A 42 km walk on Cape York’s corrugated dirt roads will return this year to continue to raise awareness of mental health.
The inaugural Conquer the Corrugations walk was held last year following the death of Dylan Jackson, Wolverton Station, two years ago.
Co-organiser Emma Jackson, Dylan’s aunt, said the inaugural walk in 2015 brought together over ninety people each with a different story about how mental health had impacted their life.
She said the walk had changed people.
“By creating a physically enduring challenge which is achievable, social and fun, we hope lives, attitudes and health will be improved” Mrs Jackson said.
“Last year’s event was extremely successful. We ran on full donations and local business support.
“One of last year’s walkers told me she didn’t think she could do it.
“She said she had never achieved anything in her life but now felt empowered to do more.
“The beauty of this event is it is for the community driven by the community and successful because the wider community support it.”
Walkers will be travel from Coen information Centre to the Archer River Roadhouse on Cape York over two days, 1 and 2 October.
People can also choose to complete the distance as a marathon on day one.
Co-organiser Michelle Radlof said she was involved in the event because the community needed to come together and support each other.
“We are losing adults and children to suicide and other mental health issues,” Ms Radlof said.
“How the words ‘mental health’ makes people feel need to change.
“We must encourage people to discuss their mental health and not see it as taboo or unspoken.
“There are solutions for all problems and if we can save one life a year by bringing people together, talking and walking then the event has achieved its purpose,” she said.
Anyone of any age or any fitness level can walk individually, in teams or on a horse.
For more information on how to support or participate in this Conquer the Corrugations