Coast to Coast 2027

10 X Challenge

Coast to Coast Begins!

In August 2027, I'll be setting out on a journey that will challenge me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Over seven days, I'll walk approximately 190 kilometres from Maroochydore to Surfers Paradise to raise funds and awareness for Australians experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.

I've called the campaign Coast to Coast.

As an Australian Army veteran, photographer, and someone who spends a lot of time walking and observing the world around me, I've become increasingly aware of the number of people doing it tough in our communities. During my lunchtime photography walks through Brisbane, I've seen firsthand how easy it is for people experiencing homelessness to become almost invisible to the rest of society.

Every person has a story.

Every person matters.

Yet many Australians face challenges that most of us can barely imagine—uncertain housing, mental health struggles, financial hardship, and the daily reality of not knowing where they'll sleep.

I know that one walk won't solve homelessness.

But I believe that every step can start a conversation, every conversation can raise awareness, and every donation can help make a difference.

That's why I've chosen to support Mission Australia and the vital work they do helping Australians access housing, support services, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Throughout the journey, I'll be sharing photographs, stories from the road, daily updates, and reflections from each stage of the walk. My hope is that supporters will feel like they're walking alongside me every step of the way.

One thought keeps coming back to me as I prepare for this challenge:

At the end of each day, I'll have the privilege of knowing where I'll sleep. Many Australians don't have that certainty. That's why I'm walking.

This is only the beginning of the journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and thank you to everyone who chooses to support Coast to Coast.

Together, we can make every step count.

Russ Tyler

Coast to Coast 2027
Every Step Matters. Every Dollar Changes a Life.

Join my mission to help end homelessness in Australia!

My name is Russ Tyler, and I am an Australian Army veteran, photographer, and someone who has become increasingly aware of the growing homelessness crisis in our communities.

In August 2027, I will be undertaking a seven-day walk from Maroochydore to Surfers Paradise. I have named the journey Coast to Coast. The walk is approximately 190 kilometres and will be completed entirely on foot.

As someone who works in Brisbane's CBD, I spend many of my lunch breaks walking the streets with my camera. Photography has become more than a hobby—it has been a way to reconnect with the world and has had a positive impact on my own wellbeing after military service.

However, during these walks, I have witnessed something that is becoming impossible to ignore. Every day I see more people sleeping rough, more people struggling to survive, and far too many living with obvious mental health challenges. It is heartbreaking to know that, for many, these struggles go unseen by those rushing past.

I know I cannot solve homelessness on my own, but I believe everyone can do something.

That is why I have chosen to undertake this walk and raise funds for Mission Australia. I want to use the journey to start conversations, raise awareness, and encourage people to support an organisation that is making a real difference to Australians experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

Throughout the walk, I plan to document the journey through photography and social media, sharing the experience in the hope of inspiring others to donate, volunteer, or simply become more aware of the challenges faced by people without a safe place to call home.

I'm raising funds to end homelessness, but I need your help. 

On any given night more than 122,000 Australians - including over 17,500 children under twelve - don't have a safe place to call home. This statistic has risen almost 14% in the past 5 years, and in a wealthy nation like ours I think this is unacceptable.

Australians desperately need our support, and so this year I'm raising money to support Mission Australia and I'd love your help.

Please sponsor me and support those at risk or experiencing homelessness.

Every bit counts, so please give what you can. Together, we stand with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves.