MIKE PAULY’S WALK ACROSS AUSTRALIA

FOR ARTHRITIS RESEARCH FUNDRAISING.

Freo Shed Member Mike Pauly recently completed an amazing epic journey walking from Fremantle to Melbourne.
His buggy was designed and constructed by Fred Parker at the Fremantle Men’s Community Shed.
Mike is putting his feet up in Melbourne for a few weeks and expects to be back in Freo on the 3rd December.

Here is a report from the Melton Shire Council in Victoria, who welcomed Mike as he made his way to Melbourne

From: Darren Cunningham [mailto:darrenc@melton.vic.gov.au]
Sent: Monday, 26 October 2009 2:28 PM
Subject: Melton embraces Arthritis Way Walker

Mike Pauly was a very special guest in the Shire recently as he wound his way towards the end of his momentous 3617km unaided walk from Fremantle to Melbourne. The Arthritis Way Walk aimed to raise awareness of arthritis and to raise funds for the ArthritisWA Foundation and I'm delighted to report that the Melton community got behind Mike on both fronts.
 
The reception our community provided to Mike on his visit was just outstanding and was a fitting tribute to this mighty man and his mighty effort. Staff and students from Exford, Melton South and St Anthony's Primary Schools poured out of their classrooms, lined the streets to cheer him on and to show their appreciation for visiting their community. A group of around 20 walkers joined him for the last 2k's of his walk to the Men's Shed and along the route, people eagerly came out of the local shops and business to shake his hand and pat him on the back. On arrival at the Shed he was officially welcomed to the Shire by our Mayor and other well wishers.
 
On Friday night, Mike was back at the Shed to share his many insights and experiences in front of an audience of 60-80, and I'm pleased to say we raised $772.90 for ArthritisWA.
 
After a hot cuppa on Saturday morning, Mike departed from the Men's Shed, joined by around a dozen locals who walked with him to the outskirts of town.
 
A big thanks to these fantastic supporters who helped make the visit such a roaring success:
- All who donated prizes to the raffle: Bunnings Warehouse, Melton Shire Social Club, Hearty 'n Wholesome Diner, Galli Winery and the Melton Men's Shed,
- Tabcorp Park who provided a complimentary night's accommodation for Mike,
- 979FM who did an outside broadcast from the Shed and who heavily promoted Mike's visit in the lead up to his arrival,
- Rotary Club of Melton Valley for running the sausage sizzle,
- Peter Lester and the many volunteers at the Men's Shed who worked tirelessly to host the official welcome and the Friday night talk.
 
All of us who supported him, as well as the man himself were gobsmacked at the warmth and energy of the reception, it was truly uplifting and one we can be very proud of.
 
Again, well done and thankyou to everyone involved.

Darren Cunningham
Resource and Development Officer
Access for All Abilities & Ageing Well Strategy
Melton Shire Council
03 9747 7332
0416 115 409