Walkers unite to fight poverty at Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney

Campaigns and Advocacy, Media Releases, Oxfam Trailwalker article written on the 22 Aug 2022

More than 1,800 people are set to embark on an epic endurance challenge while raising much-needed funds to tackle poverty at Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney this weekend.

In its 22nd year in Australia, the event will see 437 teams take on either a 50km or 100km course over 48 hours, as they raise awareness of, and fundraise for Oxfam’s work tackling poverty in communities around the world.

The event kicks off with picturesque views at Parsley Bay and the beautiful bush in the Great Northern Walk. Teams will finish the mammoth event on the Harbour to Hawkesbury Walking Track, taking in the stunning views high above Sydney Harbour.

Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said it was an exciting time for teams that had been training hard over the past few months, with some waiting three years since the event was first cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Just like the participants and their supporters, we are so thrilled to finally see Trailwalker Sydney go ahead after difficult lockdowns and years of uncertainty,” Ms Morgain said.

“While people taking part in Trailwalker are driven by a variety of motivations – from personal goals set during lockdowns to a longstanding tradition of participation – it is the spirit of kindness and goodwill that unites teams together to help tackle poverty and inequality.” Ms Morgain said.

“Teams have been training hard for months to prepare themselves for what will no doubt be both a physically and mentally challenging undertaking. One hundred kilometres is no easy feat, yet teams will be cheered on by their loved ones and driven to push on knowing they will be helping raise life-changing funds for those who need them.”

Ms Morgain said Sydney teams had so far raised more than $1,220,000 to help people in poverty around the world.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Photos of teams starting their 100km walk are available from 7:00am Friday 26 August at Parsley Bay, Brooklyn.

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 90,000 people have taken part since the event started, raising more than $98 million to tackle poverty. Updates and more detailed information can be found on the website.

For interviews, contact Lily Partland on 0418 118 687 / lilyp@oxfam.org.au