About
FIRST RESPONDERS TREK FOR HEALTH
is a Registered Not-for-Profit Organisation founded in 2019
by Emergency Service Personnel.
Our focus is the Mental and Physical Wellbeing of First Responders
and Front-Line Workers.
Realised by way of facilitation and encouragement in the participation of outdoor activities primarily consisting of but not limited to Hiking in a Wilderness environment.
Presently working with currently serving members we are also developing a program to include retired personnel.
Our objectives are to develop programs within environmental parameters conducive to attaining and perpetuating a
Robust Mental Health as well as achievable levels of Physical Fitness.
Participants will have the opportunity to connect with people from various backgrounds.
Build a sense of belonging and self-worth.
Provide and receive support.
Be physically active.
Set goals and challenges as well as working towards achieving them.
Learn new skills.
Use the opportunity to share their positive experiences with others.
Use the overall experience to build on self-confidence and self-esteem.
As well as discovering the unbounded beauty and serenity
the wilderness has to offer.
Presently we are facilitating a number of activities on an annual basis, as well as collaborating on a number of developed Programs.
The implementation of these activities and programs are dependent upon a number of factors which include but are not limited to
Participant availability and Enviromental Factors.
OUR MAIN PRIORITIES ARE:
Everyone's Safety,
Our Mental and Physical Wellbeing.
The Preservation of the Wilderness.
As well as raising awareness regarding
the deep association between ourselves and the Natural environment.
"You are never too old to set another goal
or to dream a new dream"
Malala Yousafzai
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES (EVENTS)
Facilitated by First Responders Trek For Health
*In late August 2023, we will set out to snowshoe Mount Feathertop and the associated area in the Victorian Alpine National Park.
This will be a 2-day 1-night event, we will camp at Federation Hut for the one-night, Participant numbers will be limited to six.
This particular event will be facilitated on an annual basis.
*Late November 2023 will see us undertake our most comprehensive trek to date.
We are currently in the early planning stages of a trek into the
Tasmanian wilderness namely the "South Coast Track".
Situated in the Southwest National Park, it is an intrinsic part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness area incorporating one of the largest temperate wilderness regions on our planet.
This will primarily be a multi-agency 8–9-day fully self-reliant, physically and mentally demanding excursion into a pristine area of Tasmania and one of the last treks of its kind in Australia.
Group Numbers will be kept to a maximum of eight to help preserve the integrity of the
natural wilderness.
Participants will fly from Melbourne to Hobart where we will connect with a chartered flight from Cambridge Aerodrome with Par Avion and get dropped off at a remote airstrip at Melaleuca.
We will trek through native forests, across expansive button grass plains,
mountain ranges, river crossings and coastal areas, finishing at Cockles Creek.
This area is also home to the endangered Orange Bellied Parot, one of the world's rarest bird species with approximately only 50 left in the wild.
Note: Dates and an "Expression of Interest" will be published later in the year.
Leave No Trace
Current Programs
A Million Miles for Mental Health
The Concept
Leave No Trace
"A Million Miles for Mental Health" is an all-inclusive program designed for the inclusion of the broader population by way of group or individual participation.
Designed to promote awareness of the benefits in maintaining a healthy Mental and Physical state of Wellbeing, as well as encouraging participation in activities conducive to attaining those same objectives.
Accrued Miles [kms] by way of trekking, walking or assisted mobility devices are donated towards the overall target, "A Million Miles".
How do I donate my kms? ... email: firstresponderstfh@gmail.com with
*Names of Participants.
*Accrued kms (Based on individual totals, kms travelled x number of group members) *Start and Finish points.
*Dates Undertaken.
Participants will receive a digital "Certificate of Appreciation" upon receipt of kms travelled.
You will also:
*Contribute to your own wellbeing.
*Raise awareness of the many benefits of developing and sustaining a healthy Mental and Physical state.
*Experience the tranquility and beauty of our great outdoors.
NOTE: It is essential that when intending to participate in any single or multi day trek, that "Experience" in relation to the following be considered:
*Grading of the proposed Route, track grades are part of the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS). and should be implemented for all participating group members.
Grade 1: No bushwalking experience required, flat to even surface with no steps or steep sections, suitable for assisted wheelchair users.
Grade 2: No bush walking experience required, a hardened or compacted surface which may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps, with walks up to 10km.
Grade 3: Suitable for most ages and fitness levels, tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface and many steps, walks up to 20km.
Grade 4: Bush walking experience recommended, tracks may be long, rough and very steep, directional signage may be limited.
Grade 5: Very Experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid.
*Appropriate equipment and clothing are used.
*Adequate food is taken.
*Weather conditions are taken into consideration.
*Navigational skills be taken into consideration.
*The Inclusion of PLBs (Personal Location Beacons) in equipment.
*The implementation of "Trip Intention Forms", (Safety is everyone's main priority).
Forms can be found on the following websites.
Victoria Police
https://www.police.vic.gov.au/outdoor-and-bush-safety
Parks Victoria
Information and latest updates on Park conditions and closures can also be found on the Parks Victoria website.
Minimal Impact Bushwalking can be found on Parks Victoria website and below
https://bushwalkingmanual.org.au/environment/minimal/-impact-bushwalking/
Information on How to Plan for a one or multi day trek can also be found on the above sites as well as a number of online hiking sites.
SO, WHAT DOES A MILLION MILES EQUATE TO?
1,609,344 km,
The equatorial circumference of the earth is 24,901 miles or............
40,075 kms (give an inch or two), so we are going to circumnavigate the earth 40.5 times.
Running Total
3460 kms
2150 miles
THE CONCEPT
Developed to support the Movember initiative, the concept is also inclusive of the initiatives and programs of First Responders Trek For Health.
Participants can take part in one or a combination of the following.
EVENTS
*A November trek. (see above "NOTE" regarding planning)..............................
*Grow a Mo
*Donate
*Sponsorship
How much is a mile long Mo?
The average length of Mo hair grown in a day is 0.4mm
0.28mm in seven days
12mm in thirty days
1 mile =
1.609 km =
1609 meters =
160900 cm =
1,609,000 mm=
134,084 participants to grow a "Mile Long Mo" during the month of November
How to Participate
INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN "THE MILE LONG MO"
Email: firstresponderstfh@gmail.com
with
Name, Contact Details and Event type.
Mo Track Bar
Gallery
the true
WILDERNESS
experience is
one, not of
ESCAPING,
but of
FINDING
one's self.
Howard Zanhniser
Testimonials
The four days and three nights spent trekking the Victorian Alps
with four fellow Emergency Service Personnel was for me
an unforgettable experience.
It had been a mentally challenging and exhaustive year, when responding to a higher-than-normal number of critical incidents.
The time spent out in the Wilderness was to prove
to be an integral part of my recuperation.
The camaraderie exhibited by all certainly contributed to the wonderful adventure experienced by us all.
I learnt some new skills in Map and Compass navigation
as well as taking some of the most stunning photos I have ever captured.
It was at times an arduous trek, mentally and physically demanding.
But I returned with new friendships forged and a real sense of
feeling Physically and Mentally refreshed.
I am very much looking forward to getting back out into the wilderness and reliving the experience.
Rae
Events Calendar
The Month's Events
Event Application
PARTICIPATION
All participants who take part in any trek facilitated by
First Responders Trek For Health
Must be able to provide proof of
Ambulance Victoria membership
As well as complete all relevant fields on the Victoria Police
Trip Intentions Form.
All treks are tailored toward participants experience and fitness.
Open Events
VICTORIA: Alpine National Park
Snowshoeing Mount Feathertop
25th-26th August 2023
Annual Event
TASMANIA: South Coast Track
Dates to be finalised
Apply Here
Email: Name, Age, previous hiking experience and the Event you are interested in participating in to........
"Of all the paths you take in life
make sure a few of them are dirt"
Thank you for Applying
We will be in touch regarding your application.
John Muir
EQUIPMENT
FIRST RESPONDERS TREK FOR HEALTH
maintains an equipment cache, it is potentially used for participants who for various reasons do not have all or any of the required gear to take part in any particular event.
Equipment is lent free of any charge for the duration of the trek on the understanding that it is properly maintained and cleaned when finished with.
Assistance can be given in developing an appropriate equipment and suitable clothing list for any prospective event organised by
First Responders Trek for Health.
Personal items such as Boots, Socks, and other items of appropriate clothing are the responsibility of the participant.
Leave No Trace
Volunteer with us
Positions Available
Apply Here
" There is no better exercise for your heart
than reaching down and helping to lift someone up"
Email: Name, Age and position you are applying for to..........
Bernard Meltzer
Thank you for Applying
We will be in touch regarding your application
Donations and Sponsorship
Sponsorship
Sponsorships are an intrinsic part of our planned activities and events programs
and are greatly appreciated.
"Event" and "Individual" Sponsorship
opportunities will be listed below as they become available
(Sponsorship is made through the Donate Button)
Sponsor an Event
Donate
Donations are greatly appreciated and are used for :
*Managing and Administration costs
*Purchasing of Equipment
*Financial support for individuals participating in our organised events
*Associated costs with the implementation of planned events and activities
Sponsor an Individual
Thank You for your generosity
Shop
All Merchandise has our organisations logo printed on it.
Support our Cause
Logo
Logo appears on the front of T Shirts
Quote appears on the back of T Shirts
Logo only appears on Bandana
Logo only appears on Mug
Mugs
$
T Shirt Colors
Navy Blue
White
T shirt Sizes
Small
Medium
Large
xl
2xl
Bandana Colors
Navy Blue
White
$
Quote
$
$
$
$
$
Our Shop is not open at the moment while it is being updated.
We apologise for any inconvenience
Thank You for your contribution
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Answers
Are my donations tax deductible............................................
Donations are not tax deductible at this time
What equipment do I need to participate in a trek.................
Equipment list's are dependent on, Weather conditions,
type of Terrain and Number of days spent on the trek.
A recommended equipment list can be provided
upon request.
What and how much food do I need to take on a trek.............
Types of food and quantity's are based on individual preference as well as recommended requirements, and the number of days spent on the trek.
Assistance will be provided for food planning
upon request.
What clothing do I need to bring on a trek...............................
A clothing and footwear list is dependent on a number of factors including weather, terrain
and duration of the trek.
Assistance will be provided for a list of suitable
attire upon request.
How many events do you conduct in a year.............................
Our current expectation is that we will facilitate
10 to 12 events a year dependent on participant numbers and environmental factors.
Queries can be directed to: firstresponderstfh@gmail.com
Acknowledgements
FIRST RESPONDERS TREK FOR HEALTH
Sincerely Thanks the following Businesses, Organisations, Groups and Agencies for their Generosity, Support, Assistance and Shared Knowledge
Macpac
Anaconda
Mountain Creek Outdoors (Hobart)
Emergency Services Foundation
Mapworks
Johny Appleseed
Beyond Wild Places
Trail Hiking Australia
MSR The Summit Register
Outdoor Gear Lab
Wildearth
Rei Co-Op
Snowys Outdoors
Moosejaw.com
Parks Victoria
Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
University of Tasmania
Tasmanian SES
Australian Geographic
Snowsafe.org.au
Camera house
National hiking Blogs
Facebook hiking groups
Bogong
Midland Express
GALLERY PHOTOS: Are kindly contributed by event participants.
References
Research, Program Evaluations, Surveys
American Psychological Association Feature: Nurtured by Nature
https://www.apa.org./monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
Lighthouse Health + Wellness: Benefits of Hiking for First Responders
The Forest Bathing Institute
https://+fb.institute/scientific-research/
Forest Bathing: a narrative review of the effects on health for outdoor and environmental education use in Canada
outdoor_and_environmental_education__use_in_canada