'Nature Saved Me': South Australian mum tackles 50km Coastrek after eight surgeries to give back to Beyond Blue

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Coastrek in Fleurieu Peninsula – Registrations Close 26 July

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South Australian mum Georgie Millison says time in nature has played a life-saving role in managing her chronic depression, and now she’s preparing to take on Coastrek Fleurieu Peninsula’s new 50km challenge to give back to Beyond Blue.

Living with depression since the age of 14, Georgie found early relief in walking, climbing trees and spending time outdoors - habits that later became key coping strategies in her mental health journey.

Now, after one of the most challenging years of her life, she is training for the 50km trek across South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula - a challenge she says she thought would be impossible.

Over the past 12 months, Georgie has undergone eight surgeries, including a bowel resection, and now lives with an ileostomy following a diagnosis of Mesenteric Fibrosis.

“People look at Coastrek and think, “I could never do that”. Twelve months ago, I probably would have agreed,” Georgie said.

“After eight surgeries and losing much of my small intestine, my body has changed forever. Training won’t be easy, but that’s exactly why I’m doing it. I want people to know you don’t have to be an athlete - you just have to start.”

A qualified personal trainer, mother of two children with additional needs, and Beyond Blue lived experience volunteer speaker, Georgie says returning to the outdoors has been central to her recovery.

“Nature has become one of my greatest coping strategies for depression,” she said.

“Walking through the bush, breathing fresh air and slowing down recentres me. Coastrek brings together everything that has helped me stay mentally well. If sharing my story helps even one person seek support or believe they are capable of more than they think, it will be worth every kilometre.”

She will be walking alongside long-time Coastrek ambassador and close friend Millie Walker, who has completed every Fleurieu Peninsula Coastrek since its launch in 2018.

A four-time Ironman finisher and six-time ultramarathon competitor, Millie says Coastrek is designed for everyday Australians, not elite athletes.

“People often assume Coastrek is only for elite athletes because of my background, but it’s actually the complete opposite,” Millie said.

“Coastrek is about everyday women discovering just how strong they really are. Watching Georgie prepare after everything she’s been through has been incredibly inspiring.

“If Georgie can stand on that start line, it shows others what’s possible. It’s not about speed - it’s about realising you’re stronger than you think.”

Demand for mental health support continues to rise across Australia, with Beyond Blue’s free 24/7 Support Service receiving more than 800 contacts a day - approximately one every two minutes.

For Georgie, those numbers are a reminder of why sharing stories and seeking help early matters.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO said participants like Georgie and Millie help reduce stigma and encourage connection.

“No one should carry their pressures alone,” Ms Harman said. “Having someone to talk to early helps people feel heard, supported and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.  We’re grateful to Coastrek and everyone who takes part. Funds raised with each step help ensure support is there when people need it most.”

Coastrek Founder Di Westaway OAM said Georgie and Millie embody the spirit of the event.

“Coastrek is not about being the fastest or fittest - it’s about saying yes to yourself, reconnecting with nature, and discovering what’s possible when women support each other,” Ms Westaway said.

“The introduction of our first 50km Fleurieu Peninsula challenge allows even more people to experience one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal walks while raising vital funds for Beyond Blue.”

 Beyond Blue’s 2024 Mental Health and Wellbeing Check, which surveyed 5,000 Australians,found 77 per cent of Australians use exercise and 72 per cent use time in nature to support their mental wellbeing, reinforcing the value of initiatives like Coastrek.

Taking place on Friday 4 September, Coastrek Fleurieu Peninsula offers three hiking distances - 20km, 30km and the new 50km challenge - starting at Parsons Beach or Victor Harbor and finishing in Goolwa along sections of the iconic Heysen Trail.

EVENT DETAILS:

• What: Coastrek, Fleurieu Peninsula
• When: Friday 4 September 2026
• Distances: 20km, 30km, 50km
• To Donate: To support Coastrek and make a donation to Beyond Blue visit www.coastrek.com.au/donate
• 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.

• For all national Coastrek event dates or to register for Coastrek, Fleurieu Peninsula visit www.coastrek.com.au/events | Registration closes 26 July.
  
  

For more information, contact:

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

About Coastrek

Coastrek is Australia’s iconic team hiking and fundraising challenge. Since Coastrek’s first event in 2009 over 90,000 people have trained and completed a Coastrek challenge and raised over $58 million for respected Australian charities including the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Heart Foundation and Beyond Blue. Visit www.coastrek.com.au. Coastrek was founded by Wild Women on Top, with the goal of championing women in the outdoors. Built around women’s wellbeing, connection and empowerment, Coastrek now welcomes everyone - men and women - to join the journey alongside friends, partners, families and colleagues.  Today participants from all walks of life enjoy the exhilaration of a Coastrek Event Day, and the camaraderie of taking part together.

About Beyond Blue  

Beyond Blue provides mental health information, support and advice to help everyone feel better earlier and stay well. Last year more than 300,000 people contacted Beyond Blue’s free, confidential, 24/7 Support Service. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support