According to the Black Dog Institute, one in five people experience symptoms of mental illness each year, with eight people passing away from suicide across the nation each and every day.

With an initial fundraising target of $500 smashed in the first two days of the fundraiser, the ten strong team have now raised $3000 and walked over 525 kilometres as a group, smashing their initial target of 100 kilometres.

Team member Ginger Longford said the decision to support the Black Dog Institute was a 'no brainer'.

"I am sure we all have someone or have had someone in the past close to them who has suffered with their mental health," Ms Longford said.

"So we thought it would be good for all us girls to get together in the off season and do something good with our time and raise money for this cause."

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When speaking with The Irrigator, team members all commended the club for supporting them on their fundraising mission.

"The club really gets behind community causes," Ms Longford said.

According to team member Flip Nolen, raising money for mental health support services and research was especially important for the regional communities like Leeton.

"We don't have as many support services but we have just as many people who need some help," Ms Nolen said.

"Especially with lockdown, conversations surrounding mental health have really been brought to the forefront."

The team will continue walking until the end of October, hoping to continue building upon the funds raised so far.

Support the challenge and help change the lives of people living with mental illness by donating here.

More information about the Black Dog Institute can be found here.

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