FREMANTLE MAN WALKS 15,600 KM AROUND AUSTRALIA

 

The Fremantle community welcomed back 75 year-old Michael Pauly at Kings Square today where he finished his epic 15,600 kilometre, 26 months long Oz Soul Walk around Australia.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt, Federal MP Josh Wilson, State MLC Simone McGurk and Councillor Jon Strachan were all there, as were many from the Freo Men’s Shed.

The walk was aimed at raising funds for men’s mental health and arthritis and was supported by Men’s Sheds around Australia as well as Fremantle Transition Towns.

Mike has arthritis so the walk put immense strain on his knees and joints. He estimates he lost over 30 kilos of weight on his journey where he endured storms, lightning, intense heat, a leaking tent, and a trolley that broke down several times.

It is not the first time Mike walked a long distance as he crossed Australia on foot in 2009 and again in 2011.

It is an incredible achievement by Michael Pauly that deserves proper recognition by the City of Fremantle.

Roel Loopers