Giving Day Walk
COVID-19
COVID-SAFETY
The Giving Day Walk will be conducted in accordance with the University’s COVID-Safe guidelines and the latest health and government advice at the time of the event. Your participation in the event will be subject to the NSW Health COVID-19 Regulations and Health advice at the time and may be subject to change.
Do not attend activity if you are unwell, have been in close contact with a positive case, have been tested and/or been instructed to self-isolate.
Practise social distancing by keeping 1.5m from others at all times whilst on the route and at activity zones.
For more details please review the COVID-Safety Plan Summary for this event.
VACCINATION
As part of the Western Sydney University (University) ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are making COVID-19 vaccination a requirement (unless you have an authorised exemption) for participating in University events to minimise the risk of COVID-19 to our community.
When attending the Giving Day events (including the Giving Day Walk, Chancellor’s Challenge and any on-campus activities) you will be required to check in by scanning a QR Code and provide proof of your vaccination status or authorised exemption.
Please note, by providing your vaccination information, you agree that you are consenting to the collection of this information for the purpose of the University preventing and managing the risk of COVID-19 transmission and to ensure compliance with public health directions which apply to the University from time to time. Please refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Privacy Notice for more details on how your information will be processed.
Giving Day Walk
Where will the Giving Day Walk start and finish?
The Walk begins at Lake Parramatta, winding around Parramatta Park to CommBank Stadium for the Chancellor's Challenge, then into the Parramatta CBD and along the Parramatta River to a celebratory finish at Western's Parramatta South campus, Rydalmere.
Please note any updates for details of the Giving Day Walk with regard to weather contingency plans or changes in the route or start location will be communicated via email and SMS text message.
What time is my walk?
The Giving Day Walk will take place between 7.30am-12noon on Wednesday 1 December 2021.
As part of the COVID-Safety plan for the day, there will be a staggered start, with walkers departing in two waves. Wave 1 begins at Lake Parramatta at 7:30am and Wave 2 at 8:00am.
You will have been sent your wave and start-time by email, if you have not received your start time please contact the Giving Day team at giving@westernsydney.edu.au.
Registration at Lake Parramatta begins 30 minutes before your walk start time.
How do I get to the start?
Free parking is available at the University’s Parramatta North campus, and shuttle buses will transport participants to Lake Parramatta.
Shuttle buses begin operating at 6.30am and will take around 15 minutes to get to Lake Parramatta. To aid with timely registration, please time your arrival accordingly.
The Giving Day Walk finishes at the University’s Parramatta South campus between 1.00pm - 2.00pm, depending on your walking pace. Shuttle buses will be available to take you to the Parramatta North campus if required.
Masks are compulsory on shuttle buses.
Is the Giving Day Walk a timed event? How long will it take?
The Giving Day Walk is not a timed race. You do not need to complete the entire distance. A comfortable walking pace is recommended.
Depending on your fitness level and whether you stop along the way, it can take between 2-4 hours to complete. We expect that participants will complete the walk between 7:30am to 2:00pm.
Are there water stops along the way?
Yes, there will be numerous places along the route for water and checkpoint rest stops at Lake Parramatta, CommBank Stadium, Western Sydney University's 1 Parramatta Square and 6 Hassall Street campuses.
For safety, all participants must check in at each checkpoint. There will be bottled water and light snacks available at each checkpoint.
Walkers will be able to register and begin their walk from any of the checkpoints. Open times for each checkpoint are as follows:
- Lake Parramatta - 7:00am
- CommBank Stadium - 10:00am
- 1 Parramatta Square, Peter Shergold Building - 11:00am
- 6 Hassall Street, Engineering & Innovation Hub - 11:00am
Where can I access a map of the route for the Walk?
The Giving Day Walk will take you through urban bushland, suburban and city streets, beautiful parklands and along Parramatta River. You will experience some steep bushland tracks, but the route will mostly use formed walking tracks, paths and public spaces.
There will be Traffic Marshalls and route-marking signage along the walk. A detailed map of the route is available here. Participants are encouraged to download the Maps.Me app and the KML map file. Instructions are available here.
Please do not enter any private spaces or houses as you walk the route.
Is there a cloak room to store personal gear?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide cloaking services. You will need to carry everything you need with you. Pack lightly and dress sensibly for the conditions.
What should I wear/bring?
Wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes (joggers, hiking boots, walking shoes). Be prepared for all weather conditions and dress appropriately. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen at recommended intervals. Remember to bring a water bottle.
Can I wear fancy dress or team costumes?
Yes, safe and comfortable costumes are permitted so long as they do not obstruct other participants or the route.
What if it rains?
The Giving Day Walk is an outdoor event and will be held subject to weather conditions prevailing on the day. If the weather is deemed inappropriate, participants will receive notification of cancellation posted on the Giving Day website, social media, email and SMS text message sent to your email address and mobile phone number provided at registration. The Walk will still go ahead in light rain.
Is there a registration fee?
No, the Giving Day Walk is a free event for the whole community, however you must register before joining the Walk. Registrations closed on Wednesday, 24 November 2021.
Western Sydney University staff are able to participate in the Giving Day Walk as a normal work-day with approval from their supervisor.
Is the walking route pram and wheelchair accessible?
The Parramatta Lake leg of the Walk is not accessible for prams or wheelchairs due to narrow, uneven and steep bushland paths. However, you can join the walk on the corner of Bourke and Davies Streets, North Parramatta; this will shorten the walk to around 12km.
Accessibility
The goal of this event is to enable and support people of all abilities in making their 'independent' choice to participate in physical activity. You can register, noting any adjustments required including starting location, and event organisers will contact you. If you have questions about adjustments please contact giving@westernsydney.edu.au.
Is there anywhere to eat along the way?
There are many restaurants and cafes along CBD leg of the walk. Pack lunch and snacks if you prefer to stop at one of the many scenic locations along the route. Please dispose of any rubbish responsibly.
What if I need to use a rest room?
Toilets are located along the route. The map marking locations is available here.
Where will the funds raised from donations go?
Directly to the cause you choose from our projects to support list. You can fundraise for whatever you are passionate about at Western, whether that’s scholarships, student life programs or research/innovation.
Is there an age limit/can children participate?
The event is open to persons aged 18 years old and over only.
Should I train?
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this event. See some training tips here.
Make sure you feel comfortable undertaking an event of this nature and consult your doctor if necessary. If you haven’t walked this distance before, practise ahead of the event.
Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are not permitted.
Can I carry flags/banners?
Yes. Please ensure these are compact and can be carried safely without obstructing people or the route.
Is there First Aid?
Yes. First Aid services will be provided and stationed at each checkpoint location. If you experience a life threatening incident call ‘000’ immediately and follow instructions.
Will there be a lost property facility?
No. Please ensure you only bring essential items and carry valuable items securely on your person at all times.
Can I take photos?
Yes, we encourage you to take and share lots of photos with hashtags #westerngivingday and #chancellorschallenge.
Can I see my Participant Agreement?
All walkers and participants in the Chancellor's Challenge must be over the age of 18 and agree to these terms and conditions.
FAQs
Giving Day & Donations
What is Giving Day?
Giving Day is a 24-hour campaign celebrating the impact of philanthropic support at Western Sydney University. On Giving Day staff, students, alumni, donors and friends of the University will join together to support scholarships, students, research and other innovative programs at Western.
Giving Day will be held on Wednesday 1 December 2021.
Do donors receive a tax deductible receipt?
Yes. Donations of $2 or greater are tax-deductible and you will be provided with a receipt via email directly after making a gift. Please seek independent tax advice regarding your individual or organisational tax considerations.
When is the cut-off date for donations to Giving Day?
Although the Giving Day occurs on Wednesday 1 December, you can give and fundraise before the day and until 31st December 2021.
What happens to my donation if the event is cancelled?
Advice will be provided in the case of event cancellation.