Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Sean Gordon, Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks,
5 Lands Walk ‘Guardian of the Message Stick’ Aimee Young and the Australian Government’s
Indigenous Advisory Council chairman Warren Mundine
The 5 Lands Walk, an event that is becoming one of the biggest tourism events of the year on the Central Coast, will be held on Saturday, June 21.
The walk traverses five different beaches, from MacMasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca Beach, North Avoca to Terrigal. Over 13,000 people participated in the 10km walk last year and the festival events at each of the five lands along the way, where Aboriginal lore and culture, art, music, food, five ethnic cultures, dance and nature talks are showcased to help people understand this land and its people. It’s not a race, but a chance to browse through the lands and sample the offerings at your own pace.
There’s also a free shuttle bus service if you don’t want to walk the whole way. “It’s free, it’s fun, it’s amazing, it’s unique, it’s a gift from our community,” said president of the organising committee of volunteers Con Ryan. “To learn about this amazing land you really should be part of the 5 Lands walk in 2014.
“Since its inception in 2006, the 5 Lands Walk has steadily attracted more interest, more participants and more community support to make it the major event it is today, while retaining its roots in the cultures of the Central Coast. “Every year, the support from our sponsors enables us to work hard to improve the program, staging and the cultural experience, while we work with Gosford Council to ensure the pathway and lookouts are upgraded too.
“All this effort by our sponsors, volunteers and council means walkers can enjoy a great event without cost. “And nature co-operates too; every year we’ve had plenty of humpback whale sightings to complete the experience. Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks said the Walk brings people together and showcases the local community and the various cultures that we enjoy on the Coast.
“It brings together the best of what we’re all about,” said Ms Wicks. “Thanks to the work of many volunteers, the 5 Lands Walk is a great day out in some of the most pristine locations in our region, including our beautiful beaches. “I’ve done the Walk several times, and have a few stunning memories.
“Last year I recall watching a whale breach the surface of the water just near MacMasters Beach; it was a breathtaking sight. “It’s also an important festival that allows us as a community to meet new people, catch up with neighbours, and experience different cultures. “There’s a real sense of connection. “Congratulations to the 5 Lands Walk organisers and everyone who makes this event a unique part of the Central Coast calendar,” said Ms Wicks.
Media release, 6 Jun 2014
Tim Sowden, office of
Lucy Wicks MP
Media release, 6 Jun 2014
David Fellows, 5 Lands
Walk Marketing Committee