Freshwater Walkers

Volunteer your time to organise and lead walking groups in the Cairns community. As a Walk Organiser for Freshwater Walkers, you will play a vital role in promoting physical activity and creating a supportive environment for individuals looking to improve their health and well-being through walking.

Freshwater Walkers is a sports club based in Cairns that focuses on the benefits of walking for overall physical and mental health. The club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and aims to build connexions within the community while helping individuals achieve a healthier heart.

Joining Freshwater Walkers and participating in their walking groups offers numerous benefits. Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, regular walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, maintain bone density, improve balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.

For healthcare professionals, Freshwater Walkers offers a structured and supportive walking programme that complements their care. Healthcare professionals can refer their patients to the programme, which is developed to help individuals meet the national physical activity guidelines. Whether patients choose to walk alone or in a group, the motivational programme provides the necessary support and guidance for a successful walking journey.

The success stories from individuals who have benefited from Freshwater Walkers are inspiring. For example, Maria, a group walker, shares her experience of overcoming obesity, diabetes, and blood pressure issues through walking. By gradually increasing her daily step count, she was able to improve her overall physical and mental health.

Getting started with Freshwater Walkers is easy. Interested individuals can join the community's Facebook group to connect with other members and stay updated on group activities. To find a walking group near them, they can search by suburb, town, or postcode on the website. After registering for a group, new members will receive all the necessary information from the Walk Organiser to start their walking journey.

Freshwater Walkers also encourages individuals to become Volunteer Walk Organisers and lead their own walking groups. As a Walk Organiser, training and support will be provided, along with access to an online profile where group management can be handled. Walk Organisers play a crucial role in planning walking routes, organising meeting places, scheduling walks, and welcoming new members.

Freshwater Walkers values and rewards the efforts of its walkers. By joining the Walker Recognition Scheme, walkers can be recognised and rewarded for their dedication to walking and improving their health.

Overall, Freshwater Walkers is a welcoming and supportive sports club in Cairns that promotes the benefits of walking for a healthier heart. By joining the club, individuals can connect with like-minded individuals, improve their physical and mental well-being, and make a positive impact on their overall health.