Two ultra runners. Nineteen stages. Sydney to Melbourne on foot — so that more people can be set free and rebuild their lives.
That is the highest number ever recorded in human history.
They are hidden in supply chains, locked behind closed doors, exploited in fields and factories and homes — unseen by most of the world.
Hagar sees them. For 30 years, Hagar has worked across Asia to prevent slavery and walk alongside survivors of trafficking, exploitation and abuse. Through trauma-informed care, education and long-term support, they help survivors heal, grow and lead.
This October, ultra-marathon runners Sia Kindberg and Matt Knight will run 1,019 kilometres from the Sydney Opera House to Federation Square to make that work possible for more people.
Before they take a single step, we’re gathering in Melbourne to hear the story — and to send them off properly.
Stories, connection and purpose — an intimate night in Hawthorn East with the woman about to run the length of the east coast, hosted by one of Australia’s most engaging MCs.
Wed 2 Sept 20266:30pm – 9:00pm
Doors open 6:00pm
Eclat Hawthorn141 Camberwell Road
Hawthorn East, VIC 3123
View on map
$100 per personIncludes canapés
Drinks at bar prices
Payment at the door
100% to HagarEvery dollar raised goes directly to Hagar’s programs for survivors
Seats are limited and this is a 15+ event. Registrations close when capacity is reached.
One of Australia’s most tenacious endurance athletes, and a passionate advocate for freedom and justice.
Sia was born in Bangkok, raised across Thailand, Sweden, Germany and Greece, and landed in Australia as a backpacker in 2003 — and decided to stay. A single mother of two, an interior designer and a speaker of five languages, she has more than 50 ultras behind her.
In February 2024 she made history as the first Australian to complete the Ice Ultra — a 230km self-sufficient race across frozen Arctic tundra in temperatures as low as −40°C.
She runs because she believes in doing the things that matter now, not waiting for the right moment.
— Hagar Australia
A British-born ultra-endurance athlete with close to 80 races under his belt, including the brutal Marathon des Sables and the Jungle Ultra.
He has also rowed the entire length of the Amazon River across three countries, raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital and other charities along the way.
A well-known media personality, engaging MC and champion of meaningful causes.
Nick will guide the evening — drawing out the stories behind the kilometres, and the reason two people would run the length of the east coast.
From the steps of the Sydney Opera House to Federation Square, Sia and Matt will run through nearly twenty communities down the Hume corridor. If they are passing through yours, come out and cheer.
| Day | From – To | Council | Approx. distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sydney Opera House – Oran Park | City of Sydney, Inner West, Camden | 61 km |
| 2 | Oran Park – Alpine | Wollondilly Shire Council | 59 km |
| 3 | Alpine – Wingello | Wollondilly Shire Council | 59 km |
| 4 | Wingello – Goulburn | Goulburn Mulwaree Council | 53 km |
| 5 | Goulburn – Cullerin | Goulburn Mulwaree Council | 44 km |
| 6 | Cullerin – Yass | Yass Valley Council | 47 km |
| 7 | Yass – Bookham | Yass Valley Council | 38 km |
| 8 | Bookham – Coolac | Gundagai Council, Cootamundra-Gundagai RC | 66 km |
| 9 | Coolac – Tumblong | Gundagai Council, Cootamundra-Gundagai RC | 56 km |
| 10 | Tumblong – Kyeamba | Wagga Wagga City Council, Greater Hume Council | 66 km |
| 11 | Kyeamba – Holbrook | Wagga Wagga City Council, Greater Hume Council | 43 km |
| 12 | Holbrook – Table Top | Albury City Council, Indigo Shire Council | 58 km |
| 13 | Table Top – Barnawartha | Albury City Council, Indigo Shire Council | 48 km |
| 14 | Barnawartha – Wangaratta | Rural City of Wangaratta | 49 km |
| 15 | Wangaratta – Benalla | Benalla Rural City Council | 43 km |
| 16 | Benalla – Euroa | Strathbogie Shire Council, Mitchell Shire Council | 53 km |
| 17 | Euroa – Seymour | Strathbogie Shire Council, Mitchell Shire Council | 59 km |
| 18 | Seymour – Kilmore | Mitchell Shire Council | 41 km |
| 19 | Kilmore – Federation Square | Mitchell Shire, City of Hume, Merri-bek, City of Melbourne | 76 km |
| Total distance | 1,019 km | ||
A run like this does not happen without people who understand what it takes. Bogong Equipment has been outfitting serious adventurers since 1989 — family owned, fully independent, and still the place Australians go when the gear genuinely has to hold up.
From their Little Bourke Street store in Melbourne, Bogong has backed Sia and Matt with the equipment that will carry them 1,019 kilometres. We’re grateful to have them behind this cause.
Hagar doesn’t do short-term rescue and walk away. For 30 years they have committed to survivors of trafficking, slavery and abuse for as long as the journey takes — counselling, education, economic empowerment, and a path back to a life that belongs to them.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward Hagar’s programs, supporting survivors to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of exploitation for good.
Wednesday 2 September at Eclat Hawthorn. $100 including canapés, with Sia speaking and Nick Maxwell hosting. Seats are limited.
Reserve your seatCan’t make the night? You can still put fuel in the tank. Every dollar goes directly to Hagar’s work with survivors.
Donate nowSia and Matt run through almost 20 towns between 2 and 22 October. Check the stage list above — if they’re coming past you, come and make some noise.
See the full route04 — Follow the journey on Facebook and Instagram
Wednesday 2 September 2026 · 6:30pm · Eclat Hawthorn, 141 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East
$100 per person including canapés · 15+ event