Few people embody community spirit quite like Marg Symes. Over the past five years, Marg has transformed a simple idea into an extraordinary contribution to the wellbeing of people living across Far West New South Wales. Through her Walking for Wellness fundraising treks, she has walked more than 1,230 kilometres and raised more than $115,000 in support of Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section (RFDSSE) mental health and wellbeing services.
Her most recent walk saw her travel 330 kilometres from Tibooburra to Broken Hill over 14 days, once again bringing together communities, supporters, local businesses and volunteers in support of an important cause.
While the distances are impressive, those who know Marg will tell you her impact reaches far beyond the kilometres.
Through her involvement with the Broken Hill Women's Auxiliary and her dedication to community outreach, Marg has spent years connecting with people across the Far West, building relationships and championing the importance of accessible healthcare and mental wellbeing services for regional and remote communities.
Each Walking for Wellness journey has been an opportunity to start conversations, raise awareness and shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by people living far from major centres.
This year's walk was no exception.
Setting out on 23 August, Marg was joined by Lesley Harvey, Child, Adolescent and Family Clinical Lead at The Wellbeing Place. Supporting them behind the scenes was Marg's husband Ross Symes, a former RFDS Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with more than 15 years of service, who drove the support vehicle and helped keep the journey running smoothly.
Along the way, the group was welcomed by community members who offered meals, accommodation, encouragement and friendship. These connections have become a hallmark of Walking for Wellness and reflect the generosity that exists throughout rural and remote Australia.
"Walking these distances is Marg's way of helping people stop and take notice," Lesley said.
"When you walk alongside her or support her from the bus, it's different. You hear her passion."
The funds raised through Walking for Wellness support vital services delivered by RFDSSE, including mental health, wellbeing and alcohol and other drug programs for people living in Broken Hill and surrounding Far West communities.
For Lesley, the community support generated by Marg's walks is just as meaningful as the fundraising itself.
"Our remote communities are lifelines for the people who day in and day out give and give," she said.
After arriving back in Broken Hill on 5 September, Marg, Lesley and Ross were greeted by family, friends and supporters at a Welcome Back Breakfast, complete with streamers, balloons and plenty of cheers. Local artist Robyn Taylor also presented the trio with a hand-painted diary filled with messages of support gathered throughout the journey.
The celebrations continued later in September, when more than 30 people gathered at the Demo Club for a community fundraising auction. Generously donated artworks and memorabilia helped add to the impressive fundraising total, demonstrating once again the support Marg has inspired throughout the region.
Walking for Wellness has always been about more than fundraising. It has been about bringing people together, creating conversations around mental health and reminding communities that support is available when it is needed most.
On behalf of everyone at RFDSSE, thank you, Marg, for every kilometre walked, every conversation started and every dollar raised.
Your commitment, generosity and passion have made a lasting difference to the people and communities of the Far West.
