For 15 years, the Cairnlea Community Hub Walkers have been more than just a group of locals strolling together, they’ve formed a vibrant community focused on health, friendship, and fun.
The group is now celebrating a milestone anniversary, marking a decade and a half of promoting physical activity and friendship among locals.
Meeting every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 9.30am at the Cairnlea Community Hub on Carmody Drive, the group enjoy leisurely walks lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The routine often includes a café visit to help their feet recover and nourish their bodies.
Volunteer walk organiser Antoinette Camilleri said there is a lot to love about being a walk organiser.
“The walkers over the past 15 years have been consistently and genuinely great people. I see my job as keeping the dynamics of the group as positive as possible and this could be as easy as a friendly ‘good morning’ to every walker,” she said.
“I find my job to be personally fulfilling, as I am helping others to better heart health while helping myself. It’s a win-win situation.”
The anniversary coincides with the Heart Foundation’s recent ‘Walking Wins’ campaign, aimed at encouraging 400,000 Australians to get moving and improve their heart health
The Heart Foundation reports that with heart disease remaining a leading cause of death in Australia, the campaign underscores the importance of simple yet effective activities like walking, which can reduce the risk of heart disease by 35 per cent.
According to the most recent National Health Survey, only one in five (22.4 per cent) adults aged 18–64 years met the physical activity guidelines.
Walking group participants receive free Heart Foundation Walking newsletters and recognition for their walking, including certificates and vouchers after they have reached significant walking milestones.
Heart Foundation physical activity senior advisor Elizabeth Calleja, encouraged people living in Brimbank to join the Cairnlea Community Hub Walkers.
“There are many health benefits of regular exercise, and participating in a walking group is also a great way to socialise and meet new people. The truth is, though, while most people come for some extra exercise, they’ll more often return week after week because of all the wonderful, new friends they make,” Ms Calleja said.
Beyond their regular walks, the group has become a cornerstone of social life for its members. Monthly meetups, birthday celebrations, cultural outings, and even trips to Antarctica have solidified bonds and created cherished memories over the years.
As they celebrate their new milestone, the Cairnlea Community Hub Walkers extend an invitation to all to join their ranks. Whether for health, friendship, or simply the joy of walking, there’s a place for everyone. To get involved, visit the Heart Foundation’s website or simply show up at the Cairnlea Community Hub – where their warm and friendly walk organiser will be there to greet you.
To join a walking group or start one of your own in your area, visit walking.heartfoundation.org.au or call 13 11 12.
