Walking With Purpose: Aussies On A Mission To Make A Difference

There’s something incredibly powerful about setting out on a journey not just for fame or adventure, but for something greater; for a cause that truly matters.

Three Australians — Matthew Hutchinson, Alexander “Zan” Campbell, and Mark Gresser — are currently doing exactly that. Each step they take is driven by compassion, courage, and a commitment to help others. Their journeys are long; measured in thousands of kilometres, months of solitude, and moments of grit, but they are steadfast in their goal to make the world a better place.

Matthew Hutchinson: 5.5 Million Steps for Education

Matthew is currently hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a 4,250 km route stretching from Mexico to Canada, weaving through mountains, deserts, forests, and snowfields. But this isn’t just a personal challenge; Matthew is walking to raise money for educational scholarships for disadvantaged children, believing in the power of learning to change lives.

It’s hard to grasp the scale of this hike; over 5.5 million steps, roughly 250 km of elevation gain, and months on foot in all kinds of conditions. He’s pushing through physical strain, unpredictable terrain, and the mental toll of long-term solo travel, all to give others a shot at education and opportunity.

“I wanted to do something that not only challenged me but also gave back in a meaningful way,” Matthew shared before setting out.

You can follow Matthew’s journey and support his cause here: Donate to Matthew’s Big Hike

Alexander ‘Zan’ Campbell: Around the World on Foot for Sight

Zan began his 40,000 km walk around the world in February 2023, starting in Sydney and is now more than 900 days into the journey. His goal? To fundraise for the Fred Hollows Foundation, which restores sight to people with avoidable blindness worldwide. Walking through countries, continents, and time zones, Zan has encountered every kind of landscape: jungles, deserts, cities, and coastlines, yet he’s also meeting people, hearing stories, and staying true to why he started.

“Restoring someone’s sight can change not just their life, but their whole community,” Zan explains. “I walk for them.”

It’s an incredible commitment—four years of walking solo around the world. And he’s doing it with unwavering purpose. He is currently trekking through Azerbaijan. You can follow his journey across the globe, the people he meets, the conditions he overcomes, and the places he sleeps on Instagram @alexander_campbell, like I am, getting a whole lot of inspiration (and a bit of travel envy). If you are inclined, you can show your support by making a donation at World Walk Expedition

Mark Gresser: Trekking Coast to Coast for Youth Mental Health

Mark Gresser, a zoologist, has embarked on an extraordinary journey of his own — walking from Australia’s westernmost point to its easternmost point to raise awareness of youth mental health. You can follow his journey on Instagram at @trek4youthmentalhealth.

Mark’s trek isn’t just about covering distance; it’s about sparking conversations. Through scorching heat, long stretches of isolation, and the physical toll of walking a continent, he carries with him a simple but powerful message: that mental health matters, and that young people deserve to be heard and supported.

“Let’s walk together in conversation, in support, in awareness,” he writes. His journey is a reminder that while the road may be long, no one needs to walk it alone.

Matthew, Zan, and Mark remind us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when driven by purpose. Their journeys aren’t about the spotlight or records — they’re about quietly and consistently showing up for others.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, it’s reassuring to see individuals carving paths of generosity, resilience, and hope; one step at a time.

Do you need something to work towards, or does a hike (on a smaller scale) sound like something you have been searching for? Join The Bloody Long Walk or form a team for an event like Coastrek. But it doesn’t just have to be walking; you can challenge yourself in all sorts of ways while raising money for charity - skip, doing push-ups, swim laps….

I hope these men’s courage, determination, and grit inspire and spark something in you this week; whatever that might be!