Aussies take a hike for Mental Health
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Great Aussie Hike partners with Lifeline Australia, a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
As Australia continues to re-open post-pandemic, Australians of various ages and fitness levels are flocking to Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula to support Great Aussie Hike in the name of fun and showing support for one another, both mentally and physically.
The registrations are currently open on the Great Aussie Hike website and the annual event will take place from March 24 to 25 2023.
“Lifeline is excited to be part of Great Aussie Hike. This event will help Australians create meaningful connections during their journey, encourage listening and support for Australians while enjoying a challenge,” said Colin Seery, Lifeline Australia CEO,
Great Aussie Hike has selected Lifeline Australia as their beneficiary in recognition of the important role community and teamwork play in supporting mental health and physical wellbeing and the vital role of connections.
Participants can opt to tackle the 30km, 43km, 57km or 100km course as a registered team. There is also a unique ‘Share the Distance’ option where you can choose to either take on the entire course or swap sections with your teammates, embracing the spirit of mates looking after each other.
Great Aussie Hike is recognised as a “team challenge with a difference”. There is a way for everyone to participate regardless of their fitness, experience, or even if they do not have a team.
For those participants who want to join the challenge, but do not have a team, “The Hitch Hikers” is a way to be part of the challenge, meet new people and find support in one another along the journey.
“The pandemic has certainly taught us the power of community and how it influences our mental well-being,” said Anna Brown, Program Director of Great Aussie Hike.
Brown highlighted that it is the element of fun and mateship that keeps Australians returning and supporting the initiative.
“It doesn’t matter what distance you do or how your team gets to the finish line. It’s all about mates supporting each other in a fun, positive environment. This is evident when we see our teams spend the whole course chatting and laughing together.”
She emphasises that the partnership with Lifeline Australia is important to their challenge because they want to encourage connection with one another while receiving the benefits of improving mental and physical health outdoors.
“There is clear evidence about the benefits of walking with a group of people in nature to our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing,” said Fiona Redding, Ambassador for Great Aussie Hike and Founder of The Happiness Hunter.
Redding was inspired to get involved with the community because she understands the benefits that come from walking and connecting with others.
“Great Aussie Hike is all about community, about people helping people, creating deep connections and doing something fun and challenging. This all contributes to us feeling happier, and more connected with life,” said Redding.
To register for Great Aussie Hike, visit www.greataussiehike.com.au.
Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.
