Peninsula residents Jen Willis and Caitie Moncur will be joined by Ararat-based Leila McDougall as ambassadors for this year’s event, which will see trekkers raising money for the Beyond Blue 24/7 Support Service by hiking either 50km from Cape Schanck, a 30km loop from Point Nepean or 20km from Sorrento before finishing at Point Nepean.
Jen is an experienced mountaineer whose climbs have included Mera Peak, Ama Dablam and L obuche East in the Himalayas. She also came within 848m of the summit of Everest before challenging conditions cruelly ended her attempt. “I’ve hiked all over the world but I’m looking forward to exploring the beautiful trails that surround me on the Peninsula,” she said.
Jen will be joined on the 50km trail by Caitie, who understands the benefits of spending time in nature for improved health and wellbeing. “Coastrek offers an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally while immersed in the natural environment with like-minded people,” she said. “I am drawn back every year for the great sense of camaraderie, the stunning scenery and support for a very worthwhile cause.”
Leila, a mental health advocate who highlighted the issue of mental health in rural and farming communities through her film Just a Farmer, will swap horse and saddle for hiking boots to take part in Coastrek for the first time. “I’m looking forward to taking part in Coastrek and continuing to bring attention to mental health in rural communities and the support resources available to them, like the Beyond Blue Support Service – a cause close to my heart,” Leila said.
Coastrek founder Di Westaway OAM said there were “strong synergies between Coastrek and Beyond Blue, with both organisations recognising the benefits that physical fitness, social connections and being in nature have on mental health. Taking on a challenge like Coastrek establishes a positive connection with fitness and a healthy routine that benefits trekkers way beyond the finish line”.
About five million Australians are living with anxiety or depression and nearly half will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. The partnership with Coastrek will support Beyond Blue’s focus on prevention and earlier intervention, supporting people before mental health issues arise or reach crisis point.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said: “Everyone taking part in Coastrek will be making a difference to their own mental health and wellbeing while ensuring advice, support and information provided by the Beyond Blue Support Service continues to be freely available to everyone in Australia whenever and wherever they need it.”
While Coastrek is open to all, it has proved highly popular among women. More than 61 per cent of the contacts made to the Beyond Blue Support Service each year are by women seeking advice and support either for themselves or their loved ones.
You can support Jen, Caitie or Leila by making a donation to their team at www.coastrek.com.au/donate, and you can learn more about the service at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support or by phoning 1300 224 636.
