised a record amount this year and to contribute personally as a team.” – Tony Smith
The Fitzgeralds
After losing a number of close friends to suicide, the Fitzgeralds turned grief into action. Their team grew to 20 this year — including one of our youngest lifters, Robbie, walking proudly alongside his dad. Every step was for someone they love. Every dollar raised helps young men get support to lead healthy and safe lives for themselves, their families and their communities.
“We know too many blokes doing it tough. This is our way of showing up.” – Allan Fitzgerald
Matt at Packapparel
Matt lost his best mate in 2009. One conversation might have changed the outcome — and that’s why he chose to Lift the Load. The 10kg vest was his way of making the invisible visible. It’s a symbol of the pressure men carry silently every day.
“There’s a big stigma around men just cracking on, but it’s not weak to speak… That one conversation could save a life.”
Lucy – Top Blokes Youth Worker
As a Top Blokes Youth Worker, Lucy sees the need for safe, open spaces for boys to talk. After losing a friend to suicide as a teenager, she now channels that pain into purpose — helping boys feel safe, supported, and heard.
“Sometimes I see my friend in the boys I work with. I’m grateful I can start a conversation that continues with their mates.”
Dan – NSW State Manager, Top Blokes
Dan, Top Blokes’ NSW State Manager, wore the vest as a daily reminder that everyone is carrying something. For him, it’s about leading with vulnerability — for his wife, his daughters, his mates, and the young men he mentors.
“When you put the vest on, you’re saying: I see you, I’m here for you, I support you.”
Shannon
Shannon chose Lift the Load as her fundraiser this year to honour the men in her life who’ve struggled — her father, husband, son, and uncles. As someone with lived experience, she knows how hard it is to ask for help, especially for men.
“Not everyone has someone they feel comfortable opening up to. That’s sad — everyone deserves support.”
Rhys
A dad, a teacher, and a bloke just having a go — Rhys took on the challenge to show his students and his community what real strength looks like.
“Too many suffer in silence… That’s gotta change. Let’s break the stigma and back each other.”
What you made possible
Because of this community, more young men across Australia will access early intervention mental health programs. They’ll learn how to speak up. They’ll feel safe to share what’s on their mind. They’ll know they’re not alone.
Your steps have started thousands of conversations. Your fundraising will create ripples in families, schools, footy clubs, and worksites for years to come.
From all of us at Top Blokes – thank you
Whether you walked, donated, or simply shared the message, your support matters. Thank you to VETO Sports, who supported our campaign this year. Shout out as well to our Ambassadors Dr Justin Coulson, Harry Garside and Kieran Foran who all supported our campaign.
Together, we lifted the load. And together, we’re helping young men lead healthier, stronger, more connected lives.
