WaterAid Australia’s annual fundraising event, Walk for Water returns with an extra special year for 2024 as WaterAid Australia celebrates its 20-year anniversary. 

Running from September 30 – October 4, Walk for Water invites participants nationwide to walk, run, or ride for five days, raising funds and awareness for WaterAid Australis water, sanitation and hygiene projects. 

The event aims to shed light on the daily struggles of millions who endure long journeys to access clean water, a hardship that affects their health, education and quality of life. Shockingly, 703 million people worldwide – one in ten – lack access to safe water close to home. 

For many children, particularly girls, fetching water starts early and continues throughout their lives, often forcing them to sacrifice their education. 

By joining Walk for Water, participants will symbolically experience the trek many endure daily for water, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions. 

The event not only raises awareness about the challenges posed by water scarcity but also celebrates the progress made by WaterAid Australia in providing clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene education to vulnerable communities. 

In the last 20 years, WaterAid Australia has reached 5.7 million people with its water, sanitation and hygiene programs. 

The event has garnered significant support from Australia’s water sector, with corporate teams spanning the country enthusiastically preparing to participate. 

Leading these efforts are dedicated Water Leaders who serve as ambassadors for the event, rallying support and championing the cause. Their commitment highlights the collective effort needed to tackle global water challenges and create a more equitable future. 

“Supporting WaterAid Australia and Walk for Water is true to South East Water’s purpose to deliver healthy water for life for our customers, community and environment,” said South East Water Managing Director Lara Olsen. 

“For communities that don’t have healthy water – for hygiene, for health, for liveability – the impacts are far reaching, impacting gender equity to education.” 

Fellow Water Leader Shaun Kempton, National Water Manager at John Holland highlighted that as Australian water industry professionals, it’s easy to become swept up in the day-to-day challenges they all face.  

“WaterAid’s work and advocacy put into context how minor some of these can actually be when compared to gaining access to reliable and safe water around other parts of the world.”  

Funds raised through Walk for Water will help communities around the world gain access to clean water sources close to home, freeing up women’s time and enabling girls to spend more time at school. 

Last year alone, WaterAid reached 388,000 household members,155,000 school students and 1,618,000 patients in healthcare facilities with access to clean water*. Funds raised through Walk for Water are vital in maintaining and extending this impact. 

“By joining WaterAid’s Walk for Water 2024, participants advocate for the fundamental human right to clean water,” said WaterAid Australia Director of Corporate and Community Engagement Teresa Ayles. 

Supporting Walk for Water empowers WaterAid Australia to continue its vital work, transforming lives and communities, raising much needed awareness and making clean water a reality for those who need it most.”