The Rodney Motor Inn kindly offered complimentary accommodation to some of the Peace Run team in Shepparton.
As the Peace Run journeys across the country and the world, it often encounters remarkable individuals and communities who embody its ideals. On these special occasions, the Peace Run presents its highest honour — the Peace Run Torch-Bearer Award — to those who inspire hope, unity, and service. Today was one such occasion.
We had the privilege of recognising Russell and Yvonne Prince, owners of Aspen Lodge Caravan Park. Since taking over the park in 2019, they have lovingly restored it into a safe, affordable, and welcoming place for the community. More than just accommodation, Aspen Lodge has become a sanctuary — a refuge of hope, connection, and support for a diverse group of people.
This morning, our team split into three groups to cover the 120 km journey toward Bendigo.
One team of three runners departed from SAM Shepparton, beginning the long stretch by foot. Here they meet a wonderful local who said that when she saw the Torch, she immediately felt peace.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team gathered at St Mel’s School for a special Peace Run event.
After a warm welcome and a thoughtful address from the Deputy Principal, Danae Napier, the Peace Torch entered.
The team shared the core values of the Peace Run with the students, encouraging them to take a moment to feel peace within.
Pope Francis recently encouraged these students to become "beacons of peace," and the timing of the Peace Run's arrival couldn't have been more meaningful.
The students then had the opportunity to hold the Peace Torch and offer their heartfelt wishes and dreams for a more peaceful world.
With smiles and hope in their hearts, the Principal and students escorted the Torch out of the school, sending us off on the next leg of our journey ...
... to Mooroopna Primary School. Here Assistant Principal Bayden Fallon spent a few minutes speaking to the students about the Peace Run before calling us onto the stage.
Here, we were met with one of the most enthusiastic welcomes yet. The students greeted us with infectious excitement, instantly filling the atmosphere with joy and energy.
Gathered under the sunshade, the entire school community paused to learn the Peace Run song and reflect on the feeling of peace in their hearts.
Each student had a chance to hold the torch, and many joined us in running laps around the field—fit and eager from their recent cross-country training.
With spirits high, the team then rejoined the running group to continue the final leg toward Bendigo.
We arrived at St Peter’s School in Bendigo to a warm welcome from students gathered in the amphitheatre at the end of their school day. A small but enthusiastic group amazed us with their impressive knowledge, correctly identifying all the countries we presented.
The school captains graciously came forward to accept a certificate of appreciation and a piece of artwork on behalf of the school, taking a moment to thank our team for visiting. After some joyful running around the school field with the students, we regrouped, and the Pr Jeremy Darmody kindly asked the team about our running journey and what kind of food keeps us going.
With just a few minutes remaining, the students introduced us to their fun and creative 'Straight Line Contest,' where each class lined up and the straightest line was declared the winner. Uddyogini had the honor of judging the contest and announced the winners—first, second, and third place.
A small but enthusiastic group amazed us with their impressive knowledge, correctly identifying all the countries we presented.
The school captains graciously came forward to accept a certificate of appreciation and a piece of artwork on behalf of the school, taking a moment to thank our team for visiting.
After some joyful running around the school field with the students, we regrouped, and the Pr Jeremy Darmody kindly asked the team about our running journey and what kind of food keeps us going.
With only 2 kilometres left to complete our run for the day, some of our team continued on to the Golden Dragon Museum, taking a brief moment to explore this beautiful presentation.
Soon after, the entire team reconvened and was officially received by the City of Bendigo, where we were warmly welcomed by Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalfe, Deputy Mayor Cr Abhishek Awasthi, and Cr Tom Prince; and CEO Andrew Coone.
The reception was deeply moving—this inclusive city extended heartfelt hospitality. The Mayor wore ceremonial robes gifted by the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples, a powerful symbol of their commitment to reconciliation and mutual respect.
Filled with gratitude and joy from the experience—and with an invitation extended to the councillors to help carry the Peace Torch out of Bendigo the next morning—we made our way to our final stop for the day: the beautiful home of long-time Peace Run supporter, Namanita Muss. Greeted with a delicious home-cooked meal and a delightful pavlova, it was a true treat to be embraced by her warmth and hospitality.
