Celebrating his 102nd birthday last Wednesday, he has returned to his daily routine of walking 1.75km, a habit which has already helped raise more than $103,000 for Soldier On – the charity assisting Australian Defence personnel recover from physical and psychological injuries.
Born in Wagga Wagga on November 18, 1918, Bert served with the 2/13th Australian Infantry battalion in World War 2 in the Pacific and North Africa including Tobruk.
Approached by Soldier On to take part in the campaign encouraging participants to walk 96km – the length of the Kokoda Track – Bert has personally clocked up 107.3km to date.
“It’s been a very interesting pastime if you like, for an old bloke,” he said.
“I was never on the Kokoda Track of course because I was riding in from the sea, but it’s a matter of interest to me that this organisation was assisting younger troops.
“To my mind it’s glorious that so much has been raised because it puts Soldier On in such a fine position to help young members of the service.”
His advice to younger generations is to be physically and mentally active every day.
“It’s important to maintain interest in life and utilise the little fella up there to understand what the world’s all about,” he said.
“You’ve got to keep busy. Keep walking around the block.”
Details: fundraise.soldieron.org.au.
