ONE hundred and twenty six registered walkers took part in the second Lake High – Great Victorian Walk for Autism on Saturday March 22, with $30,800 raised to support Mansfield Autism Statewide Services’ expansion out at the new farm.

In teams of two to 10, the majority of walkers took on the 30 kilometre challenge from Woodfield to Mansfield, while the 15 kilometre teams walked from Maindample.

According to event manager Judy Dixon over half the walkers came from all over Victoria and made a weekend of it.

“Some came because they had a family connection to autism and to our service, others because it’s a great social cause that touches so many.

"Plenty of walkers came simply because it’s a fabulous excuse to make a weekend of it in Mansfield’s High Country, while being active and social.

“Not only did they walk; they stayed in accommodation, ate and drank out and explored.

“We also had so many locals supporting us; from Mansfield, Tolmie, Merrijig, Jamieson, Goughs Bay, Bonnie Doon, Howqua and they didn’t just show up, they rocked the costumes, the fundraising and the photogenic smiles.”

The jury is still out on the best dressed team with some tight contenders to win a half day kayaking rental from Jamieson Caravan Park, but the results are in for the highest fundraising team going to Happy Feet, a big team from Melbourne who took on the 30 kilometre challenge with gusto, raising $3.5k.

The team was committed to the goal of helping to get autistic children and their families off wait lists.

Each of the members of the team receive a $400 voucher for a High Country Hiking Tour.

The highest individual fundraiser is Glenn Ryan from Delatite Drivers Car Club who raised a whopping $2.5k and he wins a Yeti esky donated by Mansfield Hunting & Fishing.

After our cut off-for fundraising tallies, the Delatite Drivers Car Club continued to increase their tally and ended up topping the team fundraising as well with $3,783.

The weather gods were supporting from the sidelines and the Great Victorian Rail Trail had its best foot forward for the day.

The marshalls were dressed brightly, armed with bundles of enthusiasm and the rest stops were well stocked.

Lou and Adrienne from LouFit sent everyone off at Woodfield and Maindample with a warm up and provided lots of encouragement on trail, while the Celebration Hub at the Visitor Information Centre was humming with cocktails from Anvil Brewing Co., tunes from Big Al, massages at our pamper zone from Michelle Richter and Linda Davies and a BBQ from our catering crew of Jenny Brennan together with Lou and Lyn.

“Based on the glowing feedback, about the fantastic trail, the event organisation, the cause, the vibe and the fun, I’m confident it will become a signature event for Mansfield Shire and for Mansfield Autism Statewide Services,” said Judy.

“We’re grateful to so many and notably to Mansfield Shire Council for significant in-kind support and event management assistance, without which we could not hold the event.

“Our thanks also to major partners Mansfield Mt Buller Bus Lines, Anvil Brewing Co, LouFit, and Friends Great Victorian Rail Trail,” she said.

So many others also made a generous contribution including prize sponsors High Country Hiking, Mansfield Fishing & Hunting and Jamieson Caravan Park.

Mansfield Coffee Merchant kick started the day with coffee, while photographers Clive Dickerson, Andrew Bottomley and Sue Arndt Hare captured the joy.

“Our volunteer marshall crew were sensational and thanks go to Bonnie Doon Football Netball Club, Friends Great Victorian Rail Trail, Delatite Drivers Car Club, Rotary, members of the community and staff from Mansfield Autism Statewide Services,” she added.

Mansfield Autism Statewide Services has been providing support for autistic children and their families for over 50 years.

Services include skill building stays, family camps, respite, specialist school, holiday programs, outreach and in home behaviour practitioner support.

They employ over 140 people, the vast majority in Mansfield.

The service's expansion on a 100 acre farm in Mansfield, is increasing service capacity in response to demand, so more families can access the support they need.

For more information on Lake High go to https://lakehigh.org.au.