Last Saturday Hike to Heal Australia launched its flagship event, the Hike to Heal Scavenger Hike, at the Mount Peel Bushland Park between Westbrook and Drayton.
The event was attended by several local councillors, guest speakers, and members of the public who braved the overcast and drizzly weather to support the cause of suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The event, now in its fourth year, was opened by Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald, who praised the awarding winning initiative and its positive impact on the community.
He was followed by Chris Black, the board chair of Momentum Mental Health, a local mental health service that partnered with Hike to Heal Australia for the 2024 event.
Mr Black spoke about the importance of providing accessible and affordable mental health resources and programs for people dealing with mental ill health and suicide loss.
The final guest speaker was Ms Merna Dwyer from Doing Life Differently, a motivational speaker and coach who spoke about the importance of developing a resilient mindset in overcoming adversity and finding purpose and joy in life.
She encouraged the participants to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the scavenger hike offered, and to connect with nature, themselves, and each other.
After the opening ceremony, the participants set off on the hike, which lasted for about two hours.
They enjoyed the scenic views, the fresh air, and the friendly atmosphere.
Along the way, they left messages of hope and healing on the Tribute Trees for all those who had lost loved ones to suicide and encouragement for those who were bravely battling mental ill health.
The Hike to Heal Scavenger Hike 2024 was a celebration of mental health awareness and wellbeing.
Funds raised from The Hike to Heal Scavenger Hike 2024 will be used to support Momentum Mental Health’s wellbeing programs in the Toowoomba region.
The event also promoted the Hike to Heal Australia’s ethos of stepping stones to mental health, which include connection, gratitude, mindfulness, movement, and nature.
Jim Barton, President of Hike to Heal Australia and co-founder of the event, thanked all the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and partners for their support and contribution to the event.
On a sad note, Mr Barton said Hike to Heal’s Insta Stand was stolen from Mt Peel Bushland Park some time between Saturday and Sunday evening.
He said the stand was a symbol of our community’s support for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
“We are deeply disappointed that someone would do such a thing, and we hope that they will return it,” he said.
“We also ask anyone who has any information about the theft of our Insta Stand to contact us or the police.”
“We will not let this incident stop us from hiking to heal and stepping together for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.”
Mr Barton also announced that on Friday 23rd February (tomorrow), the H2H Team Challenge: a new event to encourage wellness in the workplace will take place at Mt. Peel Bushland at 2.30pm and invited everyone to join them again for another fun and meaningful adventure.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, on 22 February 2024.
