Coo-ee - A March with Merit

Pieter Lindhout describes his heritage as “proudly steeped in the area of service.”

Going back to the early part of the 20th century, Pieter had three great uncles serving in World War I. “This led to my interest in Australian history (particularly military) where I learned about an amazing story called the Coo-ee March,” said Pieter.

As the story goes, in October 1915, about a year into World War I. A group of locals in Gilgandra were very keen to enlist. So, they decided to all walk together from Gilgandra, they left on October 15 and over 33 days, they walked 520 kms.

They arrived in Orange and were 120 men strong by that time, they even enlisted another 20 from Orange, the men finished their trek in Martin Place with 263 volunteers.

Inspired by the story of the Coo-ee March and in honour of raising funds and awareness for something that is also close to him, Pieter decided to walk the original 520km Coo-ee March route solo, departing Gilgandra in mid-March and aims to arrive in Martin Place for the Dawn Service on April 25.

“My walk is about commemorating this patriotic and noble call to arms and is a tribute to the men who answered the call of “Coo-ee! Come and join us,” and fell into line in the towns and villages along the route of the 320 miles (520 km) march, that left Gilgandra with 25 men and arrived in Martin Place, Sydney with 263 recruits.

It was day 10 when I spoke with Pieter. “Coming from Wellington to Orange was the tricky bit, it’s 100kms via Stuart Town, Mumbil, Euchareena and Mullion Creek, and there’s nowhere to stay.” Mullion Creek Public School showed Pieter some real country hospitality, offering their library as a space for him to sleep overnight.

“The quid pro quo was the next morning I had half an hour with the kids. I talked to them about the Coo-ee March and what happened and how the volunteers came through their town, and we had questions.. it was a bit of a treat,” said Pieter.

“The kindness of strangers has been amazing, people stop me as I’m walking to ask if they can help me, giving me directions, even banana bread, people are awesome!” Peter exclaimed.

As stated before, this march is for more than just ‘the March’. Along the way Pieter is raising awareness and funding for mental health issues in our youth. 

“A couple of years ago I wrote a book ‘Love in the Valley of Death’ set around World War I and featured the amazing sacrifices of my great uncles, Jack and Will Jensen and Sydney Campbell who fought at Gallipoli and the Western front and returned home with debilitating Post Traumatic Stress syndrome,” said Pieter.

“This was a crippling, misunderstood and largely unrecognised condition which defined their post war lives. What has been heartening over the last 100 years is how awareness of this and many other mental health conditions has leapt forward.  There as so many great agencies and not-for-profits who are leading the charge here. 

“So, for my walk I’m asking supporters to consider helping a cause that's close to my heart. Its Batyr, a for-purpose, preventative mental health organisation, created and driven by young people, for young people. They operate in schools and universities throughout regional and urban NSW.

“What I did not know was that of every 30 students in Australia, seven will be dealing with a mental health issue, yet only two will reach out for support, leaving five suffering in silence. Sadly, most young people dealing with mental health issues do not reach out for help, largely due to stigma.” 

If you are able to support, your donation will go a long way to help Batyr reach more young Australians through their engaging programs where at-risk youth participate in workshops with relatable peers who have walked in their shoes and have the empathy to connect and the stories to provide hope for those who are vulnerable and at risk.

“Any way that I can fly the flag for youth, whilst saying if you’re able to support the prevention of youth suicide, please help. My key messages are ‘Its ok to not be ok’, and reach out, because people want to help.”

 A $100 donation will enable batyr to reach out to these at-risk youth providing them with the knowledge and skills to take charge of their mental health.

Pieter added, “I like the idea of smashing the stigma surrounding mental ill-health to empower young people to reach out for support. Imagine if our diggers had this when they returned from the First war and tried to re-integrate into normal life?”

If you would like to follow along Pieter’s journey you can head to their website www.cooeewalk.com.au or follow him on Instagram at ‘cooweewalk’.