Do you know why it’s important to carry and plan trips with paper maps when bushwalking? Maps For Change is a project that wants to answer this question for a new generation of walkers.
This is a project led by paper map nerds at Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) and Victorian Mountain Tramping Club (VMTC) who see an opportunity to celebrate and recirculate maps to a new generation of walkers.
They love paper maps and are planning an event in May 2025 celebrating the values of them, showing why they are important, and how to use them. To help the process along they will be selling second-hand maps on the day for a gold coin donation each. Funds raised will go to conservation projects of VNPA and VMTC.
They are currently requesting contributions: the maps can be of anywhere in Australia and must be in usable condition.
Drop your maps off at the VNPA Office (Level 3, 60 Leicester St, Carlton), the VMTC Clubrooms in Powlett Reserve on a social night (from 7.30pm, 3rd Thursdays of every month), or bring them along to FedWalks where there will be a collection box at the registration area. Alternatively, get in touch with the paper map nerds at mapsforchangevic@gmail.com and they will find a way to collect them from you.
If you’d like to stay updated, follow us on Instagram at @mapsforchangevic or register to their mailing list to hear about their event here.