Advocacy for walking footpaths and trails

Walking SA volunteers regularly review what is happening with regard to a variety of plans, particularly by local and state government that could have impacts upon walking. Over recent times these have included the riding on footpaths element of the new bike laws, various local government management plans for trails, the Hackney Road/O-Bahn development, the Darlington interchange and the RAH/SAHMRI North Terrace scenario. Walking SA regularly advocates, both formally and informally, on these types of matters to look after the interest of walkers.

If you have issues of concern or comments that you would like considered in our submissions, please contact the Walking SA office. Of late we have had concerns expressed to us with regard to shared trails in the Adelaide Hills where walkers are disadvantaged. Please let us know of issues in principal or even specific instances of concern.

Inaugural Walking SA Awards

Media release cover image, images only

  • Who created that walking trail?
  • Who inspired me to go walking?
  • How did that organisation come about?
  • Who promoted the joys of bushwalking?

Many volunteers and others have contributed to South Australia’s great walking trails, walking clubs, and walking promotion and opportunities for health, wellbeing, recreation and tourism. At Walking SA we believe that it’s about time they were recognised.

Walking SA is initiating annual awards to recognise sustained and outstanding contribution to walking at all levels throughout SA. If you know of someone who should be considered for an award in 2016 please do consider nominating them.

Walking SA is the not for profit peak body that leads, promotes and supports all forms of walking in South Australia, including walking for recreation, transport, health, wellbeing, organised events, adventure, bushwalking, environmental appreciation and fun experiences.

Our vision is to have more people walking more often. We provide leadership through; promoting and supporting walking opportunities for all South Australians; promoting opportunities to improve the health and lifestyle of South Australians through walking; as well as expertise, guidance and advocacy for safe and supportive walking infrastructure.

We are launching awards in five categories:-

  • Longstanding Contribution /Distinguished Service Award – Individual
  • Special Recognition Award – Individual
  • Special Recognition Award – Group/Organisation
  • Local Government Award – Individual
  • Local Government Award – Organisation

Criteria for the awards will encompass

  • Enhanced the development of walking in South Australia and/or
  • Significantly furthered the objectives of Walking SA and/or
  • Developed/supported the implementation of a significant walking project/activity and/or
  • Added value to the wider community of South Australia

The awards are a leadership initiative of Walking SA towards public recognition of individuals and organisations who have made a significant contribution to walking at all levels in South Australia.

Nominations may be made by any South Australian nominators. Referees and nominees are not required to be members of Walking SA or of a walking club. We’ll also be pleased to consider self-nominations.

Nominations close on 26th August 2016. Awards will be presented at the Awards Presentation Night on Thursday 13th October 2016.

For further information contact: –

Wendy Keech – Walking SA Chair: 0403 997 907

Greg Boundy – Walking SA Executive Officer: 0457 006 620

Resources from the Office of Recreation and Sport

Office of Recreation and Sport ResourcesThere is a wealth of information available on the Office of Recreation and Sport website that may be of value to member clubs and organisations or of broad interest to individuals. Whilst a significant proportion of resources are directed to more of the sporting codes there are many that are of benefit to us in the walking community.

In particular there a range of publications that may be of interest and benefit to clubs and organisations, including club management and governance, as well as many others.

The next round of the Active Club program will open on 13th August 2016.

For further general information visit ors.sa.gov.au.