11/5/26 2,400km Paddle Up the Murray Makes Stopover at Mildura

11 May 2026

11/5/26

Mildura Life Saving Club and local emergency services agencies will welcome Tony Pearce when he comes ashore at Apex Beach on May 14, as part of a 2,400km paddle along the Murray River. 

The visit is part of “Tony’s Trek”, in which Mr. Pearce is kayaking solo from Bringenbrong, NSW to Goolwa, South Australia. The expedition will take roughly eight weeks to complete, running from mid-April to early June. 

Mr. Pearce is undertaking this epic journey to raise funds and awareness to support the mental health and wellbeing of emergency service workers. 

All funds raised from the trek will go to the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF), a not-for-profit organisation that works to improve mental health outcomes for employees and volunteers in Victoria’s emergency services sector.

Mr. Pearce, a former Chair of ESF, said he was proud to support the foundation, and those who sought its services. 

“Our emergency service workers give so much to our community, putting themselves on the line to keep the public safe,” Mr. Pearce said.

“This can have huge impacts on workers and their families, so it’s vital that we step up to support them where we can.” 

LSV CEO Cath Greaves, who is also Deputy Chair of ESF, commended the efforts of Mildura LSC, local emergency services and the public to get behind the fundraiser.

“Mildura Life Saving Club volunteers provide an outstanding service to the local community, and I’m immensely proud to see them stepping up on the important issue of mental health,” Ms. Greaves said.

This is the fourth “Tony’s Trek” that Mr. Pearce has undertaken to support ESF and its programs. To make a donation, go to: givenow.com.au/tonystrek2025.

Mr. Pearce’s visit will be in the lead up to Mallee Community Wellbeing Week, which will run in Mildura from May 17-22. A range of events will run during the week to support and promote the importance of community mental health.

*Tony will paddle into Apex Beach under escort from Mildura Life Saving Club inflatable rescue boats at 11am on Thursday, May 14. Media are welcome to get footage and interviews. The timing of this event is unlikely to change, but please contact media@lsv.com.au should you wish to attend so we can keep you updated on an

For further information contact the LSV Media team: media@lsv.com.au / 03 9676 6970.