Barry Nixon has made a difference to many people's lives, by organising social group outings as well as opportunities to walk. The walkers have gone from strength to strength with Barry at the helm. Barry has been active in helping support mental and physical health in the Ballarat community, even assisting walkers to gain access to district medical personnel and services. Aside from walks up to four times a week, the Ballarat Heart Beats enjoy coffee catch ups, lunches, dinners, concerts, and community events.
VIC Finalists
Peter Auld, Port Fairy Walking Group “Peter has an excellent sense of community involvement, inclusion and awareness. . He has a very welcoming and fun nature which makes everyone feel comfortable and included. New members to the group are always made to feel like they belong. He is very aware of the different abilities of walkers in the group and chooses walking routes accordingly. He also organises where we catch up afterwards for a well-deserved cuppa and a chatWe are all very fortunate to have him as our walk organiser and friend.”
Ray Peace, Knox Heritage Walking Group “Ray is amazing. It was so difficult for me to join any exercise group as I’m not a fan of any form of it. I turned up to my 1st walk last year with Ray and loved every step. He manages to combine beautiful, thoughtful walks with some history! It makes the trails flyby and I find myself returning to them on my own! I love this cannot overstate how important and how much I look forward to each walk - just because Ray is Ray!!!”
Ian Watson, Altona Meadows and Newport Walking Group "Ian is personable and a very inclusive organiser who makes sure walks are suitable for both beginners and experienced walkers in all age groups and levels of fitness. He also goes out of his way to organise social occasions to build connections within the group. Under Ian's leadership the walking group seeks to combine fitness in addition to improved mental health and social happiness for all members. "
Lynette has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Best Foot Forward walking group is keeping pace with all possible opportunities Our group has 68 members, with an average of 35 walkers per week.. As well as organising walks, Lynette has been instrumental in ensuring the group has regular bus trips and three-monthly walking challenges. Within the group Lynette is described as “an exceptional walk organiser”, who has invited health care professionals to deliver information sessions, conduct testing and share knowledge on how to lead a more productive and health life.
TAS Finalists
Dorothy Batt, Clarence Walk and Talk “She is well organised, caters for walkers with varying capabilities, includes walks which include the use of community buses. Also organizes lunches separate from our regular walks.”
Mikayla House, Circular Head Walk and Talk "I nominate Mikayla as she is such an inspiration, she encourages everyone that comes along. She is always aware of where everyone is at physically and emotionally and never lets anyone fall behind. Mikayla has also been very active on social media and other ways locally to promote and grow the group. She inspires because not only does she participate and organise, but she does this with a significant disability. I’m very grateful and proud of her. "
Charlie Keane, Meander Valley Deloraine "She welcomes new people to our area and helps them join our group and feel a part of the area. She organizes a weekly coffee at a local cafeWe have a lot of new immigrants who are looking for ways to integrate into our community and to join a free fitness activity.. We often have new women who join the group as a steppingstone to understanding the community. Charlie is always welcoming and encourages these newbies. She keeps a low profile but she has a very positive impact on our group."
Elaine Small has been described as an “inspiration” by those who nominated her for a Golden Shoe Award. Other words ascribed to her include “compassionate”, “proactive”, “positive” and “leader”. Elaine has gained a reputation for helping walkers regain confidence, self-esteem and positivity through her happy and supportive attitude.
SA Finalists
Heather Uren, River Ramblers “She is always there waiting for us, on our arrival and always there on our return even though it is so difficult for her to walk herself. Always private and confidential ”
Marilyn Warren, Goolwa Uniting Walkers and Strollers “Marilyn is dedicated and has been organising the group for many years The group is very welcoming and cohesive and much of that is due to Marilyn's influence. She is selfless in her consideration for others and promotes good physical and mental health by just being herself. We all respect her and count her as a friend. I was in grief after losing my 16-year-old Labrador last year when Marilyn told me I should join the group. She was right - the group saved me from plunging into depression - and still is why I'm out of bed and up and at 'em on Monday mornings."
Ruth Watson, VWA Step n Chat “Ruth set up a virtual website, whereby our group has walked around Tasmania, and we are currently walking around Victoria.We post our weekly distance totals and she posts links of the landmark destinations we are passing She has nurtured those with injuries and disabilities.ranging from heart attacks and stroke, to injuries related to sport and age. I would love to see her recognised for her hard work."
Colin Evans is known for making people feel good about themselves, offering inspiration for those who may be doing it tough at times. He’s known for going the extra mile, even helping walkers when they’re off the track, whether paying hospital visits or making sure they’re well looked after when they are back at home.Colin regularly organises walks, morning teas and milestone acknowledgements for Warnbro Sound Walkers.
WA Finalists
Gillian Dober, Happy Hearts “Gillian tries out each walk before she organises the calendar. Nothing is ever too hard for her, and she makes sure our walkers are always happy. She organises the walks every week and we regularly have between 30 and 40 walkers. Gillian also organises an annual 3-day camp where everyone has a great time. She also does all this selflessly whilst also caring for her husband who is battling cancer. Gillian would be a very worthy winner.”
Patricia Hall, Kings Park Walk “Pat has been the walk organiser for some years, encourages everyone to participate, introduces new folk to the group and often walks with at the back with anyone who is a bit slower than the main group. She spends the time to think about a variety of walks which can be done in the allocated hour, so we never get tired of the same old routes. She persuades others to take a turn at leading the day's walk so others become more familiar with the park itself.
Patricia Pillings, Happy Hearts “She is always there, whatever the weather. Recently had a major operation but still organised our weekly walks and coffee meetings.”
According to Active in Alice walking group members, Lucinda brings a “positive vibe” to their Saturday morning walks. Known for helping people challenge themselves, maintaining that the steps to heart health are physical and mental. Encouraging, bubbly, positive and a great engager, Lucinda is a worthy Golden Shoe Award recipient.
NT Finalists
Cheryl McKeen, Darwin Heart Foundation Walkers “She is very welcoming and encouraging” “Cheryl always keeps us informed of what’s going on of general interest and of HF activities.”
Nerida is welcoming presence at the Brighton Walkers, not only filling out paperwork but seeing to all the members’ other needs. But her dedication extends well beyond the administrative, even rallying walk group members to help one of their own negotiate the public transport system, with an instructive day trip into the city. As one Brighton Walkers group member enthused, “She honestly is one of the best!
QLD Finalists
Julie Cleator, Toombul Walking group “Julie engages with the members, not only in relation to her position as organiser, but on a personal level, too. The group comprises retirees, so she arranges events that appeal to an older cohort and are affordable. Julie’s warm, friendly personality and commitment to the group motivate its members to “keep on keeping on.”
Maggie Travers, One step at a time Tin can Bay “Maggie has been an inspiration to all taking our numbers from 6 to over seventy. She is always there to assist in any situation from community talks about the group to listening to our personal issues. A true friend to us all. Brings laughter, fun and friendship to us all. Also helped to start our Wheelie walkers a group specially for those with Wheelie walkers and slower walkers.”
Bernie Callum, Cleveland Central 7.30am Walkers “Since taking over as convener of our group Bernie has brought a fractured group back together and has made it into a very welcoming and friendly group and has several strong supporters to fill in for her if she is away. I would highly recommend her for any recognition The Heart Foundation sees fit to award to her for the wonderful service she gives to the foundation.”
Phillip Elwin, SWEAT - Sydney Walk Eat and Talk group & SWAT - Sutherland Walk and Talk (Winner)
Under the leadership of Phillip, the Sydney Walk Eat and Talk (SWEAT) walkers have continued to prosper, with membership increasing apace. Phillip makes everyone welcome and is known as an expert in organising safe walks to interesting places. He also encourages others to become walk leaders. SWEAT walkers say they’ve learned a lot about Sydney during their treks. As one SWEAT walker said, “He’s very knowledgeable about nature and goes the extra mile with his research to make each walk a great experience for all of us.”
NSW Finalists
Les Bassett, Warringah Walkers “Les organises our very diverse and geographically scattered group of active Seniors He has done this with dedication for a long time. When Covid meant limited movement for quite some time, Les organised weekly walks that looped from car parks so that public transport could be avoided. He’s passionate about the group and its success as a regular social outing as well as its aim of walking for fitness. Always cheerful, always accommodating."
Dorothy Gerzanics, NSW Happy Feet “Dorothy Gerzanics is our coordinator, affectionally called Mother Duck, and has been in the role for more than twelve years. She is much more than a coordinator and has assisted in positively changing the lives of people in our group. All newcomers are warmly welcomed. She is ably assisted by her husband, Tony. She diligently controls the group into an orderly bunch of oldies to ensure we get the best of our time together 5 days a week, 52 weeks a rain, hail or shine. Equally important to the positives for our physical health is the social aspect. Regularly getting together after walks for coffee to solve the world's problems; listening and perhaps find a solution to each other's problems and generally having a good laugh."
Robyn Barton, Tamworth Trekkers “Robyn started this group about 12 years ago. She is passionately concerned about the health and wellbeing of each of the walkers. She involves everyone in social and health promotion activities. Encourages us all to give a little extra each week for our own wellbeing and keeps us informed of opportunities to be involved in other health activities without being pushy. Robyn offers support when walkers are doing it tough for any reason. She is such a beautiful person and is greatly loved and respected by all in our group.”
The grooviest of grannies, Edna Kauffman has gained a reputation in the walking community as someone who helps keep people moving. The Walk for Heart ambassador leads about 15 to 20 members on most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Groovy Grannies members say Edna is fun to be around and always encouraging.
ACT Finalists
Mark Taylor, Erinvale Walking group “He's always full of information and makes us all feel very welcome each week with his positivity” “He is there every Wednesday. Is friendly and makes sure everyone is happy and enjoying their walk.”
Judy McGurk, Araluen Retirement Village "Judy conducts several walks each week, for residents of varying abilities and fitness. She is mindful of possible safety hazards, has been doing walks for 15 years and is endlessly patient, cheerful and so fit herself."
Duncan Craig, Canberra Walkers “He is so supportive and motivates us. It’s not only a walk, but a friendship that has been built.”
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