6 days ago
Former SA opposition leader David Speirs to hike the Kokoda Track for men's mental health
Former South Australian opposition leader David Speirs says he is preparing to hike the Kokoda Track to raise funds for men's mental health, posting on social media about his plans for a "personal journey of restoration and renewal" three months after he was convicted and fined over drug supply charges.
Posting on social media on Wednesday to announce his fundraising mission, Speirs said he was "doing well overall thanks to the incredible support" he has received from the community.
"Life can be real tough sometimes. Things happen which are sometimes within our control and sometimes outside of our control and often a bit of both," he said.
Speirs was convicted and fined $9,000 in April after pleading guilty to two charges of supplying a controlled substance to another person on separate occasions in August last year.
Speirs was arrested at Berri, in the state's Riverland, in September last year.
His arrest came after a video, published by News Corp, showed the former MP snorting from a plate. The charges do not relate to the video.
The former Liberal leader resigned from parliament after the charges were laid.
Speirs has previously spoken about his "emotional health and wellbeing" taking a toll during this period last year.
He now plans to raise funds, awareness and support for the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation and The Man Cave, a mental health charity supporting teenage boys.
His lawyer had told a court in April of Speirs's plans to walk the Kokoda Track to raise money for men's mental health and for his "own rehabilitation and restoration".
In his social media post on Wednesday, Speirs said his trip was self-funded and that he plans to share his journey along the "iconic hike", which stretches for 96 kilometres through Papua New Guinea, on social media next month.
"Over the coming weeks as I prepare for, and experience, this journey, I'll be providing regular updates on my social media platforms," he said.
"I hope to take you on a virtual trip to Kokoda with me, sharing the highs and the lows."
Speirs has been contacted for comment.
