Sugarloaf Walkers

Sugarloaf Walkers is a sports club located in Kempsey Shire Council, dedicated to promoting physical activity and improving the heart health of its members. This club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and aims to build connexions within the community while advocating for a healthier heart through walking.

The club offers a range of walking groups that cater to individuals with varying fitness levels and interests. By joining one of these groups, members can enjoy the benefits of walking towards a healthier heart while connecting with like-minded individuals in their community. Walking regularly has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 per cent. It also helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reduces the risk of developing some cancers, and improves bone density, balance, and coordination.

Sugarloaf Walkers provides a structured and supportive walking programme that complements healthcare professionals' care for their patients. Whether patients prefer to walk alone or in a group, this programme motivates and supports them in meeting the national physical activity guidelines. Healthcare professionals can refer their patients to this programme to enhance their overall care.

Maria, a group walker, shares her inspiring story of how walking has transformed her life. After struggling with weight, diabetes, and blood pressure issues for over 40 years, Maria started with a goal of walking 5,000 steps a day. With determination, she gradually increased her daily steps to 15,000 and successfully reversed her diabetes and improved her blood pressure. Maria's journey highlights the incredible impact that walking can have on both physical and mental health.

Joining the Sugarloaf Walkers community is easy. Interested individuals can join the Facebook group to stay connected and updated on the club's activities. To get started with walking, they can search for a walking group near them using the provided radius options of 10 km, 20 km, 25 km, 50 km, or 100 km. Once they find a suitable group, they can register and connect with the Walk Organiser who will provide all the necessary information to start walking.

For those passionate about walking and wanting to make a difference in their community, the club offers opportunities to become a Volunteer Walk Organiser. As a Walk Organiser, individuals will plan walking routes, choose meeting places, and decide on the time and day of walks for their group. They will also welcome new members and contribute to the overall success of the club. Walk Organisers receive training, access to their online profile for group management, and various benefits such as thank-you gifts and invites to events and workshops.

The Sugarloaf Walkers sports club in Kempsey Shire Council is a welcoming and supportive community that encourages individuals to improve their heart health through regular walking. With a range of walking groups, the club provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy the benefits of walking while fostering connexions within the community. Join Sugarloaf Walkers today and take a step towards a healthier and happier life.