Steve Roberts is heading to Bourke as part of an extraordinary 4,200-kilometre walk across Australia, hoping to start important conversations about men’s health and what life can look like after 40.
Steve left Brewarrina on Thursday morning, bound for Bourke, after spending several days meeting locals along the way.
Photographer Naya Jeffries, who captured Steve during his visit to Brewarrina, encouraged people to give him a wave if they spot him on the road.
His journey, appropriately named The World’s Longest 50th, is about much more than covering kilometres.
Steve’s father died at just 50 years of age. Having turned 50 himself this year, Steve will reach a significant personal milestone on November 1, when he will have lived exactly the same number of days as his father. The following day will mark the beginning of a chapter his dad never had the chance to experience.
It’s a deeply personal motivation behind a journey designed to encourage Australian men to take their physical and mental health seriously, particularly as they grow older.
Bourke holds special significance for Steve, who grew up in the town. It’s one of several places that helped shape his life and which he plans to revisit during his journey across the country.
Having set out from Cape Byron on September 14, Steve is attempting to walk all the way to Perth, covering approximately 4,200 kilometres over more than 140 days. His planned route takes him through Bourke, Broken Hill and across the Nullarbor.
The expedition is also an opportunity for communities along the way to get involved, whether by offering encouragement, walking alongside Steve for part of the journey or helping with the costs of the expedition.
To follow his progress or support the journey, visit The World’s Longest 50th official website