For almost 30 years the students of Tanja Public School in the Bega Valley have been walking over Dr George Mountain and into Bega once a year, to raise money for Oxfam and they’ve set off this morning (Wednesday June 28) to do it once again.
The students accompanied by teachers set off from Tanja Public School at 8am and they usually arrive in Bega just after 4pm.
Teaching Principal at Tanja Public School, Danielle McGrath, told East Coast Radio the journey was just over 21 kilometres.
“It is each child’s personal challenge to not get in a support vehicle and walk the whole way but it’s a long day,” McGrath said.
“The distance represents how far women and children in many countries need to travel just to access drinkable water,” she explained.
Children in years three and below used to walk from the start however they now get dropped around two thirds of the way, so they can be there for the finish.
Ms McGrath said the fundraiser had always been to support Oxfam.
“The commitment to Oxfam has been passed down from principal to principal, and I think it started back in Dave Gallen’s day,” McGrath said.
“We’re happy to continue that support of Oxfam, they do a lot of things worldwide but also in Australia particularly for our Indigenous community,” she said.
As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had ticked over $350, half way toward the school’s goal of $700.
Donations can be made HERE.
Motorists between Tanja and Bega are being reminded to drive carefully today as Tanja Public School students will be making their way over Dr George Mountain and into Bega on foot.
“We turn off on Kings Ridge Firetrail and follow that to Reedy Swamp as that’s a safer way to walk, so yeah any motorists in the area please driver carefully and please give us a toot and a wave.”
Images: Tanja Public School
