Registrations have opened for The Blue Mountains Trek for Timor, to be held Saturday, August 25.
Now is the time to register your team for a 15km, 30km or 50km trek through the Blue Mountains to raise money for projects in the remote and mountainous Hatobuilico region of East Timor.
The event has been run every second year for five years, with trekkers raising money from their families, friends and workmates to support Australia’s nearest and poorest neighbour, Timor-Leste (East Timor).
Some groups have already registered to trek again this year. Among them are the Upper Blueys from the Upper Blue Mountains Bush Walking Club. They have blitzed the 50km field a couple of times already.
When asked why he and his team are trekking again this year, Don Kerr from the Upper Blueys said: “We just love it, we look forward to it every two years. I find it a lot of fun and it makes me feel good that we can contribute to East Timor. The support staff make it a great experience, great fun, and more people should do it.”
Last trek they completed the distance in nine hours and 26 minutes. Maybe your team would like to take up the challenge of coming in faster than they do this time?
If speed is not your thing then you can take on the Silly Dilis who were the highest fundraising team last trek. The five-member team raised $3500.
When asked about his motivation for trekking, Charlie Finch from the Silly Dilis said: “It’s a great opportunity to push your limits in lots of areas; firstly the challenge of getting contributions from colleagues and friends to a cause that’s outside of their everyday experience, and secondly the mental and physical challenges of the trek itself.”
The highest fundraisers receive a team prize that often includes an overnight stay in beautiful local accommodation.
So, gather a team of four to six friends, workmates or family members and sign up for the trek. You can take on one of these challenges, or just challenge yourselves to have a great day raising much-needed donations for community projects in Hatobuilico.
If you are a team of young people aged 15-18 the trek committee have made it possible for you to trek the 30km or 50km unaccompanied this year, with a few rules and expectations.
“Don't forget that you can also register to volunteer on the day if you want to help out but you're not a big bushwalker," said Susan Ambler from the trek committee.
Register at trekfortimorbm.org.au.
