WATCH: Walkers gather in Warrnambool for veteran and first responder mental health awareness

At Lake Pertobe on Saturday, dozens of people were walking with weighted packs, all taking part in the annual event known as Walking Off the War Within.

The event honours the legacy of former soldier and firefighter Nathan Shanahan, who completed a 400 kilometre walk from Mildura to Adelaide to raise awareness of PTSD in 2015. 

A year later, Nathan died by suicide - and his family created this event to keep his conversation going.

Organiser Adam Kent, a veteran himself, told the Brolga around 250 to 300 people turned up throughout the day to support the walkers. 

About 30 people took on the challenge on Saturday, which was down on previous years. Roughly half finished the 20-kilometre route, done in four laps around Lake Pertobe, wearing weighted backpacks. 

Typically, walkers will fill packs with weight disks, some wear weight vests, or if they’ve served in the defence force, they may bring their full kit in their Army bags.

Kent said the challenge is 20km, but participants are encouraged to walk as much or as little as they can, with however much they can carry in weight.

The 20km walk takes roughly 2-3 hours around the lake circuit.

There was live music, face painting, wildlife displays and free food put on by community groups, all funded through sponsorships.

Kent says support like this matters, because for many veterans and first responders living in western Victoria, reconnecting with the community can be one of the hardest steps after leaving service. 

He told the Brolga events like Walking Off the War Within create space for honest conversations about mental health, especially PTSD and suicide, in a setting that feels positive, welcoming and safe.

Watch the full video below.