Do your bit to help Australia’s
drought affected communities
Gait to Gate
Register your interest now
GAIT TO GATE
Gait: noun – a person’s manner of walking
“Much of Australia is in the grip of the worst drought experienced since intensive farming began over 200 years ago.
Drought equals destruction and ruin – of our land, our animals, our income, our families…We hurt together, and hurt with and for our animals, who relied on us.
One particularly horrible day, when my husband was away, I found a dead cow in one of our dams. I had to swim out to put chains around her neck, so she wouldn’t pollute what little water was left. Swimming back to the edge, I was so sick of the whole situation; I alternated between yelling in fury at Mother Nature and begging her to change these clear blue skies to dark rainy ones. Then, knowing the school bus was due home soon, I climbed into the tractor, pulled her out and buried her.”
– Fleur McDonald, Author and Farmer
You can make a meaningful impact in the lives of the families that are struggling with the realities of sustained drought. Most of those affected are not big business (despite the land area of their farms); they are small-business, they are families, they are unique, small communities and they’re doing it tough in every sense of the word.
In May 2019, it’s your turn to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty on the farm; to give a chop-out to our rural communities in desperate need of a hand.
The team from Adventure Excellence, invite you to the first Gait to Gate for Drought Relief – a 5-day fundraising trek starting and finishing in Winton, Queensland that will cross the paddocks, dried water-courses and billabongs, and go from farm-house to farm-house on foot for over 110kms. The aim: to raise over $500,000 that can provide water and feed for stock, groceries for families, petrol for the car, money for school fees, counselling and mental-health support, and hope.
Overview
Winton in central-west Queensland has a unique place in Australia’s history, but unfortunately today is in the centre of some of the worst affected drought area in our country. Famous as the birthplace of Qantas in 1920, and arguably more importantly, the writing of Waltzing Matilda in 1895 by Banjo Paterson with musical arrangement by Christina Macpherson.
The Gait to Gate for Drought Relief will be a trek through farming properties in the district. Participants will see, hear, and feel the reality of the landscape and the community, but importantly will bring distraction, entertainment and joy to the families of the region whilst raising money to support drought relief more broadly across Australia through one or more registered charities that specialise in drought support such as Rural Aid.
Each day, participants will trek in a range of 20 to 25kms over a period of 6 to 8 hours. It won’t be difficult terrain, but it can be expected to be warm to hot (average day temperature of around 28 degrees with cool nights averaging 13 degrees). This is one of the most temperate times in the region with cooler days than the peak of summer, but mild rather than very cold nights.
An essential aspect of the trek is to successfully build a mobile-community – firstly between the trekking participants, but equally between them and the communities that we will be passing through. Camp fires, barbecues, story-telling, music, poetry readings – a bit of good old Aussie bull-dust – it’s all part of bringing energy, positivity, but reality to the experience.
Enrol as a Team – Sponsor Support Discount
We invite small and large businesses, and groups to enrol as a team of four participants to receive a $2,200 discount. We will recognise you in our marketing, you will receive a certificate of support, and also have your team/corporate name embroidered on your trek shirt. We will extend the same benefit to each group of four participants that wish to register together, whether that be as a family, a group of mates, or perhaps a community group, sporting club or business.
Indicative Program (subject to negotiations with land-holders and suppliers)
| DAY | ITINERARY |
|---|---|
| Saturday 4 May |
Accommodation: North Gregory Hotel |
| Sunday 5 May |
Accommodation: Swags under the stars |
| Monday 6 May |
Accommodation: Swags under the stars |
| Tuesday 7 May |
Accommodation: Swags under the stars |
| Wednesday 8 May |
Accommodation: North Gregory Hotel |
| Thursday 9 May | Travel Day back home in your own time – drive or fly |
Duration Home-Winton-Home: 6 Days for most
Challenge Rating: 3/5
Accommodation: 2 nights Hotel; 3 nights in swags (supplied)
Flights: Not included (Return transfers from Longreach airport are included)
Cost: Individuals A$3,300 OR Support Sponsor Team of Four Participants A$11,000 (includes GST)
Catering: All meals and water. (Other beverages are at own cost)
Preparation: Full training program provided (8-week program)
Fundraising Target: $5,000 per person
*Note: The fundraising target is a goal for each participant and we will provide our Fundraising Guide and total support to help you achieve your target. Every dollar goes to your chosen charity.
