RRT Supports Great Aussie Hike

Walking the path to better mental health.

Rapid Relief Team (RRT) volunteers served food to around 150 walkers who took part in the Great Aussie Hike in the Blue Mountains to support mental health.

The Great Aussie Hike brings people together through outdoor adventure, exercise, and camaraderie, with funds raised to support the mental health charity Beyond Blue.

RRT volunteers served up to 450 meals at Katoomba, providing the teams of 3-5 people with the energy to conquer the courses of 30km, 40km, 60km and 100km between Katoomba and Penrith.

“We dished up our signature burgers, sausage sandwiches, chicken wraps and bottles of water to help keep the hikers fed and hydrated,” RRT Katoomba Local team Leader Ron Simpson said.

“We had 15 volunteers working hard on the barbecue to do our bit to support the hikers to reach their respective finish lines.

“This is a fantastic initiative which brings people together in the great outdoors for a very important cause, and the Rapid Relief Team is happy to support.”

The Great Aussie Hike was developed in 2020 by a small group of volunteers who wanted to help the mental well-being of the community after long periods of lockdown and isolation. The three-day event was held at Katoomba over the weekend.

The brainchild of Anna Brown and Luke Stephens is now in its fourth year and is an excellent way for people to have fun and raise money for mental health.

“I would like to acknowledge the incredible support of the Rapid Relief Team as their generosity in donating all the food and drinks allows us to raise even more money for Beyond Blue,” said Anna.

Established in 2013, the RRT is the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

It has more than 14,500 volunteers worldwide who support community events and assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis.