Appeal to get on Games trail

By Dion Teasdale
SHIRE of Yarra Ranges residents are being urged to get involved in a major event being staged in the lead up to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Hike and Bike the Rail Trail will be held on Sunday, 20 November as part of a statewide program encouraging Victorians to get warmed up for the games.
The event, being hosted by the Shire of Yarra Ranges, is inviting residents and visitors to the shire to walk, run or cycle sections of the Rail Trail from Lilydale to Warburton.
Participants will receive a ‘passport’ depicting a railway ticket when they register for the event, which will be stamped at each trail station they stop at.
Shire of Yarra Ranges active participation and projects officer Sharon Buck said the event was about getting the community excited about the Commonwealth Games, and an opportunity for the Upper Yarra to showcase its communities.
“The shire decided to hold a community event in the lead up to the games that celebrates one of our best assets the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail,” she said.
“We are currently planning for various stations along the trail to host activities or events that reflect the communities that live nearby.”
Ms Buck said some of the activities already being planned included a celebration of indigenous culture at Woori Yallock, a sausage sizzle at Wandin, and a range of youthfocused activities in Yarra Junction.
“At this stage we haven’t finalised activities at all stations, so we are inviting sporting groups, schools and other community groups and businesses to contact us and see how they can participate,” she said.
Ms Buck said the event would officially kick off from Lillydale Lake at 8.30am on 20 November, but said participants could join the event at any of the stations along the trail. “People are being encouraged to participate when and where they like and use the trail for as long or short as they feel is appropriate,” she said. “The event is not a race. It is about getting out and being active and enjoying a community asset with family and friends.”
For more information or to register for Hike and Bike the Rail Trail, phone Sharon Buck on 1300 368 333.