A 500km walk has paid off for a 12-year-old determined to meet the PM

Twelve-year-old Dusty Langby completed a 500-kilometre walk from his home in Warren to Canberra, raising $500,000 for rural healthcare charity Little Wings. The young activist met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Parliament House, who agreed to match the fundraiser, bringing the total to $2 million. Little Wings will use the funds to provide about 600 missions, including flying paediatricians to remote and regional communities for specialist care.

Dusty's fundraising journey began when he discussed the cause with his mother at their family dam. The condition was important to him and his younger brother Angus, as both had previously been flown to Sydney for specialist appointments. Inspired by his personal experience and the impact on his community, Dusty decided to walk to Canberra, requesting the prime minister to match the money he raised.

After arriving in Canberra on Monday, Dusty met with Albanese, who expressed satisfaction with the boy's determination. The prime minister's office announced that the government would match every dollar raised by Dusty, and invest another $1 million to support Little Wings' operations. Little Wings offers free air and ground transport for seriously ill children in remote areas, as well as flying paediatricians to communities where specialist care is hard to access.

Dusty expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating he felt "really, really good." The charity's CEO, Clare Pearson, was overcome with emotion upon receiving the announcement, stating that she and her team were "just crying" and "screaming with joy." The combined funding will allow the charity to support around 600 missions, ensuring children in rural and remote areas receive the necessary medical care regardless of their postcode.