WALK FOR BRODY: A COMMUNITY HEALING JOURNEY
By Marli Ryan
A proud Nyoongar Yamatji woman Sharon Wood-Kenney is inviting the Western Australian community to gather once again in honour of her son, Brody Wood-Kenney.
Mr Wodd-Kenney, a 22-year-old WA police officer and talented sportsman, passed away on March 20, 2022. His mother, Sharon Wood Kenney, says his impact continues to ripple through family, friends and the wider community.
She said, “We didn’t just lose Brody. Our whole community did.”
Mr Wood-Kenney had represented WA in football and athletics and had stepped into policing as a young First Nations officer determined to make a difference. Sharon described him as brave, honourable and deeply community-minded.
“He’s always about doing the right thing.”
The legacy now bearing his name reflects those same values.
The Walk
The annual walk will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Mullaloo Beach, with community members gathering from 5:30pm to watch the sunset together at Tom Simpson Park.
There are two walking options:
Long walk: Starting at Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club. Registrations from 3:30pm, walk begins at 4:00pm (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).
Short walk: Starting at Mira Park around 5:00pm, finishing at Mullaloo Beach (approximately 30 minutes).
The event is family-friendly and inclusive. Attendees can bring their own picnic rug and chairs, with local cafes and vendors also supporting the day. There will be music, speeches, scholarship acknowledgements and a beachside ceremony at sunset.
Over the years, numbers have ranged from a few hundred to close to a thousand people.
Mrs Wood-Kenney said that It’s a healing journey. It’s a mixture of culture, community, friendship, coming together in celebration.
The event has drawn support from organisations including the City of Joondalup, Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club, Noongar Radio, SportWest, Rotary, WA Football and Volunteering WA.
Scholarships and Giving Back
Beyond the walk, the Brody Wood Kenny Legacy Inc. offers scholarships across Western Australia to support people “living their best life.”
Applicants of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Mrs Wood-Kenney said each year the committee carefully reads every application before selecting recipients.
The program has grown steadily, with eight scholarships set to be awarded this year.
Growing Through Grief
Sharon speaks openly about grief, strength and vulnerability. While she is seen by many as a pillar in the community, she is clear about the reality of losing a child.
“I’ve got a broken heart. We all do. We can’t lose our kids without it impacting us.”
She said the annual walk is not just about remembrance, but about showing her daughters and the wider community how to move forward while experiencing loss.
Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
How to Get Involved
Community members can register online via the Brody Wood-Kenney Legacy Inc. website and social media platforms. Merchandise is available, and donations and sponsorship support ongoing scholarships and mentorship opportunities.
Whether walking the full route, joining the shorter stroll, or simply sitting in the park to watch the sunset, Mrs Wood-Kenney’s message is simple:
Show up.
Because sometimes, that’s the most powerful thing a community can do.