MOUNT Martha resident Natasha Dreger is preparing to walk 60km in one day, from Mt Martha to St Kilda Rd, to raise funds for Deaf Children Australia.
Dreger’s youngest son, Hamish, was born deaf. He is now 14 and Dreger said he is a typical outgoing, competent teenage boy who loves sports and gaming.
“I think that’s because he’s had that additional support from the community and different organisations over the years,” said Dreger.
In late January, Dreger began working at Deaf Children Australia, where she started as a parent mentor, talking to fellow parents of deaf children over the phone.
Deaf Children Australia is a not-for-profit that delivers programs, events, and resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families.
Dreger said Deaf Children Australia is so important because they provide support to not only children but also parents and families.
“It’s just really good to speak to people that have that lived experience,” said Dreger.
Once Dreger learned how much the organisation relies on fundraising, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
On 14 October, she will be walking from her home in Mt Martha to Deaf Children Australia on St Kilda Rd.
Dreger said she likes the idea of doing a walk because it feels daunting, but with support and people to lean on, she’ll be able to complete it.
“A bit of a funny part with me doing this walk is that I’m not fit, and I’m nearly 50,” said Dreger.
“I like the idea of it, because I was thinking I don’t know if I can do this kind of length of walk. I don’t feel equipped. And I was thinking, well, that was the feeling I had when they said, ‘Your son’s deaf’.”
Dreger said the most rewarding part of having a deaf child is getting to watch them reach milestones and succeed.
“Because I’ve got an older son, you worry about your child hitting their milestones and being accepted by their community, and in their school,” said Dreger. “
And so, when that happens, it’s even sweeter.”
She said the biggest challenge is constantly having to advocate for her child and ensure he has access in new situations and with new people.
Mornington MP Chris Crewther will be joining Dreger for a portion of the walk, and she said some others have said they will accompany her for different sections.
“I think the message is that you’re not alone, and reach out to those supports, and also just showing gratitude to everyone that has supported me,” said Dreger.
Any money raised will go towards Deaf Children Australia and the work they do to help with growth and social inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
“Even small donations contribute a huge amount,” said Dreger.
“I think it’s about $50 or so where they can make up a parent kit, which gives them all the information that they need, and it does just help with the sense that you’re not alone.”
You can support Dreger and her journey here: tinyurl.com/omsumm
First published in the Mornington News – 30 June 2026
