Walkers and horse riders in the Conquer the Corrugations Cape York Mental Health Awareness walk, completed the 42 kilometres from Coen to Archer River Roadhouse over two days, camping overnight just beyond the halfway point on a cattle station.
The 2018 event marked the third year that Maureen Liddy, Apunipima’s Social Emotional Wellbeing Team Leader in Coen had completed the challenge. This year she led a team of Apunipima staff from Coen and Cairns in their first Conquer the Corrugations walk.
“The walk is a good way to demonstrate that with determination we can overcome and achieve anything,” Maureen said.
“It’s important to raise the awareness of mental health in the Cape and this event does a great job getting the message out,” said Maureen.
Maureen said that even though the event was both a physical and mental challenge, there was support each step of the way from fellow walkers and the organisers.
“People really come together to cheer each other on, give a hug if it’s needed, or simply listen to your story while you walk. Often that is all you need to do to help someone whose mental health is suffering,” Maureen added.
Emma Jackson, one of the organisers of Conquer the Corrugations, said that the walk was a way to demonstrate that life is a series of ups and downs, just like the corrugations in a dirt road.
“There may be down times, but there will also be up times and if we save one life, if we help one person get the help they need, the event is a success,” Emma said.
“The reason that I am so passionate about this event is because I want my children to know that it is OK to not be OK all of the time, and to know that there is always someone you can talk to about how you are feeling,” Emma added.
Rachel McIvor and Randall Fyfe, from the Apunipima Social Emotional Wellbeing Centre in Coen were the backbone of the team ensuring that the Apunipima walkers did not need to worry about a chair, or a bed at the end of the long days over the long weekend.
Rachel also participated in the second day by walking hand in hand with each member of the team across the line in true team spirit.
Maureen’s passion for the event and her determination to walk the entire distance this year, won her the people’s choice award ‘Spirit of the Walk.’ The final 19 kilometres of the walk Maureen completed in socks and thongs, because of the large blisters she developed on day one. That is the spirit of the walk! “I may be a bit stiff and sore, but I’ll be back next year” Maureen stated.
