First maintenance outing for Buddiup participants
Local organization Buddiup have joined the Track maintenance effort, taking on the section between Hewetts Hill campsite and the Golden View lookout at South Ledge.
Six Buddiup participants – along with their leaders and support workers – made their first visit to the section recently. Buddiup founder and project coordinator Alastair Mackenzie reported that “We had a great visit today. We started at Golden View and got a couple of kilometres in before turning back and having lunch at the car park. We spent some time on the viewing platform to clear some of the dirt that has built up over time – the crew did a great job.”
Buddiup participants, leaders and supports on their first maintenance visit
Buddiup, and sister organisation, Sisterup, support young people with disability to develop healthy lives and social connection. With the stated values of Lifting Up, Leading Up and Linking Up, they “aim to build capability, confidence and friendships through the pillars of health, relationships, community and learning.” They provide life skills and physical activity programs, mentoring and community supports, a gym, and social activities. They were founded in Perth in 2020 and have since expanded to Victoria.
Sally, the mother of Buddiup participant Peter, was keen to develop her son’s engagement with the Bibbulmun Track and initiated the relationship between the two organisations. Following initial discussions, several Buddiup/Sisterup leaders registered as BTF volunteers to facilitate coordination and information sharing.
Based on the resources regularly provided to our sectional maintenance volunteers, information and checklists were customized to the needs of their participants; and a maintenance toolkit was put together, to take on each visit.
They have established a planned monthly visit program: “This will involve meeting at our headquarters, making a packed lunch together, completing a checklist ensuring we have the appropriate tools and equipment and then heading out to the Track. We will spend 2-3 hours walking and observing the track and undertaking any general maintenance as required, finishing with a group lunch.”
All participants have support workers who will join them on the Track.
Participants working at Golden View lookout, on their first maintenance visit
With their holistic approach to support and enrichment for people with disability, Buddiup and Sisterup anticipate multiple benefits from this partnership, as their website states:
- Assisting the Foundation to undertake an important role in a world-renowned hiking trail
- Learning planning and maintenance skills
- Enjoying nature and physical activity
- Time to socially connect with other like-minded people
Welcome on board!
Participant Peter is excited about his new maintenance section!
