Macleay Happy Wanderers Walking Group

The Macleay Happy Wanderers Walking Group is a sports club located in the Kempsey Shire Council area in Australia. The club is dedicated to promoting physical activity and improving heart health through regular walking.

As a part of the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the Macleay Happy Wanderers Walking Group aims to build connexions within the community and encourage participants to walk towards a healthier heart together. The club offers a supportive and structured walking programme that complements the care provided by healthcare professionals.

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 per cent. Additionally, regular walking has numerous other benefits, including managing weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reducing the risk of certain cancers, maintaining bone density, and improving balance and coordination.

The Macleay Happy Wanderers Walking Group welcomes people of all ages and fitness levels to join their walking community. By joining the group, members have the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health while enjoying the companionship of fellow walkers.

For healthcare professionals, the club offers a referral programme to their walking programme, which can be used as a supplement to their care. Whether individuals prefer to walk alone or in a group, the programme provides the motivation and support needed to meet national physical activity guidelines.

Testimonials from members highlight the positive impact that walking has had on their health. One member, Maria, shared her journey of starting with 5,000 steps a day and eventually reaching 15,000 steps a day. Through her dedication to walking, she was able to reverse her diabetes and blood pressure problems.

Joining the Macleay Happy Wanderers Walking Group is simple. Interested individuals can join the club's Facebook group for updates and information. To find a walking group near their location, members can search by suburb, town, or postcode on the club's website. Once registered, individuals will receive all the necessary information from their designated Walk Organiser to start their walking journey.

The club recognises the importance of Walk Organisers who play a vital role in the programme's success. Walk Organisers are responsible for planning walking routes, deciding on meeting places, and welcoming new members. They may also participate in the Walker Recognition Scheme, which rewards individuals for their commitment to walking.

For those interested in taking a leadership role, the opportunity to become a Volunteer Walk Organiser is available. These volunteers receive training, an online profile to manage their group, and ongoing communications from the Macleay Happy Wanderers Walking Group. Additionally, they are invited to participate in events and workshops.

Overall, the Macleay Happy Wanderers Walking Group provides a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals to improve their heart health and overall well-being through regular walking. By joining the group, members can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of walking, as well as the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.