Fiona Scott (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the name of charity 10 local businessmen set out on Tuesday, 20 May for a mammoth 170 kilometre walk from Bathurst to Blaxland. Now in its sixth year, the Great Walk was founded by local men Jonathan Green and Mark Mulock. This initiative actually started out over a few too many beers in a local pub and has now raised over $700,000. The 2014 walk, which concluded five days later on 24 May, is anticipated to raise close to $110,000, which will be allocated to a number of local charities which make a real difference to our community. These charities include the Nepean Hospital Infants Ward, Springwood Hospital Auxiliary, Penrith Community Kitchen, Riding for the Disabled, and Sailability. I would also like to recognise football legend Mark Geyer, who has now walked on three occasions. I also want to recognise the other walkers, Rob Wearn, David Crossman, Trent Baker, Greg Nelson, Tony Bowden, Graham O'Kell and Cameron McInnes. Initiatives like the Great Walk Foundation from a local pub concept are now being incredibly beneficial and supportive to the wider community and represent the generosity and community spirit of the Nepean Valley, which I am so proud to represent. We are a wonderful community and we are always willing to dig deep to support a good cause. I congratulate the walkers on what is another very successful walk.