Siren Squads to take on Coastrek in October raising funds for Beyond Blue

An alliance of local emergency service workers will undertake October’s Coastrek raising funds for Beyond Blue.

Local police, rangers and volunteer ambulance officers have formed five squads to take on the 35km Cape to Cape track section as part of a national event co-ordinated by Wild Women On Top.

Starting on October 28, police officers Ben Smith and Margaret River station officer-in-charge Simone Taplin would team up with St John Ambulance star Natalie Iredale and volunteer firefighters-cum-Shire of Augusta-Margaret River rangers Narelle Graue and Amanda Price in one of the groups taking on the challenge.

Sergeant Taplin told the Times the trekkers were keen to raise money for Beyond Blue’s valued 24/7 crisis support service.

“It’s been great to bring everyone from the different services together and champion men to train for Coastrek and build a camaraderie that’s so important for the work we do,” she said.

“Mental health plays a big part in our fields, whether it be our own due to the type of work or the community members suffering from mental health episodes we attend to.

“Across the community and in our workplaces, we know that supporting mental health awareness and treatment is vital so we are really pleased to be walking to raise funds for Beyond Blue.”

While Coastrek was normally a female-only event, the Siren Squads co-ordinated by Sgt Taplin included male colleagues.

“Mental health doesn’t discriminate — it affects everyone so it’s great to see our male colleagues get behind this just as much as our female team members,” she said.

To donate, visit coastrek.com.au/fundraisers/simonetaplin/margaret-river-35km-2022.