The 90th anniversary of organised bushwalking in Victoria will be celebrated at Wilsons Promontory National Park over the weekend of 11-13 October 2024, when bushwalkers from clubs from all over Victoria will gather for a program of walks, talks and friendship.
The President of Bushwalking Victoria, Robyn Shingles, said 330 bushwalkers from the state’s 60 affiliated clubs would take part in the event, organised by the Bayside Bushwalking Club in partnership with Parks Victoria.
“This year’s event promises to be one of our most exciting yet, celebrating the 90th anniversary of Bushwalking Victoria with over 20 walks — some hard, medium and easy — that highlight the natural beauty of the Prom.”
Ms Shingles said Bushwalking Victoria was the peak body for bushwalkers and bushwalking clubs in Victoria. The organisation was formed in 1934 as the Federation of Victorian Bushwalking Clubs to be a strategic voice in decision making around the conservation and management of national and state parks in Victoria and to promote bushwalking as a healthy, environmentally responsible activity.
The guest speaker at the event on Saturday evening will be Professor David Lindenmayer from the Australian National University, Canberra, who is an advocate for expanding national parks in Victoria in the aftermath of the decision to halt logging in state parks and public land.
Prof Lindenmayer will speak on the importance of good management of national parks —both ecologically and economically.
“New forms of finance will be needed to ensure that there are sufficient well targeted resources (including monitoring) to support good protection as well as good management; this includes management of the impacts of people,” Prof Lindenmayer said.
Parks Victoria’s chief ranger for Wilsons Promontory, Brett Mitchell, will give an update on walking track maintenance schedules and progress on the predator exclusion fence.
The President of the Bayside Bushwalking Club, Lyn Curtis, said “More than 20 per cent of Victoria’s native plant species and half of its bird species occur in the national park, which makes it a very significant environmental area,” Ms Curtis said.
“Bushwalkers love the Prom. The variety of landscapes —from mountains to squeaky beaches —make it a special place. Thousands of Victorian families have holidayed here over the years and generations of people have learned to love nature because of their experiences here,” Ms Curtis said.
Ms Shingles said the event would also acknowledge the role of volunteer bushwalkers in search and rescue.
“Unfortunately, people have been getting lost in the bush since the first days of settlement. Bushwalkers became involved in search and rescue in an organised way in 1949 when 15 hikers sailed from Port Welshpool to Sealers Cove to help in the search for Alfred Howie whose body was never found.”
Ms Shingles said a highly trained Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR) service now supported Victoria Police in searches for people lost in bushland and the snowfields.
“There are over 250 volunteers, all experienced and skilled bushwalkers, ready to back up Victoria Police’s Search and Rescue Squad whenever required.”
The weekend also acknowledges the contribution of volunteers with the Bush Track and Conservation arm who carry out hands-on work on tracks and conservation projects in national and state parks and prepared the tracks for the celebration weekend.
“Bushwalking Victoria is dedicated to promoting the joys and benefits of bushwalking across our beautiful state. The annual FedWalks event is a celebration of our bushwalking community, bringing together members from across the state to explore stunning landscapes, share experiences and build new friendships,” Ms Shingles said.
Bayside Bushwalking Club led the organisation of the event with support from Melbourne Bushwalkers, Gisborne Walking Club and South Gippsland Walking and Adventure Club. Over 50 walk leaders and 20 support staff —all volunteers —will back up the walkers from a marquee at Tidal River, where walkers have booked out the roofed accommodation for the weekend.
To further celebrate the 90th Anniversary, affiliated bushwalking clubs from across Victoria are opening their walks up to new participants for Try Bushwalking Month this November to showcase the incredible benefits of bushwalking with a club. With 60+ walking events across Victoria led by over 30 clubs, there’s a walk for almost everyone.
For interviews and more information contact:
Lyn Curtis, President Bayside Bushwalking Club: 0409 401 482, lyn.curtis@bigpond.com
Richelle Olsen, Executive Officer Bushwalking Victoria: 0402 936 397, eo@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au