The 2017 Hike for Homeless began at 9am on Saturday as hikers picked up their fluoro-orange vests and began their 19-kilometre venture.

Hosted by Moree Area Homelessness Service, the annual event is held during national Homelessness Week and aims to raise awareness and assist locals at risk.

Byamee community engagement officer Kristy Marquett said the first wave of walkers completed the hike in three and a half hours.

“Everyone took the trip at their own pace. The atmosphere was great and there were different groups of walkers along the way who encouraged each other to keep going for the cause,” she said.

Out of the 62 walkers, only four children opted to catch the support bus to Ashley.

Ms Marquett said along the way, participants were asking how they were contributing to preventing homelessness.

“Simply by raising awareness, by telling friends and family, these hikers have helped to voice the issue and get people thinking more about how they can assist, or help prevent homelessness,” she said.

View the mega gallery of photos from the 2017 Hike for Homeless in Moree.

The barbecue was well alight once the hikers reached Midkin Park, ready to take a well-deserved break, with 50-odd friends and family who drove out.

Moree’s Aboriginal Employment Strategy and Pius-X held a bake sale which raised $750 for Byamee to continue assisting homeless people locally.

There was also crafts, ten pin bowling, a jumping castle and pony rides with Leah Browning which kept children well entertained into the afternoon.

Later on, the move ‘Boss Baby’ was played as the smell of freshly-cooked popcorn filled the winter air.

Eight people braved the cold weather and stayed in the Ashley hall overnight for a sleep out.

“The sleep out gives people a taste of what it is like every night for a homeless person.”

The Byamee team are already in the planning stages for next year’s event.

“We will be encouraging walkers to find sponsors and we hope next year is just as big and successful as this year.”