For 16 years, hiking the Larapinta Trail had been Julie’s dream.

Stretching approximately 240 kilometres through the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs, the Larapinta Trail is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most challenging long-distance walks. Completing it would demand resilience, determination and an unwavering mindset.

This year, Julie achieved that dream.

But she didn’t do it just for herself.

She chose to dedicate every step to raising funds for Rosies – Friends on the Street, helping support people experiencing homelessness, hardship and social isolation across Queensland.

For 14 days and 13 nights, Julie and her group lived out of swags and tents, packing up camp each morning before spending between eight and 12 hours on the trail. The terrain was relentless—rocky ridgelines, steep mountain climbs, dry riverbeds, creek crossings, rock scrambling and deep sand tested both body and mind every single day.

“There were definitely moments where my body was pushed to its absolute limits,” Julie said.

She battled blisters, bruised toenails, swollen feet and extreme fatigue. After falling in a creek bed and injuring her knee, she still had another 10 hours of hiking ahead of her.

One of her toughest moments came on day three, when the swelling and pain in her feet became so severe she had to return to Alice Springs to buy a larger pair of hiking boots.

“I wasn’t sure if I could go on.”

It was the encouragement of her family—her son Shannon, daughter Kirsty and daughter-in-law Amanda—that helped her find the determination to continue.

Armed with new boots, blister tape, numbing cream and renewed resolve, Julie returned to the trail.

Along the way, she found another source of motivation: sharing the story of Rosies.

Fellow hikers regularly asked about the fundraiser and the work Rosies does to provide friendship, connection and practical support to people doing it tough. One couple, after losing their phone on the trail, even made a cash donation instead.

Every conversation reinforced why she had taken on the challenge.

“I’m incredibly proud to say I’ve raised just over $3,500 for Rosies.”

Every dollar raised will help Rosies continue supporting vulnerable people through outreach services across Queensland.

The hike concluded with one final challenge—an early morning departure at 2.15am to climb Mt Sonder in the dark, reaching the summit in time to watch the sunrise.

“It was extremely emotional,” Julie said.

“It wasn’t just the end of a hike. It was the completion of a 16-year dream, a personal victory, and a reminder that with perseverance, purpose and heart, amazing things are possible.”

Julie says the experience taught her resilience, gratitude and the importance of backing yourself, even when the finish line feels impossibly far away.

Most importantly, she hopes her journey encourages others to pursue the dreams that matter to them—and, where they can, to use those dreams to make a difference for others.

Everyone at Rosies is incredibly grateful to Julie for choosing us as part of her remarkable journey.

To everyone who donated, supported and encouraged her along the way—thank you.

Together, you’ve helped ensure every step counted.