Old Digger Col walking a mile for veterans “Soldiering On”

Col’s on the march to help our veterans soldier-on.

It was 77 years ago that a then 17-year-old Colin Robinson embarked on a Royal Australian Navy destroyer to defend his country in its hour of need. 

Now just shy of his 94th birthday, Col has set himself the task of walking 96 kilometres in the month of March to support “Soldier On” and its life-saving mental health support services.

Col’s daughter Barbara and other family members are joining him in the “March On” challenge with the 96-kilometre length chosen the same as that for the famous Kokoda Track where the Australian soldiers bravely turned back the invading Japanese in New Guinea.

“I’m certainly not one for ‘notoriety’, if that's the word,” said Col, who would normally prefer to keep a low-profile.

“I've got the rest of the month to do it; I just do about four or five kilometres a day and I'll get there… I estimate that by the time the month's up, I would have done 124 kilometres. It’s a good way to raise money and it will help somebody, so I'm prepared to do whatever I need.”

Col enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in 1945, serving three years as part of the occupation forces in Japan. He later “on a whim” reenlisted with the Royal Australian Air Force, where he served eight years. He has also served in the Army Reserve.

Supporting veteran organisations like “Soldier On” is a cause close to Col’s heart as he himself has battled depression and previously benefitted from the group’s support.

“I think it is something really worthwhile, because I used the service myself,” said Col. “I was ready to call it quits and they came to my aid. It was a couple of years they used to come out to see me and got me over it. I still get depressed at times, but they got me over the hump, so I know it's a damned good cause and it does help people.

“So when I heard about it, I thought to myself, ‘that's a good idea’ and I volunteered and I pledged $500.”

A resident in Oaktree Village, Col’s neighbours have rallied behind the cause and he has already exceeded his initial fundraising goal.

“The people here have really got behind me,” he said. “At least this will help somebody, so I'm prepared to do whatever I need.”

If you would like to help Col and the lifesaving work of Soldier On, you can donate online at: marchonchallenge.org.au/fundraiser/colinrobinson 

Soldier On’s mission is to enable serving and ex-serving veterans and their families to thrive.

Developed in line with world’s-best practice, their services are evidence-based and have been designed in consultation with Defence personnel, veterans, and their families.

Soldier On staff work side-by-side with individuals and families, to strengthen resilience and develop meaningful connections with family members, mates, and the local community through a diverse range of health and well-being services, employment opportunities, learning and education programs, and participation in community, social, and sporting activities.

Grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care, Soldier On’s model of care puts individuals and family members at the centre of all their services.

If you or someone you know needs support, please call: 131114 – Lifeline, lifeline.org.au; 1300 789978 – MensLine Australia, mensline.org.au; · The Defence all-hours Support Line

is a confidential telephone and online service for ADF members and their families 1800 628 036