As we all know, COVID-19 has changed all of our lives, right across the world. Whilst this has been devastating, the response by Governments and communities has been outstanding, particularly in Queensland. Obviously, as organisers of this great event, we’ve been monitoring the situation and have been in close contact with the local Health Officials and Government on how COVID-19 may impact the Walk for Awareness. At the moment, we are still working towards our scheduled date of Sunday 11 October 2020. This year we are launching our virtual event by inviting the rest of Australia to join us on this date to help raise the awareness and funds for Mental Health in Australia.
The physical event will change from what we know with reduced numbers at the venue at any one time. We are requesting that you book into a specific time slot while entering. We encourage you to not arrive at the venue any early than 30minutes to your nominated start time. We will send you through more information on the process in the morning to ensure you have a safe and comfortable Walk for Awareness experience in 2020.
- We do encourage at-risk participants to consider participating in the virtual event at this time – this includes participants over 65 years old or anyone with medical conditions.
- Participants are encouraged to wear PPE within the festival area but can be removed when out on course if you prefer.
- Please maintain physical distance at all times this is 1.5m or two big steps away from another participant.
- Use hand sanitizer provided and also bring your own
- Wash your hands regularly at handwashing stations
- Please bring your own reusable water bottle with you as limit water will be provided at the event.
- Minimise the number of supporters to attend the event and
- If feeling unwell, the expectation that they will not attend the event.
- If you become unwell at the event seek medical care immediately
- If you become ill after the event to contact the event organiser.
We will continue to work closely with the Government and local agencies over the coming months and if there is a need to change this physical event, we do have backup plans to come to you virtually on that day. Though for now, we keep on planning for October, with various options being considered as to how we do this under COVID-19 considerations. Your health, the health of our volunteers, and the workforce are of primary importance, so rest assured we will implement a safe, successful, and fun event for you.
During this time, we do know large parts of the community have been focusing on their health and in particular people taking up walking to keep fit and mentally healthy. So we hope to welcome some new faces virtually to the Walk for Awareness event this year, which is very exciting.
Be safe, stay fit, and healthy and we look forward to seeing your smiling faces from across Australia on Sunday, October 11, 2020. Let’s make this the largest walk in the world for Mental Health Awareness, we need you more than ever! You are Awesome!
