25 August 2023

Camp For Wild Places

For Wild Places CEO, Hilary McAllister, shares a recount of the For Wild Places camp, funded by the 2022 Explore Fund grant.

For Wild Places was a recipient of the 2022 Explore Fund Grant. Their goal is to make trail running a meaningful expression of environmental activism, so that together, everyone can help our wild places survive and thrive. FWP used the Explore Fund grant to host their inaugural camp in June 2023. The 4-day event combined movement and education, with athletes, leaders and activists who mentored participants to become more engaged in advocating within their communities.

FWP CEO, Hilary McAllister, shares a recount of the camp.

Just over two months ago, a group of people, united by their shared love and appreciation of our great outdoors came together on Jaithmathang, Gunaikurnai and Taungurung country to learn, laugh, move, and be moved.

Thankfully for us (but not the shred lords out there) the snow held off, making for perfect conditions to play and explore in this alpine wonderland. The purpose of this weekend was to bring together a range of people from a range of different backgrounds, experiences and abilities and disconnect from the outside world, and reconnect with themselves and one another. We were joined by a slew of inspirational, kind and generous mentors who hosted sessions throughout the weekend, sharing with us their own journeys and lessons learnt along the way.

Some highlights of the weekend include:

Sunrise on Little Mt Higginbotham

On Friday morning, we commenced camp with the reading of an article from the Jaithmathang people, who are one of the traditional owners of Victoria's alpine area and have been caring for Bimble (country) for thousands of years. As the land we gathered on is not formally recognized by any one traditional owner group, this acknowledgement was our way of paying our respects to traditional owners, past and present, and say thank you to Country. This experience set a tone of respect, understanding and openness for the weekend ahead.

Traversing the Razorback

On Saturday morning we set off in the cloud and rain to traverse the Razorback to the summit of Mt Feathertop. With some people running, some hiking, and some doing a bit of both, we set off along this infamous trail, ready to be immersed and inspired by nature. Our eagerness to brave the wind and rain was rewarded with a morning of amazing weather, as the clouds blew over to reveal stunning 360-degree views across the alpine landscape.

Snow Gum Tour with Cam Walker

On Sunday morning we joined Cam Walker at JB Plain to learn about the iconic snow gum and learn about the threats to these fragile and beautiful alpine ecosystems. Cam shared with us the impacts regular fire events are having on these landscapes, and the impacts of climate change on the

conditions of the longicorn beetle, which is causing dieback in many trees. We were lucky enough to see the resident emus of JB Plain, and enjoy a beautiful, sunny morning learning more about an iconic Australian species from a passionate and experienced campaigner.

And of course... the amazing array of presentations from our speakers!

Beside an open fire, we listened to an array of incredible 'time-beings' share their story, from Lou's career in campaigning and more recently running, to the compelling stories behind Calumn's photos, Coz's inspiring and generous personal narrative, Lucy's TA experience and finally Richard's time with Tendai Buddhist monks. We laughed, cried, shared and learnt with one another, and came away feeling hopeful and empowered for what is to come.

This camp experience left all involved feeling inspired and uplifted, and motivated to continue the work to become more engaged and knowledgeable custodians of our wild places. We are certain that this camp will be the first of many, and we are incredibly grateful to The North Face for supporting this inaugural camp, and for starting FWP on our journey to explore and protect wild places, together.