PEOPLE from across the Wimmera will come together at the weekend for the third annual Wimmera River Challenge.
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The event aims to build relationships between the police, other emergency services and the indigenous community.
Goolum Goolum health promotion co-ordinator Dean O’Loughlin said the event was about social inclusion.
“We want to get the whole community together,” he said.
“It also promotes a healthy lifestyle and getting outdoors with family and friends.”
The challenge will start with breakfast at the Horsham Weir on Saturday.
“It will be a big breakfast, with Horsham Mayor David Grimble, council representatives, Wimmera police, Goolum Goolum representatives and Wimmera Uniting Care chief executive Barry Elvish,” Mr O’Loughlin said.
Participants will then paddle along the river in canoes and kayaks, from Horsham to Ellis Campground, at Polkemmet.
Saturday afternoon will include cultural activities, boomerang-throwing lessons, elders’ stories and performances.
On Sunday, participants will paddle along the river again to the Dimboola Rowing Club.
Mr O’Loughlin said about 120 people would take part this year.
“The event has grown each year in the past three years,” he said.
“We have all ages involved, right down to babies.”
Volunteer Deanne King said the Wimmera River Challenge was a good opportunity for young people to meet Wimmera police.
“Last year we had an officer come along from Stawell. It’s great for the children to get to know the police in the region,” she said.
Goolum Goolum, along with Grampians Indigenous Family Violence Action Group’s Kiewa Lovett, manage the event.
Other organisations involved include Wimmera Uniting Care, Grampians Community Health and Victoria Police.