The 17th Great Illawarra Walk has raised nearly $90,000 for KidsWish, thanks to the remarkable efforts of 548 walkers who covered 42km from Shellharbour to Austinmer on Saturday, March 9.
The fundraiser began as a conversation among friends almost two decades ago and today the Great Walk has become a popular annual event, dedicated to supporting children facing disabilities and illness.
“It was a casual chat in a coffee shop with friends who noticed I was walking a lot, ” said Chris Lovatt, the founder of the Great Illawarra Walk.
“I was trying to stay healthy mid-age and they suggested a charity walk might be an idea.
“Being an ex-teacher, helping kids was a big inspiration.”
The walk has evolved significantly. Initially a 100km trek from Shellharbour to Botany Bay, it became a 42km route to Austinmer after safety concerns led to alterations. Chris went the full marathon distance this year, starting at 7am and finishing at 3:30pm.
In its 17th year, the walk featured some course adjustments. There were three starting points; the first at Bean Roasted Espresso Bar in Shellharbour. The second start was at Belmore Basin for a family-friendly two-kilometre walk to Stuart Park with fun activities at the end. The third leg, from Stuart Park, covered 18 kilometres, ending at Headlands Hotel in Austinmer.
Thanks to the walk’s sponsor, Illawarra Security Guards, walkers were kitted out with shirts and water en route.
Local feedback afterwards reflected the region's tight-knit and compassionate spirit.
“We went for a walk around Shell Cove and Shellharbour and so many people we bumped into said ‘Oh, the walk went so well’,'' Chris said.
“They were just so supportive and I just can't remember how many people were coming up to me and saying congratulations.”
After a triumphant result in 2024, the organisation will be looking for ongoing support and is inviting more corporate sponsors to contribute.
“We've managed on a pretty much a shoestring budget,” Chris said.
“We'd love to get a few more corporate sponsors to throw some money in because it just helps us to raise that little bit more.”
The beneficiary, KidsWish, is an Illawarra charity committed to fulfilling the lives of children with disabilities and illness. Donations will be open for the next two weeks, so if you’d like to contribute to a good cause, here’s a link to their website.
