Go girl, hike

Two Phillip Island women have spent two years training and fundraising for an upcoming charity hike to the Wilsons Promontory lighthouse.

Steph Thornborrow and Kerry Sibson are two of 20 women set to take on the three-day, 40km round-trip Go Girls Hike, from November 26.

The hike is aiming to raise about $12,000, as well as awareness, for local “at risk” women and the Go Girls Foundation program, which provides employment skills to women who may be unemployed, victims of domestic violence, migrants, women who experienced trauma, homelessness and those recovering from cancer.

Steph said she had been training on the George Bass Coastal Walk, the Fish Creek rail trail and the Cowes north beach for the hike, which was “out of my comfort zone”.

“But I wanted to take part in the hike because it’s an amazing cause,” said the Cowes mum-of-three.

“The foundation runs work-ready programs for women and I’ve seen the before and after test cases and it’s inspiring.

“It’s a Melbourne program that is coming to Wonthaggi so Phillip Island women will be able to take part.”

Steph, who also works as a photographer at the Advertiser, said the hike had been postponed twice because of lockdown, and included 20 women in all ages and from across Gippsland. 

“I encourage anyone who cares about women at risk to donate to the foundation,” she added.

Team leader and hike coordinator Jess Johnson said the $12,000 would sponsor four Gippsland women in a five-month Go Girls Foundation program, run by fully qualified psychologists.

The women who take part not only receive employment skills but also positive psychology.

“We are all dedicated and passionate about advocating for local women. This hike has also been about creating a positive impact in our own lives, while connecting with like-minded people,” Jess said.

The Go Girls Foundation is also planning a further fundraiser for the program with a “Big Night Out” at Meeniyan Hall on February 12, 2022. The night will be headlined by comedian Dave O’Neill, followed by a DJ and will be a chance for locals to find out more about the foundation while having a night out. Tickets can be booked at www.trybooking.com/BVFUR.

Donations for the Go Girls Hike: www.justgiving.com/team/gogirlshiketothelight.

Further details: www.girls.org.au