Every day, children are left out — not because of their potential, but because the world isn’t designed to include them yet. This City2Surf, you can help change that. Run, walk or support Koorana and help create inclusive opportunities for children and families across Australia.
Why We Run
Every child should have the opportunity to participate, belong and thrive.
Yet across Australia, too many children are still excluded — not because of their potential, but because the environments around them are not yet equipped to support inclusion.
For too many families, this is not a statistic — it is their daily reality.
At Koorana, we know inclusion works. For 50 years, we have partnered with children, families, educators and allied health professionals to create inclusive environments where children of all abilities can learn, connect and reach their potential.
This City2Surf, Team Koorana is running for inclusion.
Funds raised through #RunForInclusion will support Koorana's Shaping the Future of Inclusion campaign, helping us:
- Develop practical resources that help services embed inclusive practice
- Sponsor early learning centres to strengthen inclusion across entire teams
- Provide educator scholarships that build inclusive capability
- Support research that measures impact and helps scale what works
- Strengthen advocacy so more children and families can access the support they need.
Together, we can help create a future where every child is included, supported and able to reach their potential.
Join Team Koorana
Run, walk, fundraise or donate and help create more inclusive opportunities for children and families. Every step, every kilometre and every dollar helps create a future where no child is left out.
Meet our Runners
Morgan A. Fitzpatrick
Morgan A. Fitzpatrick
Chief Executive Officer
So, to start, let’s just say this… I do NOT consider myself a runner.
However, two years ago I took up running for our very first #RunforInclusion and set out to tackle 10 Kms. This might as well have been a marathon for me considering I’d just had two children (one was still breastfeeding and not even one at the time). I also had never run more than a mile in my life!
In any case, alongside 34 of my colleagues, friends and Koorana supporters I set out and did a Personal Best (PB) for the 10Km that year. When the Sydney Marathon opened registrations for the following year, I threw my hat in the ring for the ballot alongside several other colleagues who can I say, were far more desperate than me to run. But, as fate would have it, I was the ONLY Koorana team member to get in. So, I thought, I can do this. I will do this. I am going to do this. Done – registered!!!
Eeek….. at this point I realised I probably should just double check with my cardiologist. Cart before the horse, as they say!
So, I set out to do that thinking all would be well and was surprised when I got a very firm NO.
In case you don’t know me, ‘NO’ is not a word I cope with well. Especially when I am the one being told NO. So, the conversation went something like this:
“But it’s for a good cause” – “NO”
“But I promise to walk some” – “STILL NO”
“But I am the only one who got in” – “That’s irrelevant… still NO.”
“Will I die?” …. “NO, but…”
“OK, thanks! I promise to be careful.” (Not a very impressed face)
As it turns out, the heart conditions I live with aren’t very compatible with running. I thought I was unfit, but it was a little more serious than that. Equipped with this knowledge and the caution from my doctor, I made a plan for myself and committed to the team – run, walk, or crawl if I have to – I am going to finish this marathon.
Fast forward to race day 2025 where after months of training, recovering from a rough winter of day care illnesses, and having blown my knee, I turned up for my first marathon thinking – “Oh no, what have I done!!!”
But, as I strode along, trying to just get through one more Km, I remembered the reason I was running and the children it would help. Just when I couldn’t push any further, I saw a group of Koorana colleagues on the sidelines cheering me on at 20 Kms… then they came back at 24 Kms… and 28 Kms… and suddenly, I knew I could get to the finish line. Every donation, every message of support, and the team there alongside the course helped get me through.
Was it difficult? YES. But I did it. And I am so proud to have overcome my own health and done that for such an amazing cause.
Now, we are back again, and I have set myself a tall order. I want to shave a full minute off my marathon pacing and complete this one in less than 1 hour 30 minutes. That would be a pace I’ve never been able to maintain at distance, but pushing myself is a big goal and this race deserves that. Afterall, we are raising funds to SHAPE THE FUTURE OF INCLUSION. That’s also a big goal. Every dollar we raise is going to help us to take a model that we see and evidence shows WORKS and develop that into a toolkit that can be scaled.
IMAGINE the children that is going to support! I can already think of the difference for parents who can’t find a childcare place now, the kids who are at school but feel different or less than because they are struggling in ways their peers aren’t and just think of the long-term outcomes for those children when we get that right! Also, can you imagine how much more confident and supported educators will feel? They have one of the most important jobs on this earth in my opinion. Knowing that by us pushing hard for this campaign, we can help them to feel they have the tools and resources to support all children to thrive, makes me so happy.
This cause is so worthy, and I can’t wait to step out to run alongside so many of our supporters for it. Thank you for running alongside me and the rest of the Koorana team!
If you want to hear more about my health struggles, I have shared these more recently in a podcast: Seeing the Unseen: Advocacy an… – Navigating Disability – Apple Podcasts
I don’t consider myself disabled in any way, but I do have a range of medical conditions which impact my life. So often we don’t see this with others and forget that all of us have our own struggles. It’s a privilege to bring voice to that hidden story many of us have. For anyone else walking your own journey, please know the team at Koorana sees that and appreciates you stepping up for all the children despite that!
Sujeet Jena
Sujeet Jena
Director at Koorana since 2018 and Chair of the Board since 2023
“My experiences have shaped the way I approach both: leadership and community service”
Over the years, I have come to appreciate that some of the most meaningful challenges in life are those connected to purpose and community.
Professionally, I work across finance, governance and community leadership, with a strong focus on disability, aged care and social impact organisations. Personally, I have always valued discipline, wellbeing and experiences that build resilience and perspective.
“Running has become part of that discipline.”
Most mornings, before the day begins, I am at the beach around 5:30am completing my daily run and watching the sunrise. What began as a fitness routine has evolved into an important part of my daily rhythm — a time to reflect, reset and prepare for the responsibilities of the day ahead.
Last year, I also had the opportunity to undertake a spiritual trek through Nepal and China to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in the Himalayas. It was an experience that required endurance, patience and mental resilience, but it also reinforced the importance of gratitude and perspective.
This year, I am proud to once again participate in City2Surf in support of Koorana Child & Family Services.
Through my role as Chair of Koorana, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary impact that early intervention and inclusive support services can have on children and families. I have also seen the challenges many families continue to face in accessing the support they need at the right time.
Every child deserves the opportunity to belong, participate and thrive.
That belief is what motivates me to run.
While City2Surf is a significant physical event, what makes it truly meaningful is the purpose behind it. Every dollar raised contributes towards creating more inclusive opportunities for children and families and helps strengthen the supports that enable children to reach their full potential.
What continues to inspire me most is the collective effort behind the campaign.
It is the families advocating for their children.
The educators and professionals creating inclusive environments every day.
The supporters who donate generously.
And the runners and fundraisers who commit their time and energy to a cause larger than themselves.
There is something incredibly powerful about a community coming together with a shared purpose.
In 2024, I completed more than 6.25 million steps — approximately 4,750 kilometres over the course of the year.
Friends often joke that I am either in a boardroom, on a mountain, or at the beach before most people are awake. While there may be some truth to that, I believe consistency and discipline are important foundations for both personal wellbeing and leadership.
For those participating in City2Surf this year, my advice is simple: remain consistent with your preparation, pace yourself wisely, and remember why you signed up.
There will be moments during the event that feel physically demanding, particularly approaching Heartbreak Hill, but the experience of crossing the finish line knowing you have contributed to something meaningful makes every step worthwhile.
I am looking forward to standing alongside the Koorana team and the wider community again this year in support of a cause that genuinely matters.
Thank you to everyone who is running, fundraising, donating or supporting Team Koorana.
Together, we are helping create a more inclusive future for children and families. 💜
Rial Kidson
Rial Kidson.
Head of Early Intervention and Allied Health at Koorana.
Most of my professional life has been spent helping other people move, rather than moving a whole lot myself. Both as a physiotherapist and a father, I’ve had the pleasure of helping children to take their first steps, build strength, and find ways to participate in everyday activities. Running 14 kilometres myself was never really part of the plan.
But this year I’m doing the City2Surf with my son, Zion.
These days, I lead our Early Intervention and Allied Health team at Koorana. My work now is less about hands-on therapy and more about supporting teams, working alongside families, and helping shape how we deliver support to children with disability across communities.
What stands out to me, after years in this space, is how much impact the right support can have early on. It’s not just about therapy sessions. It’s about children being included, families feeling confident, and communities knowing how to support every child, not just some.
That’s where Koorana comes in.
We don’t just provide services. This is work Koorana has been deeply involved in for a long time. We work alongside children, families, other professionals and communities to build models of early childhood intervention and inclusive education that actually work, and then we help others do the same. It is about making inclusion part of everyday practice, not just something extra.
For a long time, Koorana has been a trusted partner in the community for families, services and educators trying to get inclusion right. That leadership means we are not only supporting children today, but helping shape what inclusion looks like into the future.
That’s something I believe in strongly. Strongly enough, it seems, to sign up for a run I’m not entirely convinced my body agreed to.
Zion is a big part of that for me too. Doing this alongside him makes it personal. It’s a reminder of what we want for all children. A sense of belonging, opportunity, and people around them who will go a bit further to make that happen.
I wouldn’t say running motivates me – I’ve never been lucky enough to get that post-run sense of euphoria. But the reason behind it does. The families we work with do. The idea that together, as an organisation, as a community, we can keep building something better for children keeps me moving forward, slowly but forward nonetheless.
If you see me out there on the day, there’s a good chance I’ll be pacing myself very carefully and questioning my life choices somewhere along the way. But I’ll also be pretty proud to be doing it.
If you’d like to be part of it, you don’t have to run. You can walk, donate, or simply help spread the word. Every bit of support helps Koorana continue leading this work and reach more children and families who deserve to be included.
Thank you to everyone who is running, fundraising, donating or supporting Team Koorana.
Together, we are helping create a more inclusive future for children and families. 💜
Damian Keight
Damian Keight
Koorana Charity Superstar
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that every challenge starts with a single step.
I’m a proud dad, stepdad and partner, and outside of family life I run TimberHaus, designing and building custom saunas and wellness spaces across Australia. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me outdoors—running, cycling, mountain biking or looking for the next challenge that pushes me a little further than the last.
Running has always been one of those challenges.
I’ve completed everything from 5 km fun runs to 50 km trail races, and every distance has taught me something different. Like many people, though, life became busy. Work, family and everyday responsibilities meant running gradually took a back seat.
“Now I’m finding my way back.”
This journey isn’t about trying to become the runner I used to be. It’s about becoming an even stronger version of myself and proving that it’s never too late to start again.
This year I’m proud to be running City2Surf in support of Koorana because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. As a father, I know how important it is for families to have the right support when they need it most. If lacing up my running shoes can help raise awareness and funds for children and families, then it’s a challenge well worth taking on.
For me, running is about much more than fitness. It’s time to reset, reflect and remind myself what’s possible through consistency and perseverance. Some runs feel effortless, while others are anything but—but every single one teaches me something.
What I’m most excited about this year is standing on the City2Surf start line surrounded by thousands of people united by one purpose. Crossing the finish line will feel rewarding, but knowing we’ve helped create more opportunities for children through Koorana will make every kilometre even more meaningful.
My advice to anyone taking part is simple.
Don’t compare your journey with someone else’s. Run your own race. Celebrate the small wins, keep showing up and remember why you’re there. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply making it to the finish line, every step matters.
I’m looking forward to sharing the journey with Team Koorana and helping Shape the Future of Inclusion, one kilometre at a time.
Luisa Vumbaca
Luisa Vumbaca
Non-Executive Director 2021 – Present
Over the years, I have come to appreciate that some of the most meaningful challenges are not defined by speed or distance, but by the purpose behind them.
Since joining the Koorana Board in 2021, I have been proud to contribute to an organisation that is deeply committed to helping children and families thrive.
Through my role on the Board, I have seen the care, expertise and dedication that Koorana brings to its work every day. I have also seen how important inclusive early education and timely support can be in creating opportunities for children to participate, learn and belong.
This year, I am proud to take part in City2Surf as a member of Team Koorana.
I would not describe myself as a “classical runner”, but running has gradually become an important part of my routine.
“Running gives me the opportunity to switch off, clear my mind and focus on the journey.”
Like many people, I spend long hours working behind a laptop. Running gives me a reason to step outside, stay active and enjoy Sydney’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
Some days, it might be a longer run. On busier days, it might only be a quick one-minute dash.
Either way, every effort counts.
For me, running is not about being the fastest person on the course. It is about discipline, consistency and simply showing up.
It is also about recognising and celebrating the smaller achievements along the way — one step, one kilometre and one training session at a time.
That same idea is reflected in the work Koorana delivers.
Every opportunity created for a child matters.
Every family supported matters.
Every inclusive environment matters.
And every contribution helps build a future where more children can belong, participate and thrive.
This year, I am taking on City2Surf to raise funds for Koorana’s new preschool and to support the life-changing work Koorana delivers across its services.
For me, every step is a meaningful contribution towards creating more inclusive opportunities for children and families.
What inspires me most about Team Koorana is the community behind it.
It is the families who advocate tirelessly for their children.
The educators, therapists and professionals who create welcoming and inclusive environments.
The supporters who generously donate.
And the runners and fundraisers who are willing to challenge themselves for a cause that matters.
There is something incredibly motivating about people coming together around a shared purpose.
Of course, every runner also needs something to help them through the more challenging kilometres.
My not-so-secret running weapon is a playlist packed with old-school anthems.
The music keeps me moving when the run becomes difficult, although anyone running nearby should be warned that I sometimes forget I am in public and start singing along.
I am completely tone deaf, but that has never stopped me.
For anyone thinking about joining Team Koorana, my advice is simple: do not worry about whether you consider yourself a runner. You do not need to be the fastest or the most experienced person on the course. You only need to begin, remain consistent and remember the reason you decided to participate.
City2Surf is not only about crossing the finish line. It is about the journey, the community and the difference we can make together.
I am excited to stand alongside the Koorana team, fellow Board members and the wider community in support of this important cause.
I hope my participation encourages others to get involved, whether they are experienced runners, complete beginners or simply willing to take the first step.
Thank you to everyone who is running, fundraising, donating or supporting Team Koorana.
Together, every step can help shape a more inclusive future for children and families.
Julie Walsh
Julie Walsh
Team Koorana Runner
Sometimes the most meaningful challenges begin with a simple decision: to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.
I am a mum of two, I work full time and I love learning new things. Like many families, balancing work, family life and personal wellbeing can be busy. Running gives me an opportunity to step away from the everyday routine, get my heart rate up and know that I am doing something positive for my health and fitness.
This year, I am excited to return to City2Surf as a member of Team Koorana.
It will be my first time taking part in the event in more than 15 years, which makes this year’s challenge particularly special.
“I am excited to run City2Surf again for the first time in more than 15 years.”
A lot can change over 15 years, but the sense of achievement that comes from completing a challenge like City2Surf remains the same.
For me, participating is not only about reaching the finish line. It is also an opportunity to help raise awareness of Koorana and the important work the organisation delivers to create more inclusive opportunities for children and families.
Koorana supports children of all abilities to participate, learn and thrive through inclusive early education, early intervention, allied health and family support services.
By joining Team Koorana, I hope to help more people understand the impact this work can have.
Every child deserves to feel welcomed.
Every family deserves to feel supported.
And every community benefits when inclusion is understood, valued and put into practice.
Running is also something I enjoy doing independently. “I like to run on my own and get in the zone.”
There is something valuable about having that time to yourself.
When I run, I can focus on my breathing, my movement and the path ahead. It gives me space to clear my mind, maintain my fitness and concentrate on reaching the next milestone.
That does not mean every run feels easy.
There are always moments when the distance feels challenging or when motivation begins to fade.
During those moments, I remind myself of a simple piece of advice:
“One foot in front of the other and you will get there.”
It is a straightforward approach, but it applies to so much more than running.
Large challenges can feel overwhelming when we focus only on the finish line. When we take them one step at a time, progress becomes possible.
That same idea is reflected in Koorana’s work.
Every conversation with a family matters.
Every strategy that helps a child participate matters.
Every educator and therapist who creates a welcoming environment matters.
Every donation, fundraiser and kilometre completed by Team Koorana contributes to something bigger.
What motivates me to run is knowing that I am keeping active and taking care of my health, but this year I also have the motivation of running for an important purpose.
City2Surf provides an opportunity to bring people together, start conversations about inclusion and raise funds that will help Koorana continue supporting children and families.
I am looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of the event again, challenging myself and celebrating alongside the wider Team Koorana community.
I hope my participation encourages others to get involved, even if they have not run for a long time or do not consider themselves experienced runners.
You do not need to complete every training session perfectly.
You do not need to be the fastest person on the course.
You only need to begin, keep moving and remember why you decided to participate.
Thank you to everyone who is running, fundraising, donating and supporting Team Koorana.
Together, one step at a time, we can help raise awareness and shape a more inclusive future for children and families.
Elisabeth O'Caroll
Elisabeth O’Carroll
Preschool Director / Team Koorana Runner
I am a proud Kiwi and an outdoorsy person at heart.
Whether I am mountain biking, cycling, paddle boarding or running, I love being active, spending time outside and taking on new challenges.
This year, I am proud to join Team Koorana for City2Surf.
I have seen the difference Koorana makes in the community and in the lives of children and families, so deciding to participate was an easy choice.
“I am so proud of what Koorana does for the community and for children. Joining the event was a no-brainer.”
For me, running has become closely connected to Koorana’s commitment to inclusion.
I took up running again when Koorana participated in the Sydney Marathon to raise funds and awareness for inclusion. Being part of that campaign gave me a renewed sense of motivation and reminded me how powerful it can be to challenge yourself for a cause that matters.
I was particularly inspired by Morgan’s marathon efforts and the determination she demonstrated throughout her journey.
That inspiration encouraged me to continue training, set bigger goals and see how far I could go.
In November 2025, I completed my first marathon. Crossing that finish line was an incredibly proud moment and an achievement that once felt beyond my reach.
Now, I am preparing to take on another marathon this October.
Running has taught me that progress does not happen all at once.
It is built through small decisions, consistent effort and the willingness to continue even when the journey feels difficult.
Every training session matters.
Every kilometre matters.
And every time you choose to keep moving, you become a little stronger.
Those lessons reflect the work Koorana delivers every day.
Creating a more inclusive community is not achieved through one action alone. It is built through the commitment of families, educators, therapists, supporters and advocates who continue working together to create opportunities for children to participate, learn and belong.
Every child welcomed into an inclusive environment matters.
Every family supported matters.
Every barrier removed matters.
And every person who chooses to stand behind inclusion helps create meaningful change.
This year, I am excited to join our wonderful Team Koorana runners again.
There is something very special about running alongside people who are motivated, joyful and united by a shared purpose.
“The team brings so much energy and encouragement. It is always such fun running with people who genuinely care about the cause.”
The support of the crowd, the excitement along the course and the energy of the team make City2Surf an unforgettable experience.
Although running can be an individual challenge, events like this remind us that we are never completing the journey entirely on our own.
We are encouraged by the people running beside us.
We are motivated by the supporters cheering from the sidelines.
And we are inspired by the children and families at the heart of the cause.
Outside of running and outdoor adventures, there is another side to my life that people may not expect.
A fun fact about me is that I am both a teacher and a marriage celebrant.
Both roles allow me to connect with people during meaningful moments in their lives, whether supporting learning and development or helping couples celebrate one of their most important days.
For anyone preparing to take part in City2Surf, my advice is to take it easy and enjoy the experience.
Make sure you are well hydrated in the days leading up to the event, listen to your body and do not become too focused on speed or finishing times.
“Take it easy, stay hydrated and enjoy the crowd.”
The atmosphere is one of the best parts of City2Surf, so take the time to notice the people around you, appreciate the support and enjoy being part of something much bigger than the run itself.
You do not need to be the fastest runner on the course.
You do not need to complete every kilometre perfectly.
You simply need to keep moving forward, enjoy the journey and remember the purpose behind every step.
I am proud to run for Koorana and help raise awareness of the organisation’s important work supporting children and families.
I am also excited to share the experience with our incredible team and once again be surrounded by people who bring so much passion, energy and joy to the event.
Thank you to everyone who is running, fundraising, donating or cheering for Team Koorana.
Together, we can turn every kilometre into an opportunity to champion inclusion and help create a future where all children can participate, belong and thrive.
Susana Garcia
Susana Garcia
Manager Marketing & Communications / Marketing & Communications
Team Koorana Runner
I am not an experienced runner, and running certainly does not come easily to me.
I am only beginning my fitness and wellbeing journey, so my City2Surf plan is very realistic: I will probably run at the beginning, walk when I need to and keep moving until I reach the finish line.
For me, participating is not about how quickly I complete the course.
It is about challenging myself, stepping outside my comfort zone and showing my two little ones that we can do difficult things when we have a meaningful reason behind us.
“I may run some of the course and walk the rest, but I will keep moving forward.”
Life is busy.
As a mum of two young children and someone balancing work, family and everyday responsibilities, finding time and energy for exercise can be difficult.
Running feels particularly challenging for me, but that is also why completing City2Surf will mean so much.
I know my children will be proud to see their mama taking part, and I hope the experience shows them that courage is not about being the fastest or strongest person. Sometimes, courage is simply being willing to begin.
This challenge is also deeply connected to the work I do at Koorana.
My role gives me a strong sense of purpose, and supporting this campaign is very close to my heart.
Through my work, I have learned more about the experiences of children and families who face barriers to participation, education and belonging simply because the environments around them are not prepared to understand or support their differences.
As a mother, I cannot imagine how it would feel to be told that my child was too difficult, too complex or unable to be included.
No family should have to experience that.
“No child should ever be considered too difficult to include.”
Every child deserves to be welcomed for who they are.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, participate and belong.
And every family deserves to know that their child’s differences will be met with understanding, respect and acceptance rather than judgement or exclusion.
We need to create a society that recognises and values the differences between us.
A society where inclusion is not considered an additional service or a special favour, but an everyday expectation.
A society where every individual is accepted and supported to reach their potential.
That is why I am taking part in City2Surf with Team Koorana.
I want to help raise funds and awareness so Koorana can continue challenging exclusion, strengthening inclusive environments and supporting children, families and communities.
This campaign is not only about completing a race.
It is about helping create meaningful change.
It is about standing with families who are advocating for their children.
It is about supporting educators, therapists and professionals who work every day to remove barriers.
And it is about showing children that they deserve to be seen, heard and included.
My training journey may not be perfect.
There will be days when I feel tired, when running feels too difficult or when I question whether I can complete the course.
On those days, I will remember why I started.
I will think of my children watching me.
I will think of the families Koorana supports.
And I will remind myself that every step, whether I am running or walking, is moving me closer to the finish line and contributing to a cause that matters.
I hope my journey encourages other people who may not consider themselves runners to get involved.
You do not need to be an athlete.
You do not need to run the entire course.
You do not need to have the perfect training plan.
You simply need to start, move at your own pace and remember the purpose behind your participation.
Please support my fundraising journey and help Koorana continue creating a future where no child is excluded because of their needs, abilities or differences.
Together, we can help build a more understanding, accepting and inclusive society—one where every child has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
Josiane Habak
Josiane Habak
Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager
I am a mum of two beautiful girls—a toddler and a teenager—and they keep life wonderfully busy.
I am also a bit of a gym enthusiast and love staying fit, active and strong. Exercise gives me energy, helps me look after my wellbeing and reminds me of what our bodies can achieve when we continue challenging ourselves.
I have been part of the Koorana team for almost a year, and I genuinely love working for an organisation that creates such a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
This year, I am proud to take part in City2Surf with Team Koorana.
Although I will not be running the course, I will be taking on a challenge of my own: walking while pushing my youngest daughter in her pram.
“I’ll be walking with my youngest daughter in the pram, so wish me luck getting up Heartbreak Hill!”
It may not be the traditional way to complete City2Surf, but for me, it will make the experience even more meaningful.
My daughters are a big part of my motivation.
I want to be a positive role model for them and show them the importance of kindness, giving back and using our time and energy to support something that can make a genuine difference in the lives of others.
I want them to see that creating change does not always require a grand gesture.
Sometimes, it begins by showing up.
By taking part.
By helping someone else.
And, in my case, by pushing a pram all the way from the city to Bondi.
Through my role at Koorana, I have had the privilege of meeting many of the incredible children and families the organisation supports.
Those experiences have helped me understand the importance of creating communities where every child is welcomed, valued and given the opportunity to participate.
That is why Koorana’s mission means so much to me.
Every child deserves to belong.
Every family deserves to feel supported.
And every community becomes stronger when we recognise, understand and celebrate the differences between us.
“I am proud to walk for a more inclusive world where every child belongs.”
Taking part in City2Surf gives me an opportunity to help raise awareness and funds for this important work.
Each donation can help Koorana continue supporting children and families, strengthening inclusive environments and creating opportunities for children of all abilities to learn, participate and thrive.
I am particularly excited about the team spirit this year.
There is something incredibly motivating about people coming together for a shared purpose, whether they are running, walking, fundraising, donating or cheering from the sidelines.
I am looking forward to meeting more of our wonderful Team Koorana participants, encouraging everyone along the course and sharing the experience together.
Even though every person will complete the event at their own pace, we will all be working towards the same goal: helping create a more inclusive future for children and families.
Of course, walking City2Surf with a toddler in a pram will bring its own challenges.
There may be moments when the course feels long, the hills feel particularly steep or my smallest team member decides she has had enough.
But I know the energy of the crowd, the encouragement of the team and the purpose behind the challenge will help us keep moving.
For anyone preparing to take part, my advice comes from a very well-known source.
As Tom Hanks famously said in Forrest Gump:
“Run, Forrest, run!” 😉
Whether you are running, walking or pushing a pram, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience, support the people around you and remember why you decided to participate.
You do not need to be the fastest person on the course.
You do not need to complete the event in the same way as everyone else.
You only need to take part, keep moving and appreciate the difference we can make when we come together.
I am proud to join Team Koorana and take on this challenge with my youngest daughter by my side.
I hope my participation also shows my daughters that kindness, inclusion and community are values worth standing—and walking—for.
Thank you to everyone who is running, walking, fundraising, donating and supporting Team Koorana.
Together, every step can help create a world where all children are welcomed, included and supported to thrive.
