More than a 1600 people are set to take on an epic challenge of endurance through the Victorian bush while they raise funds to tackle poverty at Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne this weekend.
Walking 100km, 55km or 30km in teams of three to six, the endurance challenge kicks off along the beautiful Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, descends upon the iconic the 1,000 steps and finishes around picturesque Lysterfield Park. Walkers may even catch a glimpse of Australia's oldest and best-preserved heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, as they traverse the Dandenong Ranges.
A key component of Trailwalker is fundraising, and the teams have raised close to $1 million so far to help people in poverty around the world.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said raising funds for people most in need is so important, highlighting the recent earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria.
"Year after year, it is incredible to see teams and their keen supporters unite together for Oxfam Trailwalker, to raise much needed funds to help tackle poverty and inequality.
"Just last month we witnessed devastation by the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria. We are so grateful to have the support of our fantastic walkers to make a real impact to these types of emergencies."
"Whether it's alongside colleagues, friends or as a personal challenge – all Trailwalkers are united by their amazing resolve to work hard and make a real difference in people's lives. I'm always blown away learning people's personal stories and motivations for taking part."
"Since 1999, more than 96 thousand Trailwalkers around the country have raised more than $98.5 million for Oxfam Australia's work tackling poverty around the world," said Ms Morgain.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Photos of teams starting their 100km walk are available from 06:00 on Friday 24 March at Puffing Billy Railway Station, Gembrook.
ABOUT OXFAM TRAILWALKER: Oxfam Trailwalker has been held in Australia for more than two decades raising money for Oxfam's work tackling poverty and inequality around the world. More than 93,000 people have taken part since the event started, raising more than $96 million to tackle poverty. Updates and more detailed information can be found on the website.
