And they’re off!
On 14 July the Bibbulmun Track’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations kicked off with an official reception at the Zig Zag Cultural Centre in Kalamunda followed by a rousing send-off for the walkers at the Northern Terminus.
The focus of the celebration was not only to farewell the end-to-enders, but to recognise all those involved in the initial building of the Track and to thank the volunteers, members and partners who have continued to maintain and support the Track over the past 25 years.
Matthew Hughes MLA, Member for Kalamunda spoke about the history of the Bibbulmun Track and the vital role played by the Foundation in engaging the community and supporting DBCA with the maintenance, management and marketing of the Track.
Having completed almost 85% of the Track, over multiple weekend trips, BTF Patron Kerry Sanderson spoke from experience “The wilderness nature of much of the Track and the variety of terrains as well as the length are what I see as unique. It is great to get away from others and engage with the natural world, to spend time alone or to talk with others.”
Kerry then presented a framed print of an artwork representing the Bibbulmun Track to Cr Margaret Thomas, Mayor of the City of Kalamunda in recognition of the role of the City in hosting the Northern Terminus. The artwork was created by Joe Collard of Djoona, an organisation specialising in cultural solutions.
In response, the Mayor spoke about how the Track had become a significant attraction for the region attracting hikers from around the world and acknowledged the vital role the town played in providing services and a warm welcome to walkers.
Javier Brodalka from the Foundation’s Premier Partner, Newmont Boddington Gold (NBG), then announced that the partnership was being extended for a further five years. First established in 2006, Javier spoke about the importance of the Partnership which supports the volunteer “Eyes on the Ground’ maintenance program and also provides volunteering opportunities for NBG staff.
Outside, the drumming commenced and the crowd started to gather. Led by the ten end-to-enders the colourful parade made its way up to the Northern Terminus for the final farewell from Lead Guide, Steve Sertis.
The sun had come out and the walkers took off with smiles on their faces accompanied by many friends, family members and well-wishers for the first eight kilometres.
Over eight weeks the end-to-enders will be joined by different groups of ‘sectional’ walkers who will accompany them from town to town. Many regional schools are also joining the group on the day they walk into each town when a community celebration will take place.
The anniversary celebrations will culminate in, what we hope will be, a mammoth gathering at the Southern Terminus in Albany as the walkers arrive on Wednesday 13 September 2023. We hope you will join us as we greet the walkers and help us to Celebrate the Journey.
We thank Lotterywest and the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries for their support of the 25th Anniversary celebrations including the community event, virtual hike and the school challenge.
