Yarra Valley Water staff are stepping up this week in support WaterAid Australia’s annual Walk for Water initiative.
Millions of women and children walk over six kilometres each day to collect water in regions where it’s scare.
During Walk for Water week participants raise funds to improve access to clean water and sanitation services overseas by walking, running, or riding a bike.
Yarra Valley water managing director Pat McCafferty joined staff for a walk along a local pipeline track above a huge water main that carries clean drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people in the community.
“We’re very fortunate to have world-class water here in Melbourne, but sadly one in ten people around the world are still living without clean water, and it’s needed now more than ever,” Mr McCafferty said.
Climate change is exacerbating the problem. Extreme weather events like flooding and droughts are having a dire effect on water, sanitation, and hygiene access in countries all around the world, including some of Australia’s closest neighbours.
“Participating in Walk for Water reminds us of the challenges faced by many people around the world and our shared responsibility to make a positive difference in communities less fortunate than ours,” Mr McCafferty said.
Currently, one in four health care facilities around the world lack basic water services, and one in five have no sanitation services.
“Water, sanitation, and hygiene are fundamental human rights. By supporting WaterAid Australia, we can contribute on a much broader scale and help build resilient communities for the future,” he said.
Last year, Yarra Valley Water staff topped the WaterAid Australia Walk for Water leaderboard, raising almost $30,000.
WaterAid Australia’s chief executive Tom Muller said supporting Walk for Water helps the charitable cause to continue its vital work.
“Walk for Water 2024 is especially significant as we celebrate WaterAid Australia’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of commitment to ensuring access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for all.”
“We are thrilled to have Yarra Valley Water participating again this year. Their long-term support since the creation of WaterAid Australia has been invaluable in helping us reach over 5.7 million people with access to water, sanitation and hygiene.
Staff at Yarra Valley Water are champions of our cause and advocates that are spurring on others in the water sector. We are incredibly grateful for their support in helping us make such an incredible impact,” Mr Muller said.
To learn more about Walk for Water visit the WaterAid website.
