Media Diary Alert Olympic Legend Cate Campbell to take on Coastrek in support of Beyond Blue | Friday July 17 Sunshine Coast

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MEDIA DIARY ALERT: COASTREK, SUNSHINE COAST, FRIDAY 17 JULY

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SUNSHINE COAST - On Friday 17 July, thousands of hikers will take to the Sunshine Coast coastline for Coastrek, Australia’s iconic team hiking and fundraising challenge. This year’s event features a star-studded addition, with retired Australian Olympic swimming champion Cate Campbell leading the charge to raise vital funds for Beyond Blue’s 24/7 Support Service at a time when demand has increased by 12% over the past 12 months.

Having recently relocated to the region, Campbell is treating Coastrek as the perfect opportunity to get out and experience the spectacular Sunshine Coast coastline. She will be walking alongside her closest girlfriends in a team aptly named "Little and Large."

For Campbell, the trek is deeply personal. Having been open about her own mental health journey after being diagnosed with depression in 2020, she is walking to raise both funds and crucial awareness for mental health support.

"One in four people will be affected by mental health issues this year," Campbell said. "Even if you don't experience it yourself, someone you know, love, or work with has it or will.

"Too many people still don't talk about mental health because of the stigma and shame that can surround it. That's why events like Coastrek are so important. We can come together, get moving, have meaningful conversations and raise money to ensure support is there for the people who need it."

Also taking part is Brisbane Coastrek Community Ambassador Peta O’Brien, who will complete her ninth Coastrek event, walking in honour of her sister and in support of others navigating grief and mental health challenges.

Peta turned to walking after the devastating sudden loss of her sister, describing Coastrek as a key part of her healing journey. During that time, she also reached out to Beyond Blue’s Support Service for help navigating grief.

“I started walking to clear my head and it quickly became a healing routine,” Peta said. “Reaching out to Beyond Blue genuinely helped me see a way forward. The training is physical, but it’s also deeply therapeutic for my mental health.

WHAT:                Coastrek - Australia's iconic team hiking and fundraising challenge, raising vital funds for                                     Beyond Blue while encouraging Australians to improve their mental wellbeing through                                         hiking in nature.

WHEN:                Friday 17 July 2026

WHERE:              Sunshine Coast from Noosa to Mooloolaba

START POINTS:

• 50km - Noosa - 6:00am
• 30km - Peregian Beach - 7:00am
• 20km - Marcoola - 11:30am

FINISH LINE:      All routes finish at Pirate Ship Park, Mooloolaba, for a celebratory finish line experience.

EDITOR’S NOTES

• Contacts to Beyond Blue's 24/7 Support Service have increased by 12% over the past year.
• Beyond Blue now supports more than 800 Australians every day, with someone reaching out every two minutes.
• Nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime.
• Beyond Blue's Mental Health and Wellbeing Check found 77% of Australians use exercise and 72% use time in nature to support their wellbeing.

PHOTO & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

• Cate Campbell - Australian Olympic swimming champion walking Coastrek Sunshine Coast with her team Little and Large.
• Peta O'Brien - Ninth-time Coastrek participant sharing her personal journey through grief and mental health.
• Georgie Harman AO - Beyond Blue CEO discussing the growing demand for mental health support.
• Di Westaway OAM - Coastrek Founder discussing the connection between nature, movement and mental wellbeing.
• Vision: Thousands of hikers departing from Noosa, Peregian Beach and Marcoola, spectacular coastal scenery, team camaraderie, emotional finish line celebrations and Cate Campbell walking with friends.

Media Contact:
Marlene Richardson, GasbagPR E: [email protected], M: 0409 888 218

Call To Action:

What: Coastrek on the Sunshine Coast
When: Friday 17 July Distances: 20km, 30km, 50km

To support and donate to Beyond Blue visit Donate Coastrek

For all national Coastrek event dates, visit https://www.coastrek.com.au/events

Beyond Blue is dedicated to offering immediate, quality mental health support via phone

1300 22 46 36, email and webchat: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.