Lochiel’s lakeside market joins the movement for mental health, raising funds and awareness for Walk the Yorkes for Charity
The little lakeside town of Lochiel is putting its heart into a big cause this month, with a community market helping raise funds for Walk the Yorkes for Charity, supporting mental health, suicide prevention, and emotional wellbeing across the Yorke Peninsula.
Now in its fifth year, and led by Matt Burr, Walk the Yorkes has become a lot more than just a fitness challenge. It’s a passionate community movement that’s raised over $125,000 for charities, including Backpacks 4 SA Kids’ Anchor Packs program and the RFDS SYP Support Group.
Organiser Matt is no stranger to adversity, having just recently undergone major surgery to remove a brain tumour. Considering himself extremely fortunate with his remarkable recovery, this latest personal hurdle hasn’t stopped his passion for giving back to the charities and community he loves.
“I’m a very lucky man,” Matt said. “My recovery’s been incredible, and being able to get back out there walking and raising awareness means everything to me.”
Choosing Backpacks 4 SA Kids and the RFDS SYP Support Group as charity partners was a conscious decision. The RFDS continues to be a lifeline for Yorke Peninsula communities, while the Anchor Packs program provides essential support for teens and young adults doing it tough – a cause close to Matt’s heart through his work in mental health.
“The RFDS has always been there for our region,” he said. “And with Backpacks 4 SA Kids Anchor Packs Program, we’re helping teenagers and young adults facing homelessness. This is an age group who often get overlooked.”
The next Walk the Yorkes for Charity is on May 15–16, 2026, trekking the path from Hardwicke Bay to Port Victoria, and wrapping up with a celebratory dinner at Watsacowie Brewery in Minlaton. Public registrations are open until February 2026 – and with only 25 walkers per day, spots will fill fast.
And if walking isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to lend a hand – including heading to the Lochiel Market this month, one of several grassroots events supporting the campaign. Visitors can browse stalls selling jewellery, candles, plants, jams, soaps, leather goods, crochet items, and bric-a-brac, while enjoying food and drinks from Deb and David from Gladstone’s Happy Rock CafĂ©. They’ll also be collecting non-perishable goods and gifts for Christmas hampers helping locals in need this festive season.
Lochiel Market
When: Saturday, November 22, 10am-2pm
Where: Lochiel Hall, opposite the Pink Lake
Registrations for Walk the Yorkes for Charity are open now – sign up here or find out more on the Walk the Yorkes for Charity Facebook page.
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