The Great Illawarra Walk – a stunning success for KidsWish

Hundreds of smiling faces put their best foot forward to support KidsWish and make The Great Illawarra Walk a stunning success on the weekend.

A grand total of 425 entrants raised more than $72,000 for KidsWish with The Great Illawarra Walk organisers passing on every dollar raised from the iconic event which started way back in 2008.

The weather was not picture perfect with scattered showers raining down upon the walkers during their trek but the occasional downpour didn’t dampen their spirits and as the journey wore on, the light rain was refreshing as the temperature started to rise.

They were all greeted with cheers and some well-deserved refreshments at Headlands Hotel in Austinmer at the finish line.

The Great Illawarra Walk organisers also announced that KidsWish had been chosen to be the beneficiary of the event for another three years.

“We are thrilled that they have chosen to extend our partnership for another three years. It’s been a great partnership, starting last year, and we love seeing the joy that The Great Illawarra Walk brings to the community,” said KidsWish Stakeholder Engagement and Fundraising Manager Emily Wright.

“And 100% of the funds will go to supporting KidsWish’s programs and events, helping put a smile on the face of kids living with illness and disability.”

If you would still like to donate to The Great Illawarra Walk, you can still do so at the official website up until 22 March 2025.

The hardy bunch of walkers who braved the elements for the 7am start at Shellharbour Village set off in great spirits after the Walk was officially started by Christian and Bella from i98FM.

State Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson, Wollongong City Lord Mayor Tania Brown and The Disability Trust Chief Executive Officer Carol Berry were among the walkers who set off from Shellharbour.

The KidsWish Blue Mile was again a huge hit with the walkers.

The all-inclusive section of the Walk – from Belmore Basin along the Wollongong Harbour foreshore was followed by a family-friendly event at Stuart Park with face painting, bubbles, sports activities and visits from Illawarra’s friendly Neighbourhood Spidey and his superhero friends, plus The Cosplay Guardian, attending as Stitch and Blue the Dino, and Mickey Mouse even made an appearance.

KidsWish and The Great Illawarra Walk would like to pay tribute to LJ Hooker for coming on board as the major sponsor this year plus all the water station sponsors who not only donated $1000 but they rushed around to supply the water and cheer on the walkers.

There was a competition for the best water station, voted on by the walkers, and each business came up with creative ways to earn votes such as dressing up in costumes, using spray guns and handing out electrolytes.

The creative crew at Vision PT were awarded the best water station, taking home a trophy and His Boy Elroy vouchers. 

Thanks also to Strata Consolidation Resin Injection, Planet Fitness – Oak Flats & Warrawong, Total Tools, EnableU2 and Incar Installations for being water station sponsors.

We would also like to pay tribute to Zero Refrigerated Rentals for their $1000 donation and refrigerated van to deliver cold water, Wollongong Mazda for their $1000 donation and ongoing support with their Mazda car and Leisure Coast Fruit Market & Deli for donating fruit for all the walkers.

The Rapid Relief Team also deserve a huge thank you for providing lunch on the day. 

Credit goes out to the Great Illawarra Walk committee and the support from Bean Roasted Espresso Bars for bringing another amazing event to the Illawarra Community. Thanks must also be extended to the crew from i98FM for their incredibly dedicated support throughout the day and the lead up to the event.