Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with #walktoberSA.
There are plenty of walking events that are easy to join, check out the 70 events in our October event calendar.
Month: September 2016
October 2016 is #walktoberSA
During the month of October we’re celebrating walking with #walktoberSA.
October is ideal for walking – the temperatures are mild and the evenings are getting longer.
Visit walkingsa.org.au/walktober for details about our major event, to explore trails, find out how to win prizes or find a walking event near you.
Trails Less Travelled – hike Mt Lofty from a different direction, Sunday 16th October 2016
Most Adelaidians are familiar with the Waterfall Gully track to Mt Lofty Summit but did you know there are at least 9 other routes that can get you to the top? Come and join one of our hosted walks and discover some of the lesser known trails exploring Cleland National Park and the trails beyond.
There are walk options to suit everybody. If you’re after a serious climb along forest trails to get your heart pumping, a gentle ramble to take in the scenery or something in between then we have a walk for you. Check out the options and choose from various lengths, terrain and starting points. All walks will start at 8am and will be led by one of our member clubs so you don’t even need to read a map! Registration is free.
Once you’re at the top, you can refresh yourself at the Summit Cafe and stroll among the stall holders in the summit courtyard.
So whether it’s a new route or an old favourite, register for one of the Trails Less Travelled and we’ll see you at the summit!
Adelaide100, September Update
We've launched a project website for the Adelaide100 trail at adelaide100.com.au
Walking SA continues to work on developing the Adelaide100 initiated by Board member Jim Mclean.
Having conducted a wide range of initial consultation, a small group walking the trail to learn first hand and as we continue to refine the concept we are now into a business planning mode to determine how we can garner further support to make this project happen. As we have used the principle of using existing well maintained trails for the Adelaide100 we believe that the additional cost of creating the trail will be relatively modest, and in particular when compared to what it would be if we were creating it from scratch.
We are grateful for the ongoing support we are receiving across the Board for this project through our member clubs and organisations, local government, state government and a wide range of community groups that we are engaging with. In particular we acknowledge the financial contribution made by the Friends of the Heysen Trail and Skyline Walkers which will greatly assist us getting work done on the ground.
Focus on a walking club: Skyline Walkers
About the hiking club: Skyline Walkers is a walking club that meets at different locations on Saturday mornings at 9am. Each walk, led by club members, has two levels and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Walks are within 30 kilometres of Adelaide. The walk schedule, with the meeting point, is circulated to all members. The members enjoy additional social outings including a mid year dinner and a end of year AGM and luncheon0
25 + 110 New Find a Place to Walk Entries
In recent months we’ve listed 26 new walks in our Find a Place to Walk directory.
Last week we also listed 110 new historical walks, a great way to explore some of the rich history in our suburbs and country towns.
Over the last eighteen months the directory has expanded to over 300 walks and trails around the state, so there are plenty of places to explore for walking.
New Walks to Explore
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Historical Walks
Last week we also listed 110 new historical walks, a great way to explore some of the rich history in our suburbs and country towns.
To explore the historical walks, visit the Find a Place to Walk directory and select the Historical Walks checkbox.
Office of Recreation and Sport – Funding opportunity for clubs
The Active Club Program helps active recreation and sports clubs with program and equipment (up to $5,000 and facility upgrade requests up to $25,000 on a $1 for $1 basis.)
It has two funding rounds per year: facility requests and program and equipment (Round 41) and program and equipment requests only (Round 42).
Guidelines for Round 42 can be found at:
ors.sa.gov.au/funding/apply_for_funding/active_club_program
Applications close 10th October 2016.
Australian Adventure Activity Standards, September 2016 Update
Bushwalking Australia has been advised of the establishment of a national project to develop a set of Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) to replace the existing state-based Adventure Activity Standards (AAS).
Bill Gehling from Walking SA is Bushwalking Australia’s representative on this matter and has been advocating the Bushwalking Australia policy summarised as:
Bushwalking Australia’s policy is that the proposed National Bushwalking AAAS must specifically exclude applicability to non-commercial users such as volunteer-run recreational groups including bushwalking clubs and groups of private individuals undertaking recreational adventure activities.
For further details please refer to bushwalkingaustralia.org/overview/policies
Bushwalking Australia hold their annual conference in November and Walking SA will be attending representing the South Australian bushwalking community. If you have matters you would like us to raise please contact the office.
“Alert SA” website and smartphone app
With warmer weather on the way, hikers and residents will find the Alert SA smartphone app and website a good resource to access timely, relevant and personalised event and warning information.
The website and smartphone app is provided by the Government of SA, and collects and display data from agencies including: Country Fire Service (CFS); Metropolitan Fire Service; State Emergency Service; SA Police; SA Health; Department for Education and Child Development (DECD); Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA); Department of Transport Planning and Infrastructure (DPTI); Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR); Bureau of Meteorology (The Bureau); Environment Protection Authority; SA Power Networks; SA Water; Department for Community and Social Inclusion – State Recovery.
The information obtained from these sources provides event summaries and warnings to keep you up to date and help you make informed decisions about your safety. Alert SA aims to provide you with the most comprehensive view of event and warning information in South Australia. Further data sources may be added as they become available over time.
How to access Alert SA:
Walking the Heysen Trail
Our Executive Officer Greg Boundy recently completed the 1,200 kilometre Heysen Trail.
Greg has given us a quick summary of the experience:
“Together with my wife Valerie we commenced walking the Heysen Trail in an organised ground with the Friends of the Heysen Trail “End-to-End 6 Group”. As a somewhat reluctant walker and not being particularly fit the walking of the trail has been quite transformational in me now being a very motivated walker, and much fitter, as well as a range of other significant benefits. These include enjoying the environment on the trails, some truly exceptional parts of South Australia, establishing a delightful new group of friends as well as appreciating my love of photography.
What it has also made us appreciated is those that have lead and supported the Heysen Trail through the initial vision, establishing and now maintaining the trail as well as the leaders that have dedicated their time as well. All if these are volunteers. Walking the Heysen Trail also provides a significant boost to the regional economy with the provision of accommodation, meals, transport etc. We would strongly recommend undertaking the whole trail and enjoying the multiple benefits that will arise.”
Police Checks without cost for member clubs and their members
We have been granted a VOAN (Volunteer Organisation Authorisation Number) which enables applications for police checks to be made without cost for individuals within our member clubs.
If you need to have checks done please contact the office and we will provide the details of the process as supplied by SA Police.
Walking Awards & Forum, 13th October 2016
Walking Awards & Forum
13th October 2016, 7pm
The evening will be part of #walktoberSA
Drinks and nibbles from 7.45 – 8.00pm
Goodwood Community Centre
32-34 Rosa Street, Goodwood SA 5034
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Award Presentation |
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7:00 – 7:45pm |
| All welcome, including members & member clubs |
We are publicly recognising the many volunteers and others who have contributed to South Australia’s great walking trails, walking clubs, and walking promotion and opportunities for health, wellbeing, recreation and tourism.
During the award ceremony we are present 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
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AGM
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8:00 – 8:30pm |
| All welcome>, including members & member clubs |
A brief annual general meeting.
A detailed agenda will be made available prior to the evening.
- Welcome and apologies
- Any other business to be placed on the agenda
- Confirm the minutes of the preceding AGM
- Annual Report and Officer’s Reports
- Appointment of auditors
- 2016/17 Board
- Other business
- Meeting close
View Nomination form.
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President’s Forum |
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8:30 – 9:30pm |
| All welcome, including members & member clubs |
The Forum is an opportunity for our member walking club representatives to engage in an ongoing discussion with the Board regarding the future plans of Walking SA.
The forum will cover:
- Walking SA – Our future
This will be an interactive update on the development of Walking SA, future plans and directions including the development of an updated Strategic Plan for 2017. - Adelaide100
This is our major project and an update will be provided on progress. - Advocacy
Walking SA is keen to establish a stronger voice for the all the walking interests by collaborating with all member clubs and organisations as well as the wider walking community. - Members Forum
An opportunity to share issues and activities of your clubs and organisations with the Board and all attendees.
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Where
Goodwood Community Centre On-site carparking. |
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RSVP
To assist us with planning, please rsvp by |
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Contact
Web walkingsa.org.au |