Explore the outdoors
Would you like to explore Mt Baw Baw, Blue Rock Lake or the Great Southern Trail?
Escaping Your Comfort Zone (EYCZ) is expanding its offerings in Gippsland to support women and non-binary people explore these outdoor locations and many more.
Richelle Olsen from Ocean Grove started EYCZ in 2016 to support body positive adventures in the outdoors for all sizes, ages and fitness levels. There is no focus on weight loss, instead just having fun in the outdoors.
The group's motto is, "the outdoors doesn't care about your size, your speed or your fitness, and neither do we".
Having won the 2018 VicSport active recreation initiative of the year, EYCZ expanded to Gippsland and now has five volunteer leaders in the region.
Upcoming events across West Gippsland include Mt Baw Baw summit walk and lunch on Sunday, March 27; Blue Rock Lake stroll on Saturday, April 9; and The Great Southern Rail Trail e-bikes ride on Sunday, April 10.
EYCZ offers other events across West Gippsland along with South, Central and East Gippsland.
Gippsland volunteer leader Jess Edwards of Wonthaggi joined during the pandemic and was quickly promoted to leader in late 2021. She is keen to spread word of the group which helped her return to the outdoors.
"Over the years I've struggled with weight gain and feeling like I didn't deserve to take up space outdoors," Jess said. "Then when I found EYCZ, all that changed. I found a community of like-minded people that recognise that the outdoors is for everyone. I found a sense of belonging that connection that I'd missed for so long."
Melissa Barnes, a volunteer from Warragul, said the group showed people of any size and fitness could have fun and adventures while exploring the beautiful places we live in.
"I've had fantastic adventures and trips since becoming involved with EYCZ," Melissa said. "It's such a supportive, welcoming group and I love that no one is left behind."
Jess is also excited to promote an upcoming Gippsland Getting Started in Adventure program, running over 10 weeks, supported by VicHealth. Adventures include hikes, canoeing and camping weekends. The next program in Gippsland will run until June 3.
Jess stated EYCZ aims to keep events low-cost and the first event was offered free. The group is also beginner friendly for those new to exercise.
EYCZ is supported by VicHealth, is an active This Girl Can supporter, conducts Proud2Play diversity training for leaders and is a Bushwalking Victoria Club.
To find out more, visit escapingyourcomfortzone.com