Blackwater Family Footsteps is a prominent sports club located in the Central Highlands Regional area of Australia. This inclusive and community-oriented club focuses on promoting health and wellness through walking. The club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
Blackwater Family Footsteps aims to bring people together and build connexions within the community while working towards a healthier heart. By joining one of their walking groups, individuals have the opportunity to engage in regular physical activity and improve their overall well-being.
Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day has numerous benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, walking regularly helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It also lowers the risk of developing certain cancers, maintains bone density, and improves balance and coordination.
Healthcare professionals can refer their patients to Blackwater Family Footsteps' structured and supportive walking programme, which complements their care. Whether participants choose to walk alone or in a group, the programme motivates them to meet the national physical activity guidelines.
The club provides a welcoming and supportive environment for its members. Maria, a group walker, shares her success story of overcoming health issues through walking. Her dedication to walking has had a positive impact on both her mental and physical health.
To join the walking community, interested individuals can join the Facebook group or contact the club directly. Blackwater Family Footsteps is part of a network of over 600 walking groups nationwide, making it easy for individuals to find a group near them. Getting started is simple – interested individuals can search for a walking group by suburb, town, or postcode, register for their chosen group, and contact the walk organiser for more information.
The club also encourages members to take on leadership roles as Walk Organisers. These volunteers play a vital role in planning walking routes, determining meeting places, and welcoming new members to their respective groups. Walk Organisers receive training, access to an online profile for group management, ongoing communication, and invitations to events and workshops. They can also participate in the Walker Recognition Scheme, which rewards individuals for their dedication and efforts.
Blackwater Family Footsteps welcomes individuals over the age of 18 to join their walking groups and be part of a supportive community focused on improving heart health and overall well-being.