The annual Sydney Trailwalker event has been cancelled as New South Wales continues to face an evolving Covid-19 outbreak and ongoing restrictions and strategies to help stop the spread of the virus.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said it was not possible to hold this year's event, which had been scheduled to take place on 3 to 5 September from Hawkesbury to The Harbour, but plans were already underway for the next Sydney Trailwalker from 26 to 28 August 2022.
As announced by the NSW Government yesterday, restrictions in Greater Sydney have been extended until 28 August and currently include limiting public outdoor public gatherings to two people.
"This will come as disappointing news for many of those involved in Sydney Trailwalker and we of course share these feelings," Ms Morgain said.
"But the health, safety and wellbeing of participants, volunteers and staff is our paramount concern.
"While we explored all options, the continued uncertainties related to the outbreak and the ongoing measures that may be needed to stop transmission of the virus meant this was the only possible decision.
"Oxfam supporters are at the heart of all we do, and we are as always grateful for the hard work of participants, volunteers and staff involved in the event, which raises vital funds to help improve the lives of people living in poverty.
"This support is needed now more than ever, with vulnerable communities and people in Australia, our region and around the world continuing to be the worst hit by the ongoing Coronavirus crisis."
Ms Morgain said participants and event partners were being notified of the decision and organisers were working with relevant authorities to make the necessary arrangements.
Participants will have the option of rolling over their registration and fundraising to next year's event or seeking a refund of their registration fee.
Oxfam Trailwalker, which has been held in Australia for more than two decades, raises money for Oxfam's work tackling poverty and inequality around the world through donations to teams of four who undertake the challenge of a 100km trek. More than 90,000 people have taken part since the event started, raising more than $95 million to tackle poverty.
Ms Morgain said Trailwalker Melbourne, where lockdown has been lifted and an easing of restrictions has been announced, was still scheduled to be held from 8 to 10 October, but the situation in Victoria would be monitored closely.
Updates on the events and more detailed information can be found on the Trailwalker website.
