Aussie Peace Walk . Since 1992
Walking Event History
Inspired by a two-day walking event in Ballarat Victoria, the event was first held in 1992 as the ‘Canberra Two-Day Walk’.
How It all began
The Canberra Two Day Walk aimed to promote health, fitness and friendship among walkers of all ages and backgrounds.
In Summary
The Canberra Two-Day Walk Association (CTDW) was established by Harry and Kathleen Berg in October 1991 and they held the first event on the first weekend in March 1992 with the aid of an ACT Government’s Bureau of Sport and Recreation grant.
You can read the fascinating full story here.
The event was publicised in the Dutch Australian newsletter and also through the Ballarat walk. Looking at the family names of the entrants in those early days, about one third appeared to be of Dutch heritage.
The first event had 299 participants.
“Sport and Recreation’ were delighted with the inaugural event and offered to underwrite it for a further 3 years.”
Lining up to Enter For the First Two-Day Walk
Before the internet, the event was publicised in traditional media. People could enter by post but many lined up on the day to enter.
Above: A participant studies the route map in 1992.
The last Canberra Two-Day Walk!!
By 2018, owners of the event, AussieWalk IVV Inc., were struggling to see how the event could continue. Their small, ageing team of volunteers were no longer willing to continue running the event past its 29th year in 2020.
AussieWalk IVV Inc., sought a community service organisation to take over the annual event to ensure that it wouldn’t fold. After an initial rejection from a few organisations, the committee found Chris Edwards, a member of the Rotary Club of Hall.
Chris proposed rebranding the event and using it as a focal point to promote intercultural understanding and support for those in need. No physical event could be held in 2020 because of COVID-19, however, an effort was made to run the event virtually.
The 30th annual Canberra Two-Day event coincided with Rotary’s Centenary in Australia and New Zealand and so the event was renamed the ‘Rotary Aussie Peace Walk’, with the sole beneficiary of all profit and associated fundraising nominated as the Rotary Give Every Child a Future project to reduce child mortality in the Pacific Islands.
Despite being held during the global pandemic, when international and some state borders were closed, the first Aussie Peace Walk attracted double the participants of its predecessor and raised over $27,000 for the project.
What’s it all about?
Chris Edwards completed the 21km and 24km walks in the 2019 to experience the event firsthand. The understanding was that he would be involved in the organisation of the 2020 event to ‘learn the ropes’
Little did anyone know that 2019 would be the last Canberra Two-Day Walk, as COVID-19 would force the cancelation of the 2020 event.
Right: Chris with a participant from Vladivostok that took part in 2019.
Since 2021: Event History
Article Archive
Entertainment For Peace Walk 2023
Entertainment at the 2023 Aussie Peace Walk by Marie-Cecile and the combined performances of the Jerra Voices and the Songbirds of Belco
Peace Run Torch Handover 2023
Mick Mudford accepts the torch at the end of the Peace Run. Mick will carry the torch to the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Aussie Peace Walk.
Trial 2023 Peace Walks Completed
Volunteers walks completed in preparation for the 2023 each of the eight Aussie Peace Walk routes.
Peace Walk Links with Peace Run
Peace walk links with peace run. The Sri Chinmoy Peace Run torch will be passed to the Peace Walk
2022 Aussie Peace Walk
The 2nd Aussie Peace Walk 2022 Aussie Peace WalkThe 2nd Aussie Peace Walk. COVID-19 Restrictions were still in place and Only New Zealanders could enter the country.A Sad Start to a Colourful Event The 2022 event began on a somber note with the loss of Canberra...
Pacific Islands Child Mortality Update
‘The Rotary Give Every Child a Future project is now in full swing, but there is still much more to do and we need your help.’The 2021 Aussie Peace Walk was all the better thanks to the involvement of the Tongan community. Our hearts go out to our Pacific Island...
House of Bubbles
The House of Bubbles is a unique pop-up bar, trading from a vintage Citroen that offers a variety of champagne, beer and other bubbly treats.
World Music For The Heart and Soul
A unique selection of world music from all walks of life, for the heart and soul
Entries Open for 2021
Entries now open for the 2021 Rotary Aussie Peace Walk. Entrants are encoraged to represent a country and add colour and culture to the event