Walk to talk: Community unites for mental health

More than 100 walkers are expected to join their year's event, helping to raise awareness of mental health, support those affected and to honour the loved ones lost. Photo: FACEBOOK/CONQUER THE CORRUGATIONS

REGISTRATIONS have opened for the third annual Conquer the Corrugations walk, a two-day event aimed at raising awareness of, and supporting those affected, by mental health.

To be held on March 29 and March 30, participants will walk 34km over the course of the weekend, travelling from Inverleigh to Winchelsea and back.

Each year, the walk attracts more than 100 walkers, many who have lost loved ones and are eager to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health, and similar numbers are expected to participate again this year.

Event organiser Robert “Charlie” Earl, who established Conquer the Corrugations locally in 2023 after experiencing a similar event in far North Queensland, said the event is more than a walk, it’s a conversation.

“It gives you the opportunity to walk with people and talk about things that you never talk about,” he said.

“What we’ve found out is that if you walk beside someone and you’re just looking forward, you tend to open up and say what’s on your mind.

“You’ll hear things that surprise you and you’ll say things that surprise you. But that’s what it’s all about – it’s about opening up.”

He said the walk had been designed to cater everyone, regardless of their age, experiences or background.

The walk is reasonably flat, and participants will again be joined by a travelling toilet, drinking fountain, representatives from Hesse Rural Health, and a community bus, allowing them to hop on for a rest whenever they need.

Those who take up the offer of a rest are able to re-join the walk at any time.

Community members who wish to only complete part of the 34km trek, whether it be for a day or just two hours, are welcome to still participate.

Free camping will be available in Winchelsea on the Saturday evening for those who wish to stay overnight, and the township’s Barwon Hotel will provide live entertainment for the evening, with everyone invited to join the festivities.

For more information, or to register, head to the Conquer the Corrugations – Victoria Facebook page.