New event on the GVRT targets women walkers

Early bird registrations are open until April 12 for Lake High – ‘Walk for Autism’ on April 26, 2024 for teams of two to ten women to walk 15 or 30 kms, along the Mansfield end of the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Funds raised will support an expansion of integrated autism services in regional Victoria.

The new event will attract locals and women looking for a weekend away with social time, exercise, and the feel good of walking for a great cause. It will be easy walking on a well-formed track, but not for the faint hearted and the celebration for finishing will take place at the Station Precinct with music, food, and beverages.

According to Simone Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of the not-for-profit Mansfield Autism Statewide Services, “Mansfield has the ideal walking track in the Great Victorian Rail Trail, the perfect location for a weekend getaway and a wonderful reason to walk, to raise funds for a critically needed expansion of services for autistic children and their families, to help get them off waitlists.

“We’re expanding in response to overwhelming demand, and all funds raised help make our vision, of a Centre of Excellence Therapeutic Care Farm, a reality. So far Lake High has raised close to $13 thousand dollars and our target is $50 thousand toward furniture and fit out of the new family retreat and respite cabins that are at practical completion,” she said.

Registered walkers are coming from all over Victoria, with NSW and Queensland also represented, and they’re walking for all sorts of reasons.  Some are parents of autistic children already being supported by Mansfield Autism or hoping to be, and others are keen walkers who are happy to support a wonderful cause.

Lake High is a one day walk event. Participants register online at lakehigh.org.au. There is no compulsory fundraising minimum, although every dollar raised beyond registration will be greatly appreciated and put to important use. The website is also a great source of inspiration for all the additional things to do in the area once the walk is over, from exploring, relaxing, dining, shopping and local events.

For more information on Lake High go to https://lakehigh.org.au/