Our ACT groups are Community Champions

Three of our ACT walking groups were featured by Mr Andrew Leigh MP, as his May Community Champions.

The Groovy Grannies walking group consist of 19 active walkers that walk in the Holt area. Meeting at the front of the Kippax Library for their twice weekly walk, the group of Groovy Grandmas and Grandpas head off at 8am sharp on Tuesday and Thursday each week. This group makes sure everyone is catered for on their 45min walk, the group leaders will have a fast and slow walking group. No furry friends or prams are part of this walk, as the group wants to make sure everyone is sure of foot as they travel across their lovely suburb, including the beautiful walk over the creek on the stepping stones (see picture below). This social bunch love to wear their red Heart Foundation Walking shirts to let everyone know they are on their way. Everyone is welcome to join to walk their way with the group. After each walk the group meet at the Kippax coffee shop for a tea or coffee and a chat at 9am. Even on rainy days, you will be able to find this wonderful group at the coffee shop at 9am on Tuesday and Thursdays.

Groovy Grannies (and Grandpas) are kicking goals with their regular walks, with one of their leaders, Edna completing over 1000 walks with the group. They are also regular supporters of the Heart Foundation’s Autumn appeal each September, raising money to support the Heart Foundations work on the fight against heart disease.

In 2018, Capital Chemist Charnwood launched their community Heart Foundation Walk. What started out as a causal conversation on what we can do for our community to get them together is now a large walking group full of great friends. It has now been running for over 3 years, locals from the Belconnen community and staff from Capital Chemist Charnwood meet and embark on a lively 30-minute walk around the beautiful surrounding suburbs and parks of West Belconnen and engage in spirited chatter twice a week. Following the walk, the group retreats to the local café for coffee and conversation (and maybe a bake-off or two)!  Once a month the group go out for dinner at a local club to continue their conversations.

In partnership with the Heart Foundation of Australia, Capital Chemist Charnwood is proud of their contribution to promoting heart health and the role of daily exercising in their community. The group environment builds connections and friendships within the community and pharmacy staff and is both a great activity for physical and mental health.   

The Dunlop Walkers are a keen duo that head out each morning at 6:30am. Rising with the sun, the group meets at the Woolworths car park at 80 Lance Hill Avenue, Dunlop. The group are always keen to find more walkers to help them greet the day. Get in touch with Susan who leads the walk before she heads off to work, refreshed and confident after completing her daily dose cardiovascular exercise.

If you’re local and keen to join these ‘community champions’ you can find more details of these, and other, ACT groups (plus many more across Australia!) at walking.heartfoundation.org.au.

If you’ve got a group walking story to share, we’d love to hear it!