As Lachlan Stuart prepares for his biggest challenge yet, the people who’ve been part of his journey are coming together to help him give young men something he wishes he’d had growing up.
Growing up, Lachlan Stuart didn’t always believe he was capable of great things.
Like a lot of young men, he struggled to figure out who he was and where he fitted in. He followed the crowd, tried to be like everyone else and didn’t have the guidance to help him work out what he stood for.
Now a dad himself, Lachie wants something different for his young son and for boys growing up across Australia.
He wants them to have people in their corner. Someone to listen, help them build confidence and encourage them to discover what they’re capable of.
It’s a big part of why he’s taking on The Long Road Home, an extraordinary 4,400km run from Cottesloe Beach in Western Australia to Brisbane in March 2027, with the goal of raising $500,000 for Top Blokes Foundation.
And before he’s even hit the road, he’s already making an impact.
A room full of people who believe in him
Lachie’s recent Long Lunch in Brisbane brought together an incredible community of people who have been part of his journey.
Old schoolmates. Workmates. People he’d met through running and endurance challenges. And people whose lives he’s helped shape through his own mentoring work.
The afternoon was full of laughter, encouragement and generosity. From raffle tickets to a lively auction led by Haesley Cush, CEO and co-partner of Ray White Collective in Brisbane, everyone wanted to play their part.
Australian band Sheppard even delivered a special live performance, bringing extra energy to the auction.
But among the highlights were the conversations about why supporting young men early matters.
Real change happens when someone keeps showing up
Top Blokes mentors and youth workers, Reece and Dayne shared with guests what long-term mentoring can mean for the boys and young men they work with.
Reece told the story of a young participant who had struggled with confidence and listening to others.
Over two school terms, something began to shift.
Through regular mentoring sessions, the boy gradually grew in confidence, became a better listener and started making positive changes in his life.
By the end of the program, he’d been recognised as the group’s Top Bloke. His progress continued beyond the sessions, with improvements in his schoolwork and how he approached everyday challenges.
It wasn’t one big conversation that made the difference. It was the trust built over time. The chance to speak openly, learn new skills and have someone consistently in his corner.
Our qualified youth workers show up week after week, creating spaces where boys and young men can be themselves, navigate challenges and build the confidence to lead their own lives.
And it’s exactly the kind of support Lachie wishes he’d had growing up.
$20,000 raised. 27 young men supported.
By the end of the afternoon, the community had raised an incredible $20,000 for Top Blokes Foundation.
That’s the equivalent of funding mentoring for approximately 27 boys and young men.
27 young people with the opportunity to build confidence, better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships and develop skills they can carry into the future.
Lachie’s ultimate goal is to raise $500,000 to support 666 young men through Top Blokes programs.
In just a few hours, his community helped him take a significant first step toward that goal.
The Long Road Home is just beginning
In March 2027, Lachie will set off from Cottesloe Beach and begin the long journey home to Brisbane.
Along the way, he’ll bring communities together, share stories, and start conversations about young men’s mental health.
It’s an enormous physical challenge, and Lachie’s got a long road ahead of him. And with a whole community behind him, he’s already helping more young men find their way.
Help Lachie reach his $500,000 goal and support 666 young men through Top Blokes mentoring.
