Heart Foundation Walking Groups put spring in your step

THERE are 19 Heart Foundation walking groups in the Moreton Bay Region. We reveal the two newest groups and how you can get involved. You don’t have to be fitness fanatic!

Heart Foundation Walking Group volunteer Ann Serin at Kumbartcho Sanctuary. Photo: Dominika Lis

ANN Serin fondly remembers traipsing through the bush with her father as a child, so when she heard the Heart Foundation was looking for people to organise walks in their communities she jumped at the chance.

The Ferny Hills resident 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.”

Heart Foundation Walking Group volunteer Ann Serin at Kumbartcho Sanctuary. Photo: Dominika Lis

Wandering through the bush at Kumbartcho Sanctuary and chatting to like-minded people appeals to Ann.

She will be running free walks on Tuesdays at 4pm from August 7.

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.”

Volunteer Julie Simpson at the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre.

Fellow walk organiser Julie Simpson, of Morayfield, agrees. She’s running free walks, which go for 45 minutes to one hour, from Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre every Thursday from 8am.

Julie says the natural environment makes it a pleasant place to walk. Participants should arrive at 7.45am for an 8am start.

The Heart Foundation’s Anna Campbell says there are 19 walking groups in the Moreton Bay Region and taking part is a great way to learn more about natural environment while reducing stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation.

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