Walk the Falls: Mental Health Wellbeing Walk

My name is Sean Bale and thank you for taking an interest in this community wellbeing initiative - Walk the Falls for Wellbeing. I, together with a group of 95+ dedicated individuals are aiming to make a positive impact on mental health awareness and wellbeing. We will be embarking on three challenging rainforest walks in Lamington National Park covering 62km in total during the Easter Weekend (2024).

Meet the Team:

Sean Bale, Tanya Robinson, Lisa O’Donoghue (organisers)

Belinda Bale, Ireland Bale, Parker Bale, Franklyn Bale, Amelie Boulton, Colleen Boulton, Damian Boulton, Dan Boulton, Steve Redding, Corbin Baumanis, Gary Creasey, Erin Merrin, Hayley Devereaux, Alec Brand, Marnie Wainwright, Jason Wainwright, Georgia Liuissi, Jessica Price, Hayley Herselmann, Sam Herselmann, Lucas Herselmann, Lara Sumich, Lee Murphy, Peter Murphy, Shannon Robb, Ana Walton, Alex Galt, Tali Bastos, Peta Aucoin, Karen Couch, Michael Toloa, Isabelle Toloa, Delia Bell, Bronte Reed, Abigail McKowen, Ayden Fell, Georgia Normile, Sam McConaghy, Deeva Hero, Asha Paech, Celena Burrows, Michael Iffland, Emily Woolnough, Lily Pearson, Hudson Rowe, Zach Allen, Allegra Jaffar, Priscilla Musolino, Scarlett Thorpe, Rudy Hoschke, Martin Simpson, Priit Vosu, Leanne Gordon, Hannah Gordon, Karly Gordon, Oliver Mount, Estella Walker, Eva Lawrie, Caitlin MacDonald, Matika Halleday, Zayden Jaffar, Aden Wan Lum, Poppy Zarew, Emily Woolnough, Kate Rentoul, Ash Hooper, Harley Humrich

The Walk the Falls Team, invite you to join us by either lacing up your hiking boots and walking with us or supporting our efforts through sponsorship. Please know that every step that this team takes, and every cent raised will make a difference to those in the community managing mental health. The Walk the Falls team recognises mental health does not discriminate emphasising the importance of regular actions to promote positive wellbeing, such as social connection, exercise and spending time in nature. Walk the Falls also acknowledges the silent struggle faced by many of loved ones, friends and colleagues. As you read this, I am certain many of you will know someone who could benefit from additional support during challenging times. This walk is to them; to create a supportive community for all of us.

Aims:

1) Raise awareness of daily actions and initiatives to promote positive wellbeing

2) Raise awareness of available community support for those silently struggling

3) To challenge stigma through open conversation

4) Raise funds to subsidise mental health care

We, the team will walk three breathtaking World Heritage Listed Rainforest tracks in the pristine Lamington National Park, covering a total of 62km of challenging terrain across three days. Along the way, we will be treated to the beauty of several stunning waterfalls, each a symbol of nature’s resilience and healing power. The path may be arduous but the reward of witnessing these majestic wonders will make every step worth the effort. Your financial support will be most appreciated.

We are proud to announce that 100% of the funds raised through this initiative will be donated to the Gunnebah Drug and Alcohol Rehab Clinic. www.gunnebah.com.au

An organisation dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals battling mental health and addiction.

We are committed to ensuring that our community can find the support and resources they need to overcome their mental health challenges. Your support for this community initiative goes beyond financial assistance; it raises awareness about the importance of taking regular actions to promote wellbeing and identifies the availability of support for those in need. The aim is to create a network of support so that nobody feels alone in their struggle.

Thank you for your support.

Sean x

Planned Walk Date: Easter Weekend: Lamington National Park:

March 29th Good Friday; Max 30 participants

• Track 1: 16km: 10+ waterfalls

• Bus departure @5:45 am

• Walk the Falls T-Shirt can be purchased as an optional extra. Please contact organiser: Sean Bale

March 30th Saturday; Max 30 participants

• Track 2: 25km: 15+ waterfalls

• Bus departure @5:45 am

• Walk the Falls T-Shirt can be purchased as an optional extra. Please contact organiser: Sean Bale

March 31st Sunday; Max 30 participants

• Track 3: 21km: 10 Waterfalls

• Bus departure @5:45 am

• Walk the Falls T-Shirt can be purchased as an optional extra. Please contact organiser: Sean Bale

• To obtain a place on any of the walks, please contact Sean Bale for further details. Places are limited.

Logistical organisation/planning: October 2023 – February 2024:

1. "Walk the Falls for Someone" Committee was established with Lisa O’Donoghue, Yvette Frankel, and Damian Boulton as committee members; October 2023

2. Fundraising sanction applied with Office of Fair Trade in November 2023

3. Fundraising sanction successfully received from Office of Fair Trade; January 2024

Sanction provides legal permission to undertake fundraising activities for Walk the Falls until March 29th. No funds can be received for Walk the Falls after this date.

4. Successfully opened an independent bank account under the name “Walk the Falls.”

5. Yvette Frankel, Damian Boulton, and Sean Bale are approved signatories; Jan 2023

6. Financial records will be submitted to the Office Fair Trade within 30 days of Walk the Falls (29th March)

7. Permit to walk Lamington National Park submitted to Queensland Park Rangers, Jan 2024

o Permit approved with group size conditions; Jan 2024: 30 participants per track.

8. Completed risk assessments to ensure a safe and responsible expedition. Dec 24