LOCALS are stepping up to support Lake High – Great Victorian Walk for Autism, with around half of the 22 early bird teams and 70 walkers registered to date, living in and around Mansfield.

Many more of the walkers have ties to the area, whether it be through their connection with Mansfield Autism’s services or being regular visitors to the High Country.

Some of the local team names include ‘Goughs Baybes’, ‘Happy Hoofers’, ‘Loufit’, ‘Delatite Drivers Car Club’, ‘The Walking Well Fed’ and ‘Howqua Hikers’.

With the walk taking place on Saturday March 22, Lake High has moved to a weekend timeslot in 2025, an important change from last year's inaugural event which took place on a Friday.

Teams of two to 10 will walk 15 or 30 kilometres along the Great Victorian Rail Trail arriving in Mansfield where there will be a Celebration Hub set up at the Visitor Information Centre, complete with music, food, beverages and a pamper zone.

Offering up a new route for the 30 kilometre leg, walkers will now start from Woodfield which adds in the lovely stretch along Lake Eildon for participants to enjoy.

The 15 kilometre route begins in Maindample.

Participants pre-register online at lakehigh.org.au.

There is no compulsory fundraising minimum, although every dollar raised beyond registration helps with the expansion of services.

Anyone keen to volunteer, to assist in the smooth running of the event, is encouraged to register their interest via the website.

Mansfield Autism is a registered charity, not for profit, independent special school and NDIS provider.

For more information on Lake High go to https://lakehigh.org.au.