WaterAid Australia has announced the return of its annual fundraising event, Walk for Water, an extra special year for 2024 as the organisation celebrates its 20-year anniversary.
Running from 30 September to 4 October, Walk for Water invites participants nationwide to walk, run or ride for five days, raising funds and awareness for WaterAid Australia’s water, sanitation and hygiene projects.
The event aims to shed light on the daily struggles of millions who endure long journeys to access clean water, a hardship that affects their health, education and quality of life. Shockingly, 703 million people worldwide – one in ten – lack access to safe water close to home.
For many children, particularly girls, fetching water starts early and continues throughout their lives, often forcing them to sacrifice their education.
By joining Walk for Water, participants will symbolically experience the trek many endure daily for water, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
The event not only raises awareness about the challenges posed by water scarcity but also celebrates the progress made by WaterAid Australia in providing clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene education to vulnerable communities.
In the last 20 years, WaterAid Australia has reached 5.7 million people with its water, sanitation and hygiene programs.
The event has garnered significant support from Australia’s water sector, with corporate teams spanning the country enthusiastically preparing to participate.
Leading these efforts are dedicated Water Leaders who serve as ambassadors for the event, rallying support and championing the cause. Their commitment highlights the collective effort needed to tackle global water challenges and create a more equitable future.
Among the 2024 leaders is South East Water Managing Director, Lara Olsen.
“Supporting WaterAid Australia and Walk for Water is true to South East Water’s purpose to deliver healthy water for life for our customers, community and environment,” Ms Olsen said.
“For communities that don’t have healthy water – for hygiene, for health, for liveability – the impacts are far reaching, impacting gender equity to education.”
Fellow Water Leader and John Holland National Water Manage, Shaun Kempton, said, “As Australian water industry professionals, it’s easy to become swept up in the day-to-day challenges we all face.
“WaterAid’s work and advocacy put into context how minor some of these can actually be when compared to gaining access to reliable and safe water around other parts of the world. The work they do is so incredibly important and I’m really proud to be supporting WaterAid’s Walk for Water.”
Other leaders include Barwon Water Managing Director, Shaun Cumming; Power and Water Corporation CEO, Djuna Pollard; Queensland Water Directorate CEO, Dr Georgina Davis; Seqwater Executive General Manager of People, Culture and Safety, Melissa Williams; Sydney Water Managing Director, Roch Cheroux; Executive General Manger, Customer Experience, Sydney Water, and Non-Executive Director, WaterAid Australia, Denisha Anbu; Urban Utilities CEO, Paul Arnold; Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) CEO, Dean Barnett; Interflow Managing Director, Daniel Weaver; Downer Executive General Manager – Wate, Neal Firth; and more.
Funds raised through Walk for Water will help communities around the world gain access to clean water sources close to home, freeing up women’s time and enabling girls to spend more time at school.
In 2023, WaterAid reached 388,000 household members,155,000 school students and 1,618,000 patients in healthcare facilities with access to clean water*. Funds raised through Walk for Water are vital in maintaining and extending this impact.
WaterAid Australia Director of Corporate and Community Engagement, Teresa Ayles, said, “By joining WaterAid’s Walk for Water 2024, participants advocate for the fundamental human right to clean water.”
“This event, in partnership with the Australian Water Sector underscores the commitment of water professionals to sustainable development and access to clean water for all.
“Supporting Walk for Water empowers WaterAid Australia to continue its vital work, transforming lives and communities, raising much needed awareness and making clean water a reality for those who need it most.”
For more information, or to register, visit: https://fundraise.wateraid.org.au/event/walkforwater-2024/our-water-leaders
Featured image: Monica, 27, and her daughters Sandra, six, Michealine, eleven, and Therease, 12, walk back to their village in Papua New Guinea after collecting water from the creek. Image: WaterAid/Tariq Hawari
