Walk and talk for mental health

A WALKING event aimed at raising mental health awareness is set to debut in the region later this month.

Having first taken place in Queensland eight years ago, the Conquer the Corrugations Mental Health Awareness Walk is being introduced to Victoria’s south-west.

The two-day local event will entail walking nearly 40 kilometres along the Barwon River from Winchelsea to Inverleigh and back again.

Organiser, Robert Earl said the walk is about letting people know what services are out there.

“The corrugations is the ups and downs of life,” he said. “You can’t beat the corrugations but you can get some assistance to help you with it and that’s what this is about.

“It’s helping you through, knowing who to find for services and just having a talk.

“A lot of people who have mental health issues, they have lots of trouble finding someone to talk to because no one wants to talk about it.”

With $7000 provided between Winchelsea’s Bendigo Community Bank and IGA branches, a bus will accompany attendees with stop-off points setup throughout the circuit.

Highlighted organisations include the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Lifeline, with teams from both groups taking part in the event and leading optional workshops following the arrival into Inverleigh.

The RFDS was conceptualised by Inverleigh-born aviator Lieutenant John Clifford ‘Cliff’ Peel, and the team will commemorate him with an instalment at the town’s rotunda.

Mr Earl said the social camaraderie is an important part of the event.

“What happens is as you walk, everyone walks a little bit different and people pass slow,” he said.

“Everyone sort of listens in a little bit to each other so they hear something and join in with the conversation.

“People will tell you about their worries and issues, and the other good thing is it gives you that time to talk.”

The Conquer the Corrugations Victorian debut will take place from Saturday, 27 to Sunday, 28 May.

Registration is encouraged for catering purposes and can be done via the event website or by contacting Mr Earl on 0428 522 695.