Walking for a cause

STEPPING out on the Beechworth to Bridge (B2B) annual three–day trek from Beechworth to Bright towards the end of this month gives participants the chance to walk, talk and support in raising suicide awareness and crush its stigma while opening up conversations along the way. B2B founder Lisa Cartledge said people often walk as they have been bereaved by suicide, while other walk to support friends or relatives or walk to support the cause. B2B secretary Sally Hayden said sharing stories as people walk was a special time and less intrusive than in a more formal setting. "It's really more about those conversations that happen as we walk along," Sally said. Lisa said returning walkers year after year made the B2B team realise how important the walk is. "What we're doing is worthwhile and makes a difference," she said. "People come back because they just enjoyed the walk and talk and the support for the walk has grown since we started and we're proud of how we can help." With increasing registrations for this year's 73 kilometre walk along the scenic Murray to Mountains Rail Trail from Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26, the B2B crew has also noticed many new names signing up. Lisa said the walk attracted people from around the North East region and beyond as well as from as far as Melbourne and Sydney. Wangaratta Coachlines will offer a return bus service for walkers from Bright, while Dyson buses will operate a hop–on, hop–off service allowing participants to continue talking while taking a break from walking. The majority of the funds will be donated this year to Headspace in Albury Wodonga. "At the end of this walk the team will look at where funds will be directed for next year's walk," Lisa said. Lisa said B2B was fortunate to be supported by local service clubs and community organisations. "Everyone is welcome to join in, whether you have a personal connection to suicide or walking for mental health, or whether you just want to come along and enjoy the walk," Lisa said. "The walk for the first day begins with registrations at 8am on March 24 in Albert Road, Beechworth near the Chinese Gardens for an 8:30am step off. Easy online registrations are available too. For more information and to register, visit www.b2b.org.au

Walking for a cause

Rosewhite resident runner-up in Victorian Senior of the Year award

Bright restaurant among top five in state, awarded Chef's Hat

Alpine Observer, Wednesday, 21 October, 2026

Bright waterslide damaged, vandalised

Most popular stories

Rosewhite resident runner-up in Victorian Senior of the Year award

Bright restaurant among top five in state, awarded Chef's Hat

Alpine Observer, Wednesday, 21 October, 2026

Bright waterslide damaged, vandalised