Local bushwalkers win Victorian seniors award
The West Gippsland Bushwalking Club has won the Age-Friendly Victoria Award. This award recognises an organisation for creating age-friendly communities, promoting active ageing and improving quality of life and inclusion for older people.
Victorian Governor Linda Dessau AC and the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan congratulated bushwalking club president Megan Major and 16 other award recipients who were recognised for their community work at a ceremony at Government House. Nine other West Gippsland Bushwalking Club members also attended the awards ceremony at Government House.
Competition in this category of the awards was tough with nominations from 19 organisations across Victoria.
The award citation recognised the club as providing safe and environmentally responsible bushwalking to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle along with social interaction. Participation in the club provides opportunities for members to exercise, connect to the bushland environment, interact with each other and develop friendships.
The citation also noted that almost all of the club’s 90 members are aged over 60, and they have devised a range of activities to suit peoples’ age and fitness levels, allowing people choice and confidence in their participation. The overall planning and management of the club is undertaken by volunteers, and all members are supported to take on these roles over time.
The awards are part of the 2019 Victorian Seniors Festival which runs throughout October to recognise and celebrate seniors.
The West Gippsland Bushwalking Club walks fortnightly on a Tuesday. The club has three walking groups, the ‘trekkers’ who undertake longer and more challenging walks, the ‘ramblers’ who take on easier walks and an intermediate ‘hikers’ group. Twice a year the club has a week away in other parts of Victoria (and sometimes interstate or overseas).
For more information contact Sue Laidlaw on westgbwc@gmail.com or go to www.westgippslandbushwalkingclub.org.au