COFFS Harbour local Andy Stewart is attempting to join a group of just eight people officially known to have walked unaccompanied and unsupported around mainland Australia.
Setting off in just a few days, Andy’s journey isn’t motivated by fame – and certainly not fortune.
He’s walking to shine a light on the harm caused by gambling addiction, a struggle that has dominated his life for over 40 years.
Although he’ll be travelling solo, he won’t be completely alone.
His loyal dog Scrubby will be by his side, and together they are WAG – “Walk Against Gambling”.
Andy moved to Coffs Harbour four years ago for what he hoped would be another “fresh start”, believing the natural beauty and new surroundings might help him leave gambling behind.
But, like everywhere else, the temptations were still there – both online and in local venues.
Indeed, like the rest of Australia, Coffs Harbour is experiencing extremely high gambling harm rates.
A recent NSW Liquor & Gaming report revealed that in one recent three-month period, clubs and hotels in Coffs Harbour pulled in $18.5 million in net poker machine profits.
“Every time I’ve moved, I’ve always thought I could leave it behind,” Andy said.
“But I’ve come to realise that no matter how far you travel, you’re always the same distance from the gutter.”
Last year, on his 59th birthday, he decided it was time for real change.
“Enough is enough,” he told himself.
He then made the bold decision to spend his 60th birthday launching a walk that will take nearly two years, covering all mainland states and the Northern Territory via routes like National Highway 1, pulling his essentials behind him in a small trailer.
Andy’s been free from gambling since making that decision a year ago and has praise for the local support available through organisations such as GambleAware, Gambler’s Anonymous, and the Neighbourhood Centre Gambling Harm Program.
He’s using the walk to raise funds for Lifeline North Coast and to start meaningful conversations along the way with people who are struggling, or who have loved ones caught in addiction.
He’s not setting out to lobby politicians, though he believes Australia urgently needs gambling law reform, with Australia holding the unfortunate global record for the highest gambling losses per capita.
“If I can do this, maybe someone else can make a change in their own life, no matter how small,” he said.
His message is simple: “If nothing changes, nothing changes.”
“Even one small change can help you get your life back,” Andy said.
Locals are invited to help celebrate Andy’s 60th birthday and send him off in style at the Jetty Foreshore on Saturday, 9 August at 8am, with a community BBQ and farewell gathering.
By Leigh WATSON
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
