Walking the talk, conquering corrugations

A LARGE number of walkers are limbering up to participate in this month’s Conquer the Corrugations walk between Inverleigh and Winchelsea – and back.

The event originated in Queensland, raising awareness of mental health matters while forging strong, supportive connections, and was brought to the local patch by Winchelsea resident Robert (Charlie) Earl.

Happening over Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March, this year’s Conquer the Corrugations walk will be the fourth local version and Mr Earl is among many looking forward to pulling on the walking shoes and being part of the special event.

“It’s to reduce the stigma with mental health, and we know we’re doing that,” said Mr Earl.

“If you can learn to talk and communicate with someone then when you do get into trouble you’ve got the opportunity to talk and fix the problem. If you can’t open up and tell people you’re having trouble they don’t know. If they do know, people will keep an eye out for you.”

This time, on Saturday walkers will set out from Inverleigh, and can walk the entire 18 kilometres to Winchelsea, finishing up with a pub meal and live music at the Barwon Hotel, or can jump on the event minibus at any time along the way, with breaks every six Ks.

There’s even a travelling loo accompanying the walkers, and a masseur provided by Hesse Rural Health to assist with aching muscles or walker’s cramps if needed.

Day two on Sunday reverses the walk, taking participants from Winchelsea to finish back in Inverleigh, with some opting to camp the Saturday night at Winchelsea.

Mr Earl said there’ll be a couple of special guest speakers and a meal or two to enjoy along the way each day with plenty of support from local sponsors and volunteers.

“It’s a not-for-profit, family-friendly, free community event open to all ages and abilities,” he said.

“It’s great. Walking and talking with all the people, the conversations. It’s really nice to be walking with a group. It’s all about connecting.

“I originally saw it on ABC’s Landline a few years ago when a friend of mine was having trouble, and I said, we should go to this. When we got up there in Queensland we didn’t know anyone. But we did the walk.

“Good discussions took place. It was a real opening experience and afterwards I thought it would be good to bring it back here. It’s all about talking to, and listening to, people.”

Registrations are required for catering purposes and can be made via the Conquer the Corrugations – Victoria Facebook page, and more volunteers are also being welcomed.