Islington Public School had the incredible honour of joining local Worimi man Bailey Myers on the final 10 kilometres of his remarkable 6,000-kilometre journey from Perth to Newcastle. Bailey, a 22-year-old, walked across Australia, raising funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). His journey, which began on 3 March, was a six-month trek that saw him navigate the vast distances with a hand cart decorated with the handprints of Indigenous students from his former high school, Callaghan College Waratah Campus.
In the lead-up to his arrival, our students eagerly prepared by making posters and even creating their own cheer squad. The excitement was palpable, and when Bailey rounded the corner of Chin Chin and Hubbard Street, our students erupted with cheers. Bailey graciously engaged with them, answering questions and welcoming our Aboriginal students from Years 3–6 to join him for the final stretch of his journey. They pushed his cart, kicked a ball as they walked, and shared in the experience of his incredible accomplishment.
We then joined Bailey and his family for a performance and lunch at the beach, where our students were deeply inspired by his story. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bailey and his team for their generosity in making this unforgettable experience possible for our students. His journey has left a lasting impression, and we are in awe of his determination and success.