by Yvette Peverrell
A dedicated group of South Australian police officers will once again hit the trail for a cause close to their hearts, as team ‘Barossa Blues’ returns for their seventh Coastrek challenge on the Fleurieu Peninsula, in support of Beyond Blue.
The officers from the Barossa Local Service Area will field two teams in the 2025 event, taking on the 20km and 35km hike along South Australia’s stunning southern coastline. For the Barossa Blues, Coastrek is about more than just the physical challenge - it’s about raising awareness and funds for mental health support.
“Mental health is a cause very close to our hearts,” said team member Vicky McNally.
“Working in emergency services, we’re regularly exposed to the impacts of mental health challenges in the community. But Coastrek also supports our own wellbeing - training together, staying active, and coming together on event day is incredibly rewarding. It’s a great event, and it feels good to know we’re giving back to such a worthwhile cause.”
Over the past seven years, the team has raised more than $20,000, with their ever-popular bacon and egg roll stall at the Barossa Farmers Market becoming a local fundraising tradition.
Funds raised will help ensure the Beyond Blue 24/7 Support Service will continue to provide free advice and support to Australians wherever and whenever they need it. The Service receives more than 750 contacts every day – that’s over 275,000 life-changing conversations each year.
Keen to get your workplace team signed up for Coastrek? Here’s how to get involved: https://www.coastrek.com.au/get-involved/workplaces
