Karingal Walkers evening sessions cancelled at Karingal Hub
An award-winning walking group could be facing the finishing line after its evening sessions at a Frankston shopping centre were scrapped.
South East
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An award-winning walking group fears it could be facing the finishing line after its evening sessions at a Frankston shopping centre were scrapped.
The Karingal Walkers were recently told their Tuesday night health walks at Karingal Hub were no longer viable.
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Member Toni Willimott, who has been part of the group for 19 years, said rumours were swirling about the reason for the move.
“I’ve heard it’s because of a lack of security, concerns about airconditioning and even insurance issues,” she said.
“None of those reasons make sense. There is 24-hour security at the centre; we sign a form before joining that basically says we’re walking at our own risk and if it’s too hot, we just don’t walk that day.”
Karingal Hub senior marketing manager Helen Dimoudis said the sessions were cancelled after an internal review into the centre’s “operational ability and requirements” to host the program.
“These factors combined with the low participation rate of the evening session has unfortunately lead to its cancellation,” she said.
Ms Dimoudis said the morning walks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, which attracted up to 100 people, would continue.
Walker Susan Borg said cancelling just one walk would have a significant impact on group members.
“For many walkers the group is their only contact with other people,” Ms Borg said.
“It is important for their physical, emotional and mental health.”
The Frankston woman works four days a week and cares for her elderly mother.
“At times after work I may be feeling quite stressed and depressed due to concerns regarding my mum,” she said.
“No matter how I am feeling I get myself to the Tuesday night group after work.”
Karingal Walkers is a Peninsula Health initiative in partnership with Karingal Hub.
In 2016 the group won the Minister of Health Volunteer Award for Outstanding achievement by a volunteer team in the improving public health category.
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