MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, 26 April
A GREAT AUSSIE HIKE FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) will be there every step of the way as more than 1,100 Victorians take part in the Great Aussie Hike through the Wombat State Forest today and tomorrow.
Now in its fourth year, the Great Aussie Hike is an initiative that brings people together through outdoor adventure, exercise, and camaraderie with funds raised to go towards supporting mental health through Beyond Blue. Hikers in teams of five will participate in 30km, 50km, 80km or 100km courses.
RRT Kyneton Local Team Leader James Thomas said 33 volunteers will be providing refreshments and meals at six sites along the track.
“We’ll be serving up everything from muesli cups and fruit to our Signature Burgers, sausage sandwiches and chicken wraps, and of course plenty of bottles of water,” James said.
“This event is a great initiative that brings people together and gets them outdoors and amongst nature working together for a good cause.”
Dynamic duo Anna Brown and Luke Stephens founded the event in 2020 with the goal of improving the mental health and wellbeing of their community after long periods of isolation during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Anna said what started as a one-off event has turned into an annual opportunity for Victorians to get outdoors, have some fun and raise money for mental health.
“The Great Aussie Hike is all about creating supportive communities and strengthening mental health with the added benefit of improving our physical health at the same time,” Anna said.
“The Hike is designed to be an inclusive experience, so regardless of someone’s fitness levels they can participate and enjoy the additional benefits of forging stronger connections with their friends, and their community while supporting the incredible work Beyond Blue does.”
“We are grateful for the incredible support of the Rapid Relief Team. Their act of generosity in donating all the food and drinks for the Hike ensures that every dollar we raise goes to Beyond Blue.”
The two-day event kicks off from 7am Friday 26 April and ends 9pm Saturday 27 April. The individual hikes start from various points and all finish in Daylesford.
RRT is the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
“Like Anna and Luke, our values are based on giving back to our local community and the issue of mental health is one that affects so many around us, supporting an event like the Great Aussie Hike is the least we can do,” James said.
Established in 2013, the RRT has more than 14,500 volunteers around the world who support community events and assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support.
For more information on the Great Aussie Hike visit: https://greataussiehike.com.au
Media enquiries: Jack Douglas 0450 115 005
