Walk a long way – or just a little – every step counts for Rotary Mackay Corporate’s Lift the Lid Walk on Sunday April 24 in Mackay.
The walk funds research, through Australian Rotary Health, which delivers the knowledge and tools for local mental health organisations to use on the ground in Mackay.
Event organiser, Brendan Hughes, said the morning’s walk was not about distance but taking part and making a positive step toward better mental health outcomes.
“The course goes from Bluewater Quay to a turning point near the harbour on Harbour Road. But you can turn around any time you want,” he said.
“For those who reach the top of the course, there is a coffee voucher reward, which provides a bit of incentive for those able to walk the full distance.”
Check-ins and late registrations on the day start from 7am with the walk commencing at 9am.
Local mental health organisations will be at the Bluewater Quay start-finish point where participants can catch up for a chat about issues for themselves, friends or family before and after the walk.
“We have made great progress towards removing the stigma around mental health in recent years,” Mr Hughes said.
“This walk brings mental health into the open, starts conversations, and also raises money for that vital research.
“When we gain a better understanding of mental health, we can create better ways of dealing with mental health at the local level.
“We are very blessed to have such strong mental health organisations in Mackay who do a great job with awareness and advocacy.
“What we can achieve with this walk is help those organisations be even more effective in their work.”
Mr Hughes encouraged locals to register on the website – www.liftthelidwalk.com.au/mackay and make a family day of it.
