The annual Ridgeline Walk on Sunday 19 October is eagerly awaited as a rare opportunity to walk across the scenic Glenroy Hills to the Mansfield township through private properties that open once a year to raise funds for education in Timor-Leste.

Hosted by the Mansfield Friends of Venilale (FoV), the walk is instrumental in providing further schooling for young people dealing with the ongoing impact of war several years later.

It has been a busy year for the group with several members visiting Venilale and others attending the Timor-Leste Friendship Group Network conference in Dili.

This was followed last month by a joint 20th celebration with the two other friendship groups in Indi in Wangaratta.

More importantly there were visits to the various schools around Venilale to meet current scholarship students who are so grateful for the opportunity to complete their schooling.

A tumultuous history which included forced occupation, a war of independence and civil unrest in Timor-Leste disrupted the lives of many families and deprived children of opportunities.

“The Ridgeline Walk began in 2011 in response to a group of Mansfield Secondary College students wanting to raise money for their sister school in Venilale after arriving home from a visit,” said FoV member and one of the founding walk organisers, Helen Crockett.

Starting with two scholarships the program has expanded to now offering 22 scholarships.

The program covers secondary education, university, technical college, and training for health staff to qualify as nurses and midwifes.

A strict procedure ensures that the scholarship money is used to maximum effect.

“The Ridgeline Walk attracts participants from many places in Victoria as well as Timorese visitors/students, and the ongoing support of local walkers,” said Helen.

This year’s walk will welcome back Venilale’s Boss (Valeriano) Dasilva currently studying architecture at RMIT in Melbourne who spent time in Mansfield several years ago.

For next Sunday’s event the registration for the walk is via Trybooking or at the beginning of the walk at Terry Rd, which runs off Glenroy Rd.

It will be well sign posted.

Plus look out for the red, black, white and yellow Timorese flag.

Walk the magnificent ridgelines of Mansfield's rolling hills from Terry Rd to Mansfield Botanic Park over Mt Terry and Mt Battery.

For a brisk walker, the total estimated time is four hours

Walkers depart from Terry Rd after a briefing at 9am.

Terry Rd to Mansfield Botanic Park is approximately 18-19 km with a moderate grade.

Shorter options are available: Terry Rd to Old Tolmie Rd 10km departing 9am and Old Tolmie Rd to Botanic Park 8km leaving at 10am.

Walkers are asked for a donation of $20 per adult, students $5, or $40 per family.

Participants will need to carry their own snacks and water.

A toilet will be available at Old Tolmie Rd.

Because the walk is on private farmland no dogs are allowed.

Walkers are asked to leave gates as they find them – if shut please close and if open leave them.

A free Mansfield Rotary barbecue will be available at the finish of the walk in the Botanic Park until 2.30pm.

For enquiries contact Helen (03) 57775575, Andrew 0427092544 or Margie 0418486197.

For online bookings visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1467697

Helen said on behalf of FoV, a special thanks to land holders along the ridgeline for their ongoing support.