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My 2,356km Journey for the Men We Love

By Eva Batey

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$5,432

My Goal

$10,000

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$62
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My Activity Tracking

962
kms

My target 2356 kms

My Journey Along the Murray

Hello my name is Eva, and I will be canoeing the Murray River from Bringenbrong Bridge to the Southern Ocean; 2,356kms, over 10 weeks for Prostate Cancer awareness. I will be completing this journey solo with friends and family joining me for short stints along the way. The journey will be documented through social media to spread awareness about the PCFA. 

Everyday, 79 Aussie men are diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCFA, 2026). I'll be taking on this challenge and raising funds to support the men in my family and in others impacted by a prostate cancer diagnosis. From game-changing research to specialized mental and physical care, there is so much more we can do for those we love. 

My grandfather, father and other members of the family have been diagnosed with prostate cancer so the cause is close to my entire family's hearts. My grandfather is still an active member in support groups to help other men and their families cope with the cancer and recovery in Western Australia. Seeing this resilience of my grandfather and father, will give me the strength to keep paddling through every kilometer and every bend of the river.

So, in April I’ll be starting from Bringenbrong Bridge, NSW, I will be navigating the river solo, to raise vital funds for the men and families impacted by this disease. 

Feel free to support me on the journey and the team that can save lives by making a tax-deductible donation to my fundraiser in support for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Whether that is $2 or $20 or just sharing this with your community, every bit of momentum helps me down the river and helps PCFA get closer to a cure and more support for those in need.

How your support helps:

By making a tax-deductible donation to my campaign, you are directly supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Your contribution funds:

  • Life-saving research into better treatments.

  • Specialist nursing and support groups (like the one my grandfather attends).

  • Vital awareness to ensure early detection.

I’ll be sharing my journey, the highs, and the river-side challenges on social media, but I need your help to reach my fundraising goal.

Share my page

My Updates

Day 7: A Week In!!

Monday 27th Apr
Woke up really early this morning to get out on the water before the slight wind was meant to pick up. Because of the wind the days before I was 2 days behind, I was meant to get to Lake Hume Village on day 5 but today is day 7. Which is ok because I have a bit of wriggle room but I wanted to be as safe as possible.
I was paddling by 5am this morning, and was able to watch an amazing sunrise! The water was incredibly still. Today I think I slightly lost my mind as I was doing Karaoke to the GoPro and was just straight jamming out all day!! I was really enjoying the NO WIND!!
I finally got to Lake Hume Village, where I was staying at the Discovery Parks for the night in a "Luxury" (for me at least) cabin. 
Before I even was able to get up the boat ramp and to the park I had to figure out HOW  I was going to get up the HUGE boat ramp with a 45degree angle and 300m length. I did 3 treks up and down to get all my gear to the top plus my boat. It was an effort and a half to get the boat on the wheels and get it up the ramp. When I got to the top I put all the gear back inside and dragged the boat all the way to the discovery parks up a hill.
I was pooped by the time i was checking in. I was so happy to be in a cabin for the night. As I got to do laundry (bit smelly after a week on the water :)), had an amazing hot shower that revived my soul and even had an interview with the Star Mail Yarra Valley to learn about my trip and write up an article. Once I was nice and clean and smelling 100x better, family friends came to support me and have a chat, they even brought me a roast chook from woolies (which was divine). Before I went to sleep for an amazing rest. 

Day 6

Monday 27th Apr
Somewhere on Lake Hume: 2.5km
Animals: Pelican 

After not sleeping well with the wind raging outside my tent all night. It had not lessen up at all when I started off this morning. I wanted to try and get to Lake Hume Village this day but that was not in the cards due to the wind. I managed to along get 2.5kms in 3 hrs with the 30+km winds coming from the west, so I decided the safest bet is to find  sheltered spot and set up camp for the day. Id read on the weather app that the wind was going to be dead by the next day. I found a spot where the wind couldnt take me flying across the lake, in a small dried up creek bed with high walls on each side. So I set up camp and napped hard, regaining the sleep I missed out on the night before. 
I didnt do much today apart from sleep, eat, look at cool rocks, take some photos, go for a bit of a walk and then go to sleep for the night. 

Day 5

Monday 27th Apr
Lake Hume: 28km
Animals: Only birds

Today was an early start, I was paddling by 6am. It was a pretty nice morning with only vague wind. As the day went on the wind picked up to be 20km/hr coming from the west and I was heading to the west. At around lunch time i took shelter for an hour behind a big fallen tree. I was hoping the wind would die down but it did not. I was only averaging 2.5km in 2hrs against the wind, when usually I can go 10+km in 2hrs. Eventually I decided to get out of the canoe and walk with the canoe in the water, for about 30 minutes. That ended up with me REALLY muddy, as i sank into knee deep mud a couple of times. 
I managed to get to a spot as the sun was setting and set up came. I got clean and then had a warm meal of dahl before heading to sleep.
When I initially went to sleep the wind had died down, but around midnight it start up again. Being on the Hume meant i had no protection from the wind, so the tent was basically laying on tp of me all night. Didn't get much sleep unfortunately. :( 

Day 4

Sunday 26th Apr
Paddock at Top of Lake Hume: 
Animals: White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Rakali (Native Water Rat), cows, and lots of birds.

Late start today. The rain didn't stop until around 7am. With the storm last night, there was quite a bit of wind that made it difficult to paddle against it. I was meant to do 30kms but the battle against the wind ended up being a bit much so I decided to call it early around 2.30pm and set up camp in a huge paddock next to the river. It was a beautiful spot on the flood plain of the river, with one tree protecting me. There was also a beautiful sunset. I got to see a beautiful White-Bellied sea eagle it was so cool! 
I had a nice dinner of green curry before an amazing sleep.

Day 3

Sunday 26th Apr
Burrowye Reserve: 32km
Animals: Cows,  and Birds.

First 100kms!!!
Felt amazing today!! The morning was still and the birds were singing!! it was amazing!! Wanted to leave early this morning at around 5.30 as there was a storm coming in  the arvo. As the day went on it started to rain, so I got to enjoy canoeing in the rain. It was such a nice day that the rain did not bother me, as i have a great raincoat and rain pants. 
I pulled over for some lunch. Where I made a tuna and pumpkin puree in a wrap.. So YUMM. I ended getting to camp around 2.30 where i was able to set up my tent and a tarp just before the rain and storm came in!!.
As i was setting up these amazing people at the other site came over for a chat. They were very happy in what i was doing and raising money for. As they raise money and awareness every year for Leukemia. They also offered me anything i might need! When the storm came in i was able to sit back and relax while watching the thunder and lightning! Before having a great meal of chicken satay before sleeping  

Day 2

Sunday 26th Apr
Jingellic Reserve: 35.9km
Animals: Red-Bellied Black Snake, a fox, 2 Kangaroos, MANY cows and lots of fascinating birds.

Oh my goodness day 2 was hectic. Day 1 I did not drink enough water, so I was very dehydrated on day 2. I was very sore and had a raging headache all day (even with electrolyte and lots of water). I headed out a little later at 8.30, and within the first 10 minutes I got to see a curious fox! Throughout the day I saw lots of cool animals; the birds, sheep, kangaroos and cows. I also got to see a red-bellied black snake swimming across the river!! It was amazing!! I continued all the way to Jingellic Reserve, where they had showers and a TOILET! The lovely people next to me came over for a chat, and before they even got over they offered me any kind of help i needed. Whether that was for charging my devices, any food, water, "the kitchen sink". Super nice people!!! I had a delicious meal of butter chicken before heading for an amazing sleep!

Day 1: On The Murray Finally!!

Tuesday 14th Apr
Oh my goodness!!! I can't believe I am have gotten to the point that I'm putting the boat in the water! 
Lauren and I headed up to Bringenbrong Bridge reserve the day before and set up camp just below the big sculpture of a crawfish. While we were setting up camp for the night we met a lovely man called Mike who has Kayaked the Murray himself a couple of years ago. He is really cool adventurer as he's done the Darling River as well and is currently on a cycling adventure. Really amazing person to have run into in the middle of nowhere. 
So morning of Day 1 I got up bright and early to start prepping for the departure. Lucky I'm organised and had everything sorted quickly. So after a boiled egg breakfast; Mike and Lauren said goodbye, and I took off down the river. The river was moving swiftly and lots of rapids. But it was absolutely beautiful. I got to see my first platypus for the trip. Lots of cows kept me company as well as a few sheep. 
Lauren ended up meeting me in Towong at the 2 hr mark, to make sure everything went well. So after a quick break I said goodbye again and continued on.  I ended up enjoying it so much I passed my original campground and kept going past Tintaldra and doing a whooping 48km on my first day. I was very tired, so I heated up a yummy butter chicken, made my tent and had an amazing sleep.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$20

Anonymous

$120

Carol McManus

Well done, Eva. A great cause. You are wonderful to have the drive and determination to raise funds and awareness on this huge adventure.

$127.34

Prue J

As a Barooga girl, and friend of Maxine’s, well done xx

$103.72

Stephanie Lloyd

What a wonderful adventure for a very deserving cause. Thank you for your amazing effort❤️

$54.84

Samma Solovey

Enjoy the journey. Thanks. X Baba.

$100.15

Larry And Victoria Hemmingson

$44.71

Jane Stormer

Feel the strength of this mighty river & keep it with you…enjoy Eva

$25

Anonymous

John let me stay on their houseboat for the night to stay dry from the rain. Then Joanne and Glenis came down separately and provided me with yummy goodies (rum balls, fresh eggs, sticky date pudding and some fruit) plus a donation! Thank you so much for your generosity x

$127.34

Scott Newman

Well done Eva! Have heaps of fun in the canoe and Enjoy the Murray

$1,000

MB

$11.80

Noel McPharlin

Happy paddling.

$106.12

David Foster

$28.43

Nina Thompson

What a great adventure. Keeping fit and healthy while enjoying (and sometimes battling) the natural environment. All to raise money for a good cause. You're to be admired.

$54.84

Tarquam McKenna

Great endeavour Eva! Love endures

$10

Anonymous

Lovely couple met on the Murray outside of Echuca on a houseboat

$127.34

NRS Courier

Thank you for your efforts and enjoy the paddle

$11.80

Bawa Singh

$23.50

Imogen

Love the journey and the cause. I'm watching, keep it up!

$44.71

Mahiya Norton

Well done

$54.84

Andre Araujo

That's an amazing initiative, Eva! Well done!

$28.43

Claire Templeton

Best of luck on your journey! Love following along with all your updates.

$67.49

Tim Moorhouse

Just met you at Cobrawonga island. Good luck with the rest of your trip👍

$11.80

Anupo LeFaucheur

$44.71

Frank Perna

That's amazing what you're doing Eva. I'm a friend of Samma and she is very proud of you. Noelle.

$6.20

Proctor Mckenzie

Done

$252.26

Ian Batey

I'm proud to be related to you, Eva. Good luck with your adventure.

$54.84

Deb Meech

Nothing but praise for you.

$44.71

Brianna Asher

Your a Rockstar girl, keep inspiring the world.

$127.34

Leigh Phillips

Go girl, I've been there and now following from goolwa RSL , Call in if you get a chance

$33.87

Ellen

you’re crushing it girl! so proud of you and missing you xx

$125.90

Eva Randall And Rainer Rieck

Good on you

$120

Rosie And Tilly

Absolutely love what you’re doing. I stumbled upon you on TikTok just this morning and will be following with interest!

$67.49

Michele Batey

Wow! I am so impressed with what you are doing! (And a little bit jealous!) Your 2nd cousin Michele Batey

$127.34

Jenny Marsden

I’m so impressed by what you’re doing and a little bit jealous too 😊

$106.12

Leah , Jason, James And Will

Great effort neighbour!

$100

Sally Kester

It’s magnificent what you are doing

$54.12

Anonymous

Hi Eva, You don't know me, but I have known your mother for a long, long time. It's terrific to see you taking on the might of the Murray river for such a good cause! Ciao, Nick

$126.62

Nyima Mcmillan

$54.12

ANNE

Good luck with the canoeing journey!

$54.12

Ron McIntosh

You've got this, great cause

$15

Jenny Mills

Go Eva! 💪🏻

$54.12

Emma Nixon

Go girl!

$43.60

Michael Milne

Very best wishes for a safe journey and thank you.

$43.60

Fisher Family

You go, Eva!

$43.60

Sarah

Go you superstar!

$263.75

The Waycotts

Go Eva!! What a legend!!!

$54.12

Ron Corby

Go for it Eva

$20

Anonymous

All the best Eva!

$400

Elliott Family

Good on you Eva for doing an amazing thing for a great cause, and all the best for your incredible trip. Watch out for the red bellies.

$43.60

Anonymous

$126.62

Dave Carlson

Go for it Eva, you’re a fabulous person!

$106.12

Stacie

Go Eva go!! You are doing great things.

$126.62

Alex H

Go Eva!!

$106.12

Cal

So proud of you, Eva! Such an incredible challenge for an important cause xx

$126.62

Allison, Brendan And Cami

What an incredible initiative, we are cheering you on from Sydney! Can’t wait to follow your journey. Sending love.

$54.12

Eva Batey

You can also Donate via Direct Deposit:
Account Name: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Ltd
BSB: 062 000
Account Number: 1266 8231
Payment reference: Your full name
To request your receipt: donations@pcfa.org.au