Giving Day Walk
*ALERT* UniSuper $500 Challenge Gift
UniSuper have provided a special challenge gift for the Giving Day Walk. The Walk participant* who raises the most funds for their cause by 5:00PM on Giving Day 2023 will receive an extra $500 towards their fundraising.
Thank you to UniSuper for this super support!
*Chancellor's Challenge participants are ineligible for the UniSuper challenge gift.
Giving Day Walk
Where will the Giving Day Walk start and finish?
The Walk begins and finishes at Western Sydney University's Parramatta South campus at Rydalmere, following the Parramatta river to CommBank Stadium and the picturesque setting of Parramatta Park precinct. Then into the Parramatta CBD for a quick visit to Western's 1 Parramatta Square and 6 Hassall Street campuses before returning along Parramatta River to a celebratory finish back at Parramatta South campus.
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 - please ensure you bring your phone fully-charged.
What time is my walk?
The Giving Day Walk will take place between 9.00am-1:00pm on Wednesday, 6 September 2023. This will be followed by the Chancellor's Challenge Golf Competition.
Walkers will depart in a single wave to begin at Parramatta South campus at approximately 10:00am.
Registration begins at 9:00am with the official opening of the Walk to from 9:45am. At registration, you will be provided with an ID and lanyard, lunch voucher and a Giving Day T-shirt.
The Walk finishes at Parramatta South campus between 12.30pm - 1.00pm depending on your walking pace and will be followed by the Chancellor’s Challenge from 2:00pm.
Between 12:30pm and 2:00pm there will be music, food trucks, smoothie bikes, gelato, lawn games and putt-putt. You can get a massage from the 3 Minute Angels or take part in a special tree planting activity on the day. There are also chances to win some lucky-door prizes including a signed Western Sydney Wanderers jersey.
For more information please contact the Giving Day team at giving@westernsydney.edu.au.
How do I get to the start?
Free parking is available at the University’s Parramatta North campus. Shuttle buses will transport participants from our Parramatta North and 1 Parramatta Square campuses to Parramatta South campus.
To aid with timely registration, please time your arrival accordingly.
Shuttle buses will be available to take you to the Parramatta North campus or the 1 Parramatta Square for the train station if required.
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 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Are there water stops along the way?
Checkpoints for the Giving Day Walk are located at CommBank Stadium (Gate B) and the University’s 1 Parramatta Square and 6 Hassall Street campuses.
For safety, all participants must check-in at each checkpoint they visit. There will be water bottle refill stations and light snacks available at each checkpoint. Please bring your own water bottle as no water bottles will be provided at checkpoints.
Walkers will be able to register and begin their walk from any of the checkpoints. Open times for each checkpoint are as follows:
- 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 suburban and city streets, beautiful parkland precinct and along the Parramatta River. You will experience some parkland 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 – for safety please be aware of cyclists and other pedestrians.
A detailed map of the route is available here. Participants are encouraged to download the Maps.Me app and the KML map file which is available on the Giving Day website. Click here for instructions on how to install Maps.Me and the map file.
Please do not enter any private spaces or houses as you walk the route and be aware of cyclists and other pedestrians for safety.
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. Participants must bring their own water bottles.
What should I wear/bring?
Wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes (joggers, hiking boots, walking shoes). Please be prepared for all weather conditions and dress appropriately. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen at recommended intervals.
It will be important to bring your phone fully charged as any important messages about route changes or weather conditions will be sent via SMS on the day. 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.
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 route is accessible for prams. For those requiring wheelchair accessibility, a 3km route has been designed beginning from 1 Parramatta Square and finishing at Parramatta South campus. For details of the route, click here.
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?
100% of the funds you raise will 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.
To specify a cause or project at the Univeristy that is not covered in the list, please contact giving@westernsydney.edu.au.
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 set 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, 6 September 2023.
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, 6 September, you can give and fundraise before the day and until 30 September 2023.
What happens to my donation if the event is cancelled?
Advice will be provided in the case of event cancellation.