Julian has a long history of advocating walking as a beneficial healthy activity. He has always walked the talk. Julian walked with Keep Fit SA walking group prior to doing first Heysen Trail traverse in the early 90s. He joined the Friends of the Heysen Trail (the Friends) in 1991 and completed the Heysen Trail prior to 2000. Julian can easily account for four Heysen Trail End to End completions (at 1200km each), yet it’s probably closer to 6 (but he feels that may be considered boasting!) Julian has also walked extensively overseas in many countries, showing off the Heysen Trail logo and talking up South Australia as a walking destination. He remains an active walker, and his exuberant passion inspires other to get involved. Julian has been continually involved in the management of the Friends since 1997. He has volunteered in the Friends Office since 2012.
Julian (with David Beaton) inaugurated, planned and lead the first End to End group, which commenced in 2000. This programme of walks enables members to hike the 1200km Heysen Trail over 5 walk seasons. He was also a leader with End to End groups 3 and 5. This concept now has End to End group 11 walking, with 6 groups of 40 to 70 walkers on the Heysen Trail this year. The programme has been a driving force to grow the Friends membership and provide resources (human and financial) to develop and promote the Heysen Trail. Julian has been involved in many Walk Leader training sessions, imparting his experience to others.
