Walking Together for Mental Wellness
About Us
Our Story
The Step Into Action Foundation officially launched in 2025, evolving from Chris Barton’s inspiring personal commitment to mental health advocacy through walking, which began in 2017. For years, Chris undertook self-designed extreme walking challenges – from year-long step goals to non-stop multi-day treks spanning hundreds of kilometers – to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities.
These personal endeavors not only generated vital financial support but also fostered a powerful community of family, friends, and even strangers, all united by shared stories and mutual support. This profound connection became the driving force behind formalizing Step Into Action as a foundation in 2025, with a mission to inspire action, build stronger communities, and create a lasting impact for those facing mental health challenges across Australia through the simple yet powerful act of walking together.
Chris Barton
Step Into Action
The Walk Festival
Our flagship initiative, the Step Into Action Walk Festival, launched in 2025 at Blacktown International Sports Park in Sydney.
This transformative event brings together people of all ages and fitness levels for a weekend of community, fitness, and fun. With challenges ranging from a 10km community walk to 50km team events and a 100km endurance challenge, there’s a place for everyone to step up and make a difference. Funds raised through our events go directly to DGR1 charities focused on mental health, supporting programs that provide individuals with the skills, tools, and strategies they need to cope and thrive.
We’re proud to partner with organizations like BREED Australia to tackle urgent mental health challenges, particularly for young people in Western Sydney. Together, we’re building healthier, more connected communities where no one walks alone in their struggles. At Step Into Action, inclusivity and accessibility are at the core of everything we do—we believe that small steps, taken together, can lead to meaningful change.
Be Part of the Change
Join Our Next Walk Festival
At Step Into Action Foundation, every step counts. Our Walk Festivals bring together thousands of people to walk, connect, and raise funds for mental health programs across Australia. Whether you’re taking on a 10km community walk or a 100km endurance challenge, your participation helps fund vital support for those in need. Together, we’ve already raised over $50,000 for mental health initiatives—imagine what we can achieve with you by our side. Sign up for our next event and help us build a future where mental wellness thrives.
Melissa Wu
Meet Our Ambassador
We’re honored to have Melissa Wu, a five-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games champion, as the official Ambassador for the Step Into Action Walk Festival. A true icon in Australian sport, Melissa’s journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and excellence. From becoming the youngest Australian diver to medal at the Olympics to achieving podium finishes across five Olympic Games, Melissa embodies the values of determination and community spirit that our foundation celebrates.
Beyond her remarkable diving career, Melissa is a passionate mentor, business owner, and advocate for mental health and youth development. She has spoken openly about her own challenges, sharing how staying active has positively impacted her mental well-being. At the Walk Festival 2025 launch, Melissa shared, ‘As an athlete, I’ve experienced firsthand how staying active can positively impact both physical and mental well-being. Walk Festival is a beautiful way to unite people, encourage movement, and support an incredible cause. I’m honored to be part of an initiative that promotes healthier lifestyles and provides hope and help to young people in need.’
Join us at the Walk Festival to meet Melissa and celebrate the power of community and movement. Let’s take steps together toward better mental health in Western Sydney and beyond.
Craig Oliver
Visionary and Advocate
Craig is a seasoned senior executive and experienced company director, known for his visionary leadership and ability to drive meaningful change. He is results-focused, values authenticity, and leads with a clear sense of purpose.
As CEO of The Switch, Craig oversees strategic growth and innovation, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. His leadership style is grounded in empathy, transparency and a commitment to empowering others.
Craig is also a founding board member of the Step Into Action Foundation, a cause close to his heart. The foundation champions mental health awareness and wellbeing through community challenges and initiatives. Craig has proudly taken part in several of the organisation’s major events, including the past two 24-Hour Walk Challenges at Walk Festival, demonstrating his hands-on commitment to supporting positive change.
Whether in the boardroom or out in the community, Craig leads by example and continues to inspire those around him through his dedication, integrity, and passion for making a difference.
Nathan Burbridge
Supporter of People and Purpose
Nathan is an accomplished company director with deep experience across the not-for-profit and government sectors. His career has been defined by a commitment to community impact, strategic leadership, and inclusive service delivery.
As the former CEO of Western Sydney Migrant Services, Nathan led vital programs supporting culturally diverse communities, building strong partnerships and driving advocacy at a regional level. He now works as a consultant, advising not-for-profits on governance, strategy, and operational effectiveness.
Nathan is a proud founding board member of the Step Into Action Foundation, bringing his sector knowledge and leadership to help guide the organisation’s growth. Passionate about mental health and community wellbeing, he is dedicated to supporting initiatives that create real and lasting change.
With his thoughtful leadership and practical expertise, Nathan continues to play a key role in strengthening the not-for-profit sector across Australia.
Chris Barton
Leading with Purpose and Heart
Chris is the founder of the Step Into Action Foundation, a purpose-driven initiative created to inspire action, foster stronger communities, and deliver lasting support for people navigating mental health challenges.
Motivated by a genuine passion for improving mental health awareness and outcomes, Chris launched the foundation to create space for connection, resilience, and open conversation. His mission is grounded in the belief that small actions can lead to meaningful change, and that empowered communities play a key role in supporting those who are struggling.
Under Chris’s leadership, Step Into Action has grown into a movement that brings people together through inclusive events, physical challenges, and advocacy work that promotes both mental and physical wellbeing. His dedication to reducing stigma and encouraging proactive engagement continues to resonate with individuals, families, and communities across Australia.
Chris remains deeply committed to the foundation’s vision and works tirelessly to inspire others to step forward, speak up, and make a difference—one step at a time.
Lana Jaff
Driving Innovation in Mental Health
Lana Jaff is a Psychologist and founder who brings a strong mix of clinical experience and practical innovation to the mental health space. She is committed to creating lasting, positive change in the lives of individuals and communities, always with a focus on care that is accessible, respectful, and person-centred.
Lana’s work explores how technology can be used thoughtfully to improve mental health support, particularly in areas where traditional services may be harder to reach. Her approach prioritises safety, dignity, and real-world impact over trends or quick fixes.
She has contributed her expertise through advisory roles with government, including the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, and supports young people through mentoring programs. Lana’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening mental health systems and making support easier to access for all.
Joining the team as a Director, Lana brings a fresh perspective grounded in both clinical care and systems thinking. Her experience will help guide the organisation’s efforts to expand its reach, refine its support services, and continue building community-driven solutions that prioritise mental wellbeing.
Anthony Huynh
Strategic Growth & Business Leadership
Anthony Huynh brings a sharp strategic mindset and a proven track record of real-world business success. With hands-on experience building ventures from the ground up into 7- and 8-figure operations, he understands the challenges and rewards of sustainable growth. His work spans a range of industries, always grounded in a clear understanding of market dynamics, operational efficiency, and long-term planning.
Beyond his achievements in business development, Anthony works closely with entrepreneurs to build lasting financial stability through property investment. His advice combines practical insight with forward-thinking strategy, helping clients make confident decisions and create generational wealth. Known for his proactiveness, clarity of vision, and ability to uncover opportunities others overlook, Anthony is both a trusted advisor and a respected leader.
As a Director, Anthony brings commercial depth and entrepreneurial energy to the team. His business acumen helps sharpen the organisation’s strategic direction, while his experience in scaling ventures adds strength to long-term planning and impact. With a strong belief in empowering others, Anthony is focused on building structures that support sustainable growth, foster innovation, and ensure the organisation continues to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Our Vision
At Step Into Action Foundation, our vision is a future where mental wellness is prioritized, understood, and supported. We aim to create a world where no one walks alone in their struggles, and where communities come together to foster resilience, hope, and connection. Through our walking challenges, festivals, and partnerships, we’re taking meaningful steps toward that future. Join us and be part of the movement.
Our Impact
Walks and Challenges
Since 2017, Chris Barton’s walking challenges have been at the heart of Step Into Action’s mission. These events have not only raised awareness but also built a vibrant community of supporters united by a shared goal.
In 2025, our inaugural Walk Festival in Blacktown, Sydney, brought together over 1,000 participants, raising significant funds for mental health initiatives in Western Sydney. Media coverage from outlets like 7 Network highlighted the event’s success, noting its role in uniting the community for youth mental health.
From Chris’s 365-day step challenges to the Walk Festival’s 100km endurance event, every step we take is a step toward a brighter future. Our events are more than just walks—they’re opportunities to connect, heal, and inspire. We’re committed to growing this movement and continuing to make a difference, one step at a time.
Stay Connected, Step Forward
The journey to better mental wellness starts with community. By staying connected with Step Into Action, you’ll get updates on our upcoming Walk Festivals, walking challenges, and opportunities to make a difference. Whether you choose to walk with us, volunteer, or support our cause, your involvement helps create a brighter future for mental health in Australia. Let’s keep stepping forward together!
