Contributed by Robyn McFarlane
SPRING is here and the Mooloolah Walkers are enjoying their regular morning works. An initiative of the National Heart Foundation, the group has been walking together for 20 years.
One of the original members, Helen Weil, has taken her last Mooloolah walk before she and her husband Dave recently left Mooloolah Valley to move to Moore Park, near Bundaberg. Starting at 6.30 am and finishing by 7.30am, Helen made time to fit in the walk before dashing home to shower and breakfast before heading to the school where she worked as a teacher before her retirement.
Helen was awarded the National and Queensland Heart Foundation 2015 Golden Shoe Award in recognition of her commitment to the local walking group. Helen said that “there is always someone to walk beside and chat to as the walkers string out at their own pace,and she has made many good friends over the years.”
Mooloolah Group Coordinator Annie Hicks explained that everyone was welcome. “You don’t have to be a fast walker, and you don’t have to walk every time, or even the whole hour,” She said. “We choose a variety of routes, and it’s a great way to meet others in the community. Then twice a month we continue for coffee at the Jones Street Kitchen immediately after the walk.”
Annie explained that Heart Foundation Walking is Australia’s largest free walking network and provides a simple, safe and social way to exercise. Annie said new members are always welcome.
Anyone interested can just turn up at the shelter at Martin Rungert Park on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 6.30 am. Annie can be contacted on 0401 161 731.
