Login
Login

Steve Lin

Donate to Steve and help create better mental health for all. 

Please help me reach my goal

Raised

$3,522

My Goal

$3,750

Select amount to donate

$40
$60
$105
$250
$520
$
Donate

Steve Lin

I’m walking in solidarity this October for Australians affected by mental illness and suicide. You are not alone. We all know someone who have experienced some dark times and dark thoughts. You never know what anyone is going through, I hope this helps bring the colour and light back.

Total Raised

$3,522

Total Distance

56km

Distance Goal

60km

Support My Walk for Mental Health Research

Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental illness each year?

This October, I’m taking part in One Foot Forward to help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

I'm walking to raise funds for Black Dog Institute to put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education, and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.

It would mean so much to me if you donated to support my walk.

Together, we can create better mental health for all Australians.

My Updates

Stumbles happen — And we get back up 🐾

It has been a week. A long weekend passed without much walking, and this week's interruptions intruded on my lunchtime walks. Life, as it does, intervened. I hope to catch up this weekend.

And so it goes.

At last count, I'm at 32km of the 60km goal — some sources say 37.4km, depending on which tracker you trust — and I'm at $3,329 of the $3,500 donation goal. Just $171 separates us from that mark. The donations have plateaued for now, which is perfectly normal. But the aim remains unchanged: walk for the amazing work of the Black Dog Institute.

Here's what I have learned, stepping off track and stepping back on:

Stumbles happen. We miss a day. We miss two. The plateaus set in. The distance tracker argues with itself. The weather doesn't cooperate. Life gets in the way. None of it is fatal. None of it invalidates the journey. We get up, brush ourselves off, and keep going.

Or — and this is just as important — we lend a voice and a hand to those who may need it. Be kind because we can. We don't look down at the downtrodden; we want to help them up. Kindness isn't a spectator sport. It's not about superiority or standing apart. It's about reaching out and standing beside.

After every storm, there is blue sky. After every night, there is the dawn. These are not platitudes — they are physics. The storm always passes. The sun always rises. The question is not whether light comes again; it is whether you'll be there to see it. So stick around. Hold on. Ask for help. Let someone else hold the umbrella while you find shelter.

Thank you to all the donors and supporters who have contributed so far — $3,329 is remarkable, and each dollar flows to the Black Dog Institute's groundbreaking mental health treatment, education, and digital services.

If you are thinking of donating, know this: you are not just giving for yourself. You are giving for the many people the Black Dog Institute can help — the ones who will read the article tomorrow, the ones who will download the app next month, the ones who will hear their friend say "let's talk about this" six months from now. You're casting ripples you will never see.

Forty-eight hours until the weekend starts. Forty-eight hours until the counters tick again. The walk continues. One foot forward. 🚶

Underway — And learning to work with the hurdles 🐾

October has arrived, and the walk is properly underway. Thank you, once again, to everyone who has donated — your continued support is very humbling and deeply appreciated. We now stand at $3,238 toward the goal of $3,500, and I remain grateful beyond words.

My aim for the month is simple: cover the 60km over October. One foot after the other.

Now, a confession about the tracking app: it currently shows 18km covered, but according to the health app on my smartphone, I have actually walked about 13.5km since the start of the month. I am not quite sure where the extra distance came from — but it is a small and minor annoyance, and I'll work with it. The walk itself is what matters.

And honestly? That little discrepancy turns out to be a rather suitable analogy for life and mental health.

We all face setbacks. The app says one thing, reality says another. Plans go sideways. Progress is measured differently than we expected. Sometimes the hurdles appear right in the middle of the path we thought was clear.

Some of us have the perseverance and resilience to push through — one way or another, through trial and error, we find our way over. Others may not cope so well and struggle more deeply. And those mental struggles are just as real, in their own way, as any physical obstacle on the path. They deserve recognition, and they deserve assistance.

Some people will ask for and seek that assistance. Others may mire in the struggle, unable to see a way out. And we are human for being there — for offering our help, our time, our ear — without judgement. Both are characters of our humanity: the courage of those who get through it, and the compassion of those who offer their time and assistance to help someone who can't yet.

Neither is lesser than the other. The one who perseveres and the one who reaches out are both showing strength. The one who struggles and the one who stays by their side are both demonstrating what it means to be human.

Your donations contribute directly to the work of the Black Dog Institute — developing and delivering ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services for the benefit of all. Tools that help people navigate their own hurdles, whatever shape they take.

The walk continues. One foot forward. 🚶

Nearly there — And why the walk became non-negotiable 🐾

We're knocking on the door again — $2,981 raised toward the Black Dog Institute. Another goal, another mile (or kilometre) cleared. I've set the bar at $3,500 this time, not because I am chasing numbers, but because every extra dollar helps fund mental health treatment, education, and digital services for the people who need them most. Thank you for meeting me here, every single time.

As we near approach October, I have been thinking about what else this journey has meant beyond the totals.

Life, it can be a lot.

Adulting brings its own weight: responsibilities piling up, bills demanding attention, cost of living squeezing tighter, the constant ping of notifications, the noise and pace of everyday life. And somewhere in all of that, there's so much doom and gloom crowding out the decent news. The world moves fast, and sometimes it feels like you are just trying to keep up.

When I started this walk, I saw it mainly as physical training — getting my body ready for 60km in October. But somewhere along the way, it became something more.

My lunchtime walks at work have become almost non-negotiable. What started as preparation turned into a sanctuary. When I'm out there with my earbuds in, listening to tunes, feeling the breeze on my skin and the sun above, watching my feet take each step — something settles. My brain, which spends most of the day spinning through emails, meetings, and tasks, finally gets some room to breathe.

Being away from the desk creates distance from the daily grind. The messiness of the what, the why, the how — it swirls less when you're moving forward, one foot at a time. Those 30 minutes out there? They are not just burning calories. They are clearing headspace. They are reminding me that taking time for yourself is not indulgence. It is maintenance.

And maybe that is part of what mental health care looks like, too — carving out moments where you can simply be, without the pressure to produce or perform or pretend everything's fine.

So whether you're walking to raise money, taking a moment to breathe, checking in on a mate, or just getting through the day: I see you. Your effort matters.

The real walk begins 1 October. I'm ready. Are you ready with me?

One foot forward. 🚶

Tutu report: Mission accomplished — And why this walk matters

First things first: yes, I wore the tutu at work today. Yes, it got some attention. And yes, it was absolutely worth it — because every conversation it sparked was a conversation about mental health that might not have happened otherwise. Sometimes you have to be a little ridiculous to talk about something serious.

Thank you to everyone who has donated — we now stand at $2,641, and I am humbled beyond words. Every time I raise the goal, you clear it.

Next week, on 1 October, the walking data resets and the 60km journey officially begins. The kilometres clocked so far have been my preparation; from next week, they are the real thing. You will see the counter start from zero — that is just the starting line, and I am ready.

Now, as I stand at that starting line, I want to talk about something that's been on my mind.

Men, and the myth of invincibility.

Us men are often raised to believe we should not show weakness. We are told to suck it up. Tough it out. Handle it ourselves. We have absorbed the idea that admitting we are struggling is a failure of character — a crack in the armour that proves we were never strong enough to begin with.

But here is the truth: that conditioning is quietly detrimental to our mental health. The pressure to be invincible leaves too many of us struggling alone, telling everyone we' ae "fine" while the fog thickens. Statistically, men are far less likely to seek help — and it costs lives.

Seeking and asking for help is a strength. Of the individual, and of character. It takes genuine courage to say "I'm not okay" — often more courage than silently carrying on. To any man reading this who is struggling: reaching out does not diminish you. It defines you.

And to those who notice something may be off with a mate, a brother, a father, a colleague — check in on them. They may not open up the first time, or even the second. But keep asking, because you do it because you care. Sometimes it affects you too, and that's okay. Your persistence may be the difference.

Finally, this: none of us may fully understand our purpose in life. But being present — showing up, asking the question, lending an ear — means we all make a contribution, even if the person receiving it never sees or realises it. You never know what's going on in another person's headspace. Being there is enough.

One week to go. One foot forward. 🚶

The Journey So Far — Bring On October 🐾

As we count down the final days before the walk begins, I have found myself reflecting on how we got here.

When I set up this page, my donation goal was $550 — an amount I hoped was ambitious. Today, thanks to you, we stand at over $2,400 raised, with goals surpassed and raised again and again: $550 became $750, then $1,000, $1,200, $1,500, $2,100, and now $2,400 stretched to $3,000. Each time I raised the bar, you cleared it. Every single time. I never anticipated this, and I remain genuinely humbled.

But the numbers, wonderful as they are, are not the real story.

The real story are the messages some of you have shared with me — personal stories of your own journeys through dark times, of loved ones lost and loved ones saved. Those stories have stayed with me. They have given me more impetus than any fundraising total ever could to complete every one of those 60 kilometres in October. I am carrying them with me on the track.

Speaking of which — you may have spotted me pacing around the walking track at work during my lunch breaks. Yes, that is me getting ready! Getting ready physically, yes, but honestly, the mental benefit has been just as valuable. A walk really does clear the head. I am doing this for my own health as much as anyone's.

As October approaches, I keep returning to a few simple truths:

Where there is darkness, there will eventually be light. What feels like an overwhelming fog in the head cannot last forever.

Hope matters. It's sometimes the smallest flame, but it lights the path forward.

Empathy matters. Noticing when someone seems off — and caring enough to ask — can change the course of a life.

Asking for help is an act of strength and dignity, not weakness of character. The courage it takes to say "I'm not okay" deserves our respect, always.

Helping without judgement matters. Nobody chooses the fog. Meeting someone in it, without asking why they got lost, is what compassion looks like.

To everyone who have donated, shared this page, or trusted me with your stories — thank you. The walk starts 1 October, and I will be ready.

One foot forward. 🚶

Bring on october 🐾

We are knocking on the door of $2,400 raised — just a touch away from another goal that, honestly, blew past my wildest expectations. So thank you.

Every dollar, every share, every kind word has pulled this further than I could have imagined. I have now set a new donation goal of $3,000, not because the number itself is sacred, but because every dollar helps the Black Dog Institute deliver mental health treatment, education, and digital services to the people who need them most. That said, the true purpose here is not the total — it's the walk itself. It will be the 60km I'll be covering in October, and the solidarity behind it. Asking for help is a strength. Showing up for each other is the point.

A quick housekeeping note before we turn the page to October: The distance counter on this page will reset to zero on 1 October. That's not me stopping — it's how the event works. The kilometres logged so far were training, getting ready for the main event. From 1 October through to 31 October, I'll walk 60km — and this time, every metre will count toward the official total. If you check the page on 1 October and see a fresh zero, don't worry. It just means we're at the starting line.

To everyone who's supported me so far — colleagues, friends, family, and strangers united by a cause — thank you doesn't feel like enough. But I'll use it anyway, because gratitude matters. One foot forward. 🚶

Through the fog, toward light - Goal raised to $2,400

So the $2,100 donation goal is likely to be exceeded.

I lack the words to express my gratitude. What started as a modest $550 goal has grown beyond anything I imagined. 
Every dollar brings us closer to the work the Black Dog Institute does every day.

I have been thinking a lot about the people walking this path with me, whether financially or emotionally. Where there is darkness, there will eventually be light. I know that sounds almost cliché and cheesy at first, but the reality of it matters. What can feel like an overwhelming fog in the head cannot last forever. It simply cannot.

But here is what's just as true: it depends on the people around you recognising when someone's in that fog — and having the conversation that pulls them back toward clarity. A simple "how are you going?" delivered with genuine intention can be the first thread someone grabs onto when they're struggling to see the path ahead.

For the person navigating through that fog, asking for and accepting help isn't surrender. It's wisdom. It's letting others guide you through the dark clouds until you can see the way forward again.

Every supporter on this page represents that idea in action. You're helping clear the fog for someone you will never meet. Thank you doesn't come close, but I will use it anyway because it's all I have.

Onwards. One foot forward. 🐾

Blown Away — Goal Raised to $2,100

I am truly humbled. When I first set up this page, my goal was $550. Today, thanks to your extraordinary generosity, we have reached $1,690 — more than three times what I originally hoped for. Every one of you who has donated, shared this page, or sent a kind word has contributed to that total, and I'm grateful beyond words.

I've now set a new goal of $2,100 — not because the number itself matters, but because every additional dollar goes further toward the work of the Black Dog Institute in mental health treatment, education, and digital services.

I keep coming back to how many people this issue touches. Roughly one in five Australians experiences mental illness in any given year, and behind every one of those numbers is a person, a family, a friendship group, a workplace.

Writing these updates, I've heard from so many of you who have been affected in some way — and it reinforces what I believe most strongly about this whole endeavour:
*Asking for help is not a weakness of character. Ever.*

If anything, it takes real courage to say "I'm not okay" — perhaps especially on the days when the world expects us to be fine. Whether it's reaching out to a professional, talking to a mate, or simply answering honestly when someone asks how you're going, reaching out is a strength, full stop.

In the meantime, I'm keeping up the training walks ahead of October. One foot forward, indeed. Thank you all — the walk hasn't even started yet, and you've already carried this further than I imagined.

Thank you supporters!

When I decided to participate in this charity walk, I had set a donation goal of $550 which I thought was ambitious.
Now, the goal has been updated a few times now - clearly I had underestimated the feeling people have towards mental health.
We have all experienced a dip now and then. Sometimes momentarily and sometimes, it persisted.
For many, the moment passed and they pulled through whether by their sheer will or with help and support.
Mental health is a subject that is getting more publicity and hopefully everyone will gain a better understanding of the topic.
In line with RU Okay this week, if you see someone you know that may be feeling off, do reach out to them. If you are in the darkness and fog, know you are not alone and there are ways for you to seek help. It all starts with a conversation.
Your assistance will support the work of the Black Dog Institute.

Fund raising goal updated - $1,500

Alright, the $1,200 goal has been met!
The goal is now updated to $1,500!
I feel so humbled by all the support for the Black Dog Institute.

Raise money and make it fun

The Prime Minister has asked if I would wear a tutu while I do my walk next month.
Well, why not! Let’s make this fun.
Now, the fund raising goal will be increased. Currently $903 received pending the $1,000 goal.
The goal will now be $1,200.
If you happen to spot me wearing a tutu while I walk in October, you will know why!

Fund raising goal updated - $1,000

Oh goodness, thank you to all who have donated! I am so warmed by all the support. Currently $729 received ahead of the $750 goal. I have increased the goal to $1,000. Ahead of next month, I am doing more walking to get myself as ready as I can to reach the 60km goal. Personally, this is for my own health benefit and wow, a walk can go a long way to clearing your head. Thank you all again. Many will benefit from the work of the Black Dog Institute.

R U Okay day

There have been some fund raising for RU Okay day at work.
I feel it ties in so well with the One Foot Forward walk for mental health.
You might recognise when someone may be going through a rough patch.
A simple conversation can mean a lot and in ways you may not appreciate. Just be there and listen.
The giving of your time and an ear may be all a person needed in that moment and hopefully contributes to them seeking the help they deserve.

Fund raising goal updated - $750

I did not anticipate that I could be reaching my goal prior to October. Currently $495 received ahead of the $550 goal.

The goal is now $750.
You never know what is going in another person's headspace, no matter who they are. Thank you again everyone. 

Wow, what a start

Thank you everyone who have donated so far!

The event actually kicks off in October so I may need to adjust the donation goal.

Mental health can affect so many people and at different times. Your support can go a long way to assist this charity do their great work.

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

$169

Cast Of Rent

two million three hundred sixty-two thousand two hundred five inches two million three hundred sixty-two thousand two hundred five moments so dear two million three hundred sixty-two thousand two hundred five inches How do you measure, Steve's walk? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee In smiles, in miles, in laughter, in strife In two million three hundred sixty-two thousand two hundred five inches How do you measure Steve's walk? How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love Seasons of love Seasons of love

$112.09

Lisa Anderson

THANK YOU! This is a very important cause, appreciate you raising money for aeareness

$112.09

Tracey Thurston

$106.75

Laura & Jenny

$87

Beau Squires

Great work Steve, proud of you

$66.73

Harmina

$66.73

Rachael Parnell

$66.73

Jerrick Keefer

$66.73

Cam Thorburn

$66.73

Alicia Tantanini

Inspirational 🫶

$66.73

Tatjana Taras

You are an amazing person with the best soul - I hope your journey goes well!

$66.73

Christine Nicholson

$66.73

Anita Humm

Great effort for such an important cause. Wishing you strength for every kilometre!

$66.73

Pat And Pascal

We will be cheering you on all the way from Gent xxx Mental health research and awareness is important all over the world.

$66.73

Patti Loomis

Good luck with your walk, Steve! It looks like a great cause.

$66.73

Elvis Ma

$62

Rachel C

$60

Michelle Lano

Thank you for supporting a great cause Steve!

$60

Hans Mick

$55.95

Tiffany Brown

$55.95

Robert Craft

$55.95

Daniel Ring

Go Steve!

$55.95

Dan Quinn

$55.95

Vivian Kunkel

Go Steve!

$50

Jane Bray

$45.30

Tee Peeni

$45.30

Anastasia

Go Steve! What a great cause 🙂

$45.30

Anonymous

Go Steve!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 believe in you always and the positivity you spread!

$45.30

Anne Lestrange

Onya Steve!!

$45.30

Diana Allen

Go Steve! Such a great cause.

$45.30

Joan Liddell

$45.30

Anonymous

Sky of serene blue hue, road is long, walking song, in joyful pink tutu.

$45.30

Dean Jones

Keep up the good work

$40

India Royal

$40

Hans Tandog

I like this cause Steve, let me know if I can help in any way!

$40

Lauren Zuino

Awesome work Steve! Your commitment to this amazing cause is commendable. You’ve got this :)

$40

Anonymous

$34.40

Christie Morris

$30

Jack Reid

$28.81

Your Friendly Neighborhood All Blacks Supporter

Awesome stuff Steve!!!

$28.81

Sarah H

Good luck Steve

$28.81

Jade Mcluckie

Keep up the good work Steve

$28.81

Travis Carter

Go Steve

$28.81

Michael Heckenberg

$28.81

Kristy Bradley

$27

Jackie Hammond

Great job Steve

$26

Ken Hauser

$25

Simon Smith

Go Steve!

$25

Andre Hamilton

Super proud to know you Steve!

$24.84

Angel Frost

$23.81

Jennifer Hampton

$23.81

Naomi Sackville

$23.81

Michael Pummer

Is this to support others or is this to cover your own appointment costs?

$23.81

Dave Evans

Good Luck, Steve!

$23.81

Sariah Ryland

You can do it! Good on you for supporting the black dog institute

$23.81

Geri Goettler

$23.81

Jessie Ward

$23.81

Darren Smith

$23.81

Catherine Lazzaro

Good on you Steve!

$23.81

Beverley Pearse

$23.81

Luke Camilleri

$23.81

Anonymous

Keep walking …

$23.81

Katrina Lancaster

$23.81

Richard

Great work mate

$23.81

Laetitia Windebank

$23.81

Alice Adams

$23.81

Derek Vine

Good luck Steve!! Why did the walker get promoted? Because he always takes things in his stride! Well done on a supporting an amazing charity mate!

$23.81

Nick Smith

Let's go Steve!!!

$23.81

Matthew Watson

$23.81

Leah L

Well done Steve!

$23.81

Nicole Kyte

$23.81

Sharonanne Bellshaw

$23.81

Laetitia Windebank

Good work for a good cause 👍😊

$23.81

Elle

$23.81

Claire L Harrison

Love your work!

$23.81

Jade Watkins

Loved the tutu Steve!

$23.33

Kylie Burovanov

Fantastic effort, Steve! This is such a worthy cause, and we're proud to show our support. Good luck with the journey ahead!

$23.33

Kristie Anderson

Good on ya Steve

$20

Paul F

Get those boots a'walkin! Thanks for your commitment to and recognition of mental health Steve.

$20

Anonymous

$20

Matthew D

$15

Nick Rosenthal

Great cause dude! Nice work!

$13.10

Anonymous

$11.92

Jo

Good luck with training and I can't wait to see the photos.

$11.92

Anonymous

$11.92

Lizzieee

$11.92

Jenny Singh

Thank you to my supporters

$106.75

Laura & Jenny

$87

Beau Squires

Great work Steve, proud of you

$66.73

Harmina

$66.73

Rachael Parnell

$66.73

Jerrick Keefer

$66.73

Cam Thorburn

$66.73

Alicia Tantanini

Inspirational 🫶

$66.73

Tatjana Taras

You are an amazing person with the best soul - I hope your journey goes well!

$66.73

Christine Nicholson

$66.73

Anita Humm

Great effort for such an important cause. Wishing you strength for every kilometre!

$66.73

Pat And Pascal

We will be cheering you on all the way from Gent xxx Mental health research and awareness is important all over the world.

$66.73

Patti Loomis

Good luck with your walk, Steve! It looks like a great cause.

$66.73

Elvis Ma

$62

Rachel C

$60

Michelle Lano

Thank you for supporting a great cause Steve!

$60

Hans Mick

$55.95

Tiffany Brown

$55.95

Robert Craft

$55.95

Daniel Ring

Go Steve!

$55.95

Dan Quinn

$55.95

Vivian Kunkel

Go Steve!

$50

Jane Bray

$45.30

Tee Peeni

$45.30

Anastasia

Go Steve! What a great cause 🙂

$45.30

Anonymous

Go Steve!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 believe in you always and the positivity you spread!

$45.30

Anne Lestrange

Onya Steve!!

$45.30

Diana Allen

Go Steve! Such a great cause.

$45.30

Joan Liddell

$45.30

Anonymous

Sky of serene blue hue, road is long, walking song, in joyful pink tutu.

$45.30

Dean Jones

Keep up the good work

$40

India Royal

$40

Hans Tandog

I like this cause Steve, let me know if I can help in any way!

$40

Lauren Zuino

Awesome work Steve! Your commitment to this amazing cause is commendable. You’ve got this :)

$40

Anonymous

$34.40

Christie Morris

$30

Jack Reid

$28.81

Your Friendly Neighborhood All Blacks Supporter

Awesome stuff Steve!!!

$28.81

Sarah H

Good luck Steve

$28.81

Jade Mcluckie

Keep up the good work Steve

$28.81

Travis Carter

Go Steve

$28.81

Michael Heckenberg

$28.81

Kristy Bradley

$27

Jackie Hammond

Great job Steve

$26

Ken Hauser

$25

Simon Smith

Go Steve!

$25

Andre Hamilton

Super proud to know you Steve!

$24.84

Angel Frost

$23.81

Jennifer Hampton

$23.81

Naomi Sackville

$23.81

Michael Pummer

Is this to support others or is this to cover your own appointment costs?

$23.81

Dave Evans

Good Luck, Steve!

$23.81

Sariah Ryland

You can do it! Good on you for supporting the black dog institute

$23.81

Geri Goettler

$23.81

Jessie Ward

$23.81

Darren Smith

$23.81

Catherine Lazzaro

Good on you Steve!

$23.81

Beverley Pearse

$23.81

Luke Camilleri

$23.81

Anonymous

Keep walking …

$23.81

Katrina Lancaster

$23.81

Richard

Great work mate

$23.81

Laetitia Windebank

$23.81

Alice Adams

$23.81

Derek Vine

Good luck Steve!! Why did the walker get promoted? Because he always takes things in his stride! Well done on a supporting an amazing charity mate!

$23.81

Nick Smith

Let's go Steve!!!

$23.81

Matthew Watson

$23.81

Leah L

Well done Steve!

$23.81

Nicole Kyte

$23.81

Sharonanne Bellshaw

$23.81

Laetitia Windebank

Good work for a good cause 👍😊

$23.81

Elle

$23.81

Claire L Harrison

Love your work!

$23.81

Jade Watkins

Loved the tutu Steve!

$23.33

Kylie Burovanov

Fantastic effort, Steve! This is such a worthy cause, and we're proud to show our support. Good luck with the journey ahead!

$23.33

Kristie Anderson

Good on ya Steve

$20

Paul F

Get those boots a'walkin! Thanks for your commitment to and recognition of mental health Steve.

$20

Anonymous

$20

Matthew D

$15

Nick Rosenthal

Great cause dude! Nice work!

$13.10

Anonymous

$11.92

Jo

Good luck with training and I can't wait to see the photos.

$11.92

Anonymous

$11.92

Lizzieee

$11.92

Jenny Singh