Community members and guests took a stroll on Tuesday, October 1, morning through the eucalyptus woodland of Quinns Island, Cobram, to raise awareness of heart disease.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell walked alongside community members to show his support for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.
“Heart disease is something we’ve all got to be aware of, and work on keeping active and keeping as healthy as we can,” Mr Birrell said.
He stressed the positive effects of walking in natural settings on mental health.
“Your mental health is automatically better than it was [before the walk].
“Not only that, you’re interacting with other people.
“When I’m in parliament, most people are from metropolitan seats. But a lot of people in their electorates have lost what we still have here in this country, which is this sense of community and everyone looking out for each other.”
Cobram Community House's Paula Hansen said the event is fun, free, social and a great way to get oneself healthier among friends.
“A lot of people come along to start with the walking, and they stay for the social side of it.
“People have made friends, and we’re really happy to have new people join us.”
Allen Brooker of Cobram, who attended the walk with his wife Lynette, said he was there to keep fit as he became older.
“It gets us out,” Mr Brooker said.
Organised by the Cobram Community House in partnership with the Heart Foundation Australia, the walking group meets every month.
Readers who are interested in signing up for the weekly walks can contact the Cobram Community House on 5872 2224, or find their local walking group through the Heart Foundation website at Find a walking Group in Australia | Heart Foundation Walking.