Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) is pleased to support Frank to Schanck Challenge Event, a three-day trek for women organised by grassroots initiative, The Women’s Spirit Project.

On Friday 30 April, 70 women will begin walking the 70km trek in an event aimed at raising awareness and engaging women in fitness, health and wellbeing activities to inspire, empower and transform their lives while raising funds to support the delivery of accessible fitness, health and wellbeing programs for women doing it tough.

Starting at the Frankston Foreshore, Day 1 is a climb over Mount Eliza ending in Mt Martha.  

• Day 2 participants will descend from Mount Martha to the foreshores of Safety Beach and ascend Arthurs Seat. 
• On Day 3 walkers will cross the Peninsula from Rosebud to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse.

A celebration event will be held on Saturday evening, with special guests Peta Murphy MP – Federal Member for Dunkley, Paul Edbrooke – State MP for Frankston, Chris Brayne MP for Nepean, Kit McMahon – CEO Women’s Health in the South East, and Allison Wainwright – CEO Family Life and Cath Wallis – an Extraordinary Adventurer.

In the months leading up to the trek, preparation has included online discussions, covering topics such as mental preparation, fitness, nutrition and equipment as well as local training walks, that have gradually increased in distance and difficulty level. Walking, for many, is an accessible and free activity.

“After walking and talking with a range of women these past few weeks there are some really inspiring stories, women recovering from cancer; caring for loved one’s who are ill; socially isolated; recovering from family violence,” says Jodie Belyea, Founder & Managing Director of the Women’s Spirit Project.

This event is about improving accessibility for women without the resources and supports to engage in fitness, health and wellbeing activities.

“This event and the work leading up to it helps build connection, confidence and essential life skills, inspiring and supporting women to transform their lives,” says Ms Belyea.

One in four Australian women experience mental health issues, family violence and/or social isolation. Fitness, health and wellbeing are crucial to living a balanced, purposeful and passionate life, however opportunities to participate in these activities are not financially accessible to all women.

"At a time when our leaders are thinking about how to create resilience in our community, Women’s Spirit Project is a real, practical and proven example of what can work. WHISE is proud and honoured to be a partner," says Kit McMahon, CEO, WHISE.

The Women’s Spirit Project is focussed on filling a gap for disadvantaged women from Frankston and the surrounding area. The project provides access to free activities that support women to get connected and participate in fitness, health and wellbeing activities in person and virtually. 

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The Women’s Spirit Project (WSP) is a grassroots, volunteer-led initiative which aims to inspire and empower women experiencing disadvantage to transform their lives through fitness, health and wellbeing activities.