Heart Foundation Walking Groups Put Spring in Your Step

ANN Serin fondly remembers travelling with her father as a child through the bush, so when she learned that the Heart Foundation was looking for people in their neighbourhoods to organise walks, she jumped at the opportunity.

As a resident of Ferny Hills says she had been keen to explore Kumbartcho Sanctuary at Eatons Hill and join a walking group.

“I love walking, but sometimes the flow of my week takes me away from it. Being a walk organiser will ensure that I’ll have a time set aside to enjoy a walk,” she says.

“I’ve always walked. As a kid I used to walk to school, and after school I’d walk down to the creek. My family did a lot of camping and my dad would get up early and we’d both go for a walk through the bush. He’d yarn away to me about different things.”

Ann enjoys wandering through the bush land at Kumbartcho Sanctuary and chatting to like-minded people.

She will be running free walks on Tuesdays from 9 am.

Walks will take 30-40 minutes, giving participants time to warm down properly afterwards. They are suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Ann says we’re often telling children to get off technology and head outdoors, but forget to do it ourselves.

“Sometimes we get caught up in the flow of the week and we need that time to give ourselves some space and to slow down. Walking has a lovely rhythm and you’re outside with no distractions of being in the house.”

Fellow walk coordinator Julie Simpson of Morayfield agrees. She runs free walks from the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Center every Thursday from 6 am, which run for 45 minutes to an hour.

Julie says natural surroundings make this a pleasant place to stroll. Participants are invited to arrive at 7:45 am for an 8 am start.

Anna Campbell of the Heart Foundation says there are 19 walking groups in the Moreton Bay area and becoming involved is a perfect way to learn more about the natural environment while reducing stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation.

To join in, visit walking.heartfoundation.org.au or phone 13 11 12.