Year: 2023

Make Walking Great Again, Wed 18 Oct 2023

Posted on by Walking SA

Join Walking SA to share walkability success stories and explore opportunities to make your local area more walkable.

Hear how you can overcome the challenges to make your own local area a success.

Wed 18 Oct 2023
9am to 1pm
Networking and light refreshments included

The Jade
142-160 Flinders St
Adelaide

Cost
FREE

  • Keynote Speaker:
       Brian Deegan, Director of Inspections (Active Travel England)
    London, UK
  • Local speakers will share local walking examples of how we can influence change including:
    •    Charles Mountain, RAA Senior Safety & Infrastructure
  • Panel discussion
  • Workshop:
       Making change happen
Tickets
Download flyer

Walking Awards – Nominations open

Posted on by Walking SA

Step into Spring also means the annual Walking SA Walking Awards sponsored by Wellbeing SA are now open.

In 2023, the five award categories are:

  1. Walking for Health: Supporting South Australians’ health and wellbeing through walking ($1500)
  2. Walking for Recreation: Supporting South Australians accessing green open space for walking ($1,500)
  3. Walking for Transport: Supporting South Australians making short trips by walking ($1,500)
  4. Outstanding Group or Individual Contribution to advance walking inclusivity: Outstanding group or individual contribution to make walking an all-inclusive activity (new category) ($750)
  5. Outstanding Individual Contribution of volunteer to walking:  Outstanding individual contribution to walking in South Australia ($750)

Nominate a worthy recipient and let’s recognise their endeavour that enables us all to enjoy the beauty and benefits of walking.

Read more

Improving walkability – Walking SA’s submission to improve a key intersection along Glen Osmond Road, Parkside

Posted on by Walking SA

Walking SA supports improvements that minimise potential conflict between road users and increases safety measures for the most vulnerable, pedestrian users. See our feedback and views on turns and slip lanes, ‘keep clear’ markings, pedestrian fencing and school speed zones and the role they play at the intersection of GOR, Kenilworth Road and Young Street.

View submission

Walking SA accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and supports the Yes vote

Posted on by Walking SA

The Walking SA Board publicly declare our support for the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and for a Voice that will provide a mechanism for First Nations peoples to actively participate and advise on policies and laws which affect them.

History tells us that previous First Nations representative bodies have been continually dismantled by the commonwealth government at will. By writing YES in the referendum, Australians can establish a permanent representative body that advocates for the needs and aspirations of First Nations people.

As the peak body representing all types of walking in South Australia we know that First Nations communities are at the front line of climate impacts in this country. We share a deep love of our country and actively pursue sharing this reverence with all Australians. By ensuring that First Nations communities are represented in shaping national policies, we can not only take substantive steps to close the gap, but also take steps towards achieving better health, environment and climate outcomes for all.

We know the names of all the parks and of those generous European benefactors who bequeathed land back to the government on their passing, but we struggle to tell the stories of those who lived on these places pre European settlement. There is work to be done.

Walking SA supports all elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, recognizing the focus is on the First Nations Voice to Parliament, while not diminishing the need to begin work on negotiating Treaty and embracing Truth-telling.

We encourage those who have not read the Uluru statement to do so. it is a hopeful and generous document and I quote:
In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.

ulurustatement.org/the-statement

We acknowledge the diversity of views on this issue and encourage all our members and the broader community to engage in these important processes in the hope that we all will be able to make an informed decision when voting in the upcoming Referendum on 14 of October 2023.

 

For more information contact:
Sharon Kelsey, Executive Director
Walking SA
www.walkingsa.org.au
office@walkingsa.org.au

Position statement as at September 2023.

Walking SA AGM 2023

Posted on by Walking SA

Date: Thursday 9 November 2023
Time: AGM 6.30pm, followed by Walking Awards award ceremony
Venue: The Jade, 142-160 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000 (View Map)

This year the event will have a theme of ‘inclusive walkability’.

Following general business, Mr Travis Saunders will speak from a lived experience in making walking inclusive.

The event will culminate in the presentation of the annual Walking Awards, including two new categories of awards that recognise contributions to make walking an all-inclusive activity, and to recognise an outstanding walk volunteer.

Public welcome.

For catering purposes please RSVP to office@walkingsa.org.au.

There is free on-street carparking after 6pm and nearby multi-story parking areas. The Jade is 6-10 mins walk from the closest tram stop.

Nominations for the Board

Nominations for membership of the 2023/24 Walking SA Board are invited from anyone interested in walking and contributing to make South Australia a more walkable state with truly memorable walk experiences.

Help us to share the love of walking and get more people walking more often.

We are particularly interested in applications from members from our walking clubs.

Please refer to the Nomination Form ( Microsoft Word, or PDF.)

Please send your completed nomination form to:
Sharon Kelsey, Executive Director
Walking SA
Level 1, 155-159 Hutt Street, Adelaide SA 5000
or email office@walkingsa.org.au
by Thursday 2nd November 2023.

Sun 10 Sept: Walk with us on World Suicide Prevention Day

Posted on by Walking SA

Join us on World Suicide Prevention Day for a walk at sunrise to remember those lost to suicide, raise awareness and show your support for suicide prevention.

We are honoured to have Professor Nicholas Procter joining us to open the event.

Enjoy a coffee and catch-up with friends in fresh air as we come together as a community and remember those we’ve lost.

When
Sunday 10 September 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Where
Pennington Gardens, North Adelaide near Adelaide Oval

Walking route
River Torrens, a loop around the river

Register Now
View flyer

The reasons for commemorating this day are beyond those that come obvious to us – that Sonder provides mental health and suicide prevention support to our community every day.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.

Beyond the tragic loss of the person, the impact of suicide deaths are felt by up to 135 people, including family members, work colleagues, friends, first responders at the time of death.

This year, we are participating in World Suicide Prevention Day to catch up and connect with each other.

We understand the importance of strengthening community, staying connected and showing each other that we are always here if in need of support.

Here’s what to expect

Watch the video above to find out more about how Sonder has commemorated World Suicide Prevention Day in the past.

This year we will be joined by more of the community as we have partnered with Walking SA and UniSA to extend the commemoration beyond Sonder staff.

The event will be opened by Professor Nicholas Procter, who will be sharing his research and recommendations on suicide prevention.

There will be a coffee van for your caffeine kick before, during or after the walk.

Walking SA will be hosting a stall at the starting point of the walk.

Find out more

Improve your Hiking Skills with Walking SA – Black Hill on a section of the Adelaide 100

Posted on by Walking SA

Sunday 15 October 2023
Black Hill Conservation Park
Choose from two sessions:
8:30am to 11:30am, or
1pm to 4pm

Join an experienced leader from Walking SA for a guided bushwalk & skills session in Black Hill Conservation Park on Kaurna country.

This 3-hour session will include a 2 hour hike in the park (including a section of the Adelaide100 trail) plus some time to relax in the bush and have a chat about:

  • How to plan and be well prepared for a hike
  • How to stay comfortable while walking
  • Equipment should you take with you
  • Navigation and map resources
  • What to do in an emergency
  • Rules and guidelines about walking in parks
  • The principles of Leave No Trace
  • Walking SA
  • Bushwalking Leadership South Australia
Buy Ticket

This event is proudly supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia as part of the October’s – Park of the Month.

Adelaide100® trail of 70km / 4 days now officially open from Norton Summit to Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta

Posted on by Walking SA

The Adelaide100® trail is now officially open from Norton Summit to Majors Road, near Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta. These sections traversing 70km / 4 days via Morialta Conservation Park, the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri, the city and the coast are marked and ready for walking.

Be one of the first to stretch your legs along a trail that experiences a variety of landscapes to give you some of the best vantage points around the city.

Visit adelaide100.com.au, download a map and go for a hike. There are 1-2 new detailed maps per each of the 5 trail sections now open, including pdf maps for printing, downloadable Avenza maps for smartphone use, and downloadable gpx download files for navigation devices. All maps are free. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments as they occur.

Work on the remaining sections from Majors Road to Norton Summit are still under development. These sections take in Happy Valley Reservoir, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, Belair National Park, and through the Adelaide Hills via Stirling and Basket Range back to Norton Summit.

Connect with us and others on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn using the hashtags #adelaide100 #walkingsa.

Visit adelaide100.com.au
View media release

Adelaide100® Vision and Project Management
Walking SA, logo

Principal Project Partner
Funded by Wellbeing SA and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Government of South Australia
Government of South Australia logo

Advocating for a Kakadu of the South Walking Trail in the South East Coastal Lakes proposal

Posted on by Walking SA

The South East Coastal Lakes are made up of six lakes or bodies of seasonal water. Walking SA has responded to a Department for Environment and Water (DEW) proposal for options as to how the lakes should be managed.

Walking SA insists that the South East Coastal Lakes environment should be managed in a sustainable way for the respectful use and shared enjoyment of multiple user groups. Primacy should be given to low environmental and cultural impact uses. There should be a focus, not only on enhanced investment in walking trails around each of the major water assets but the strategic investment, in an iconic whole of South East Coastal Lakes walking trail, a Kakadu of the South walking trail. With walking affording a 13:1 return on investment there would be no better outlay.

Read full submission

Walking SA supports the Montgomerie Terrace Shared Use Path, Streaky Bay

Posted on by Walking SA

Walking SA supports the funding application for the Montgomerie Terrace Shared Use Path Project proposed by Streaky Bay Council.

We support the project’s objectives to connect and link the east and west end of Streaky Bay, to connect and provide a safe shared use path to key community facilities, and providing a better outcome for all users by separating people walking and riding bikes from the heavier tourist and agricultural traffic on Wells Street.

Specifically, the project will create a main active transport link connecting the east and west of the town, and will provide a safe route for people walking and riding bikes to and from the school.

A clearer and more identifiable shared use path with suitably marked crossing points will improve the safety of people walking and riding bikes. It will also improve active and passive surveillance on the path with lighting and the direct nature of the connection, enabling more people to use it.

View Letter of Support

Personal Mobility Device (PMD) Use in South Australia

Posted on by Walking SA

Walking SA welcomes the State Government’s review of the growing role of e-scooters and other small-wheeled electrically driven vehicles. The fact that scooters and skateboards can now be motorised has profoundly accelerated their use and their impact on our local footpaths. Walking SA has not formed a view on electrically driven personal mobility devices. We continue to assert that walking is the most sustainable and easiest of all mobility in our cities and that many of the trips taken by these devices would be better if walked. However, we recognise that sometimes PMDs replace car trips and can play a role in making public transport more viable.

View submission

Media enquiries

Sharon Kelsey, Executive Director Walking SA
sharon.kelsey@walkingsa.org.au Ph: 0457 006 620

Improve your Hiking Skills session, Deep Creek National Park

Posted on by Walking SA

Saturday 25 June 2023
Deep Creek National Park
Choose from two sessions:
9am to 12noon, or
1pm to 4pm

Park entrance fees included in the event fee.

Join an experienced leader from Walking SA for a guided bushwalk & skills session in Deep Creek National Park on Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna country.

This 3-hour session will include a 2 hour hike in the park plus some time to relax in the bush and have a chat about:

  • How to plan and be well prepared for a hike
  • How to stay comfortable while walking
  • Equipment should you take with you
  • Navigation and map resources
  • What to do in an emergency
  • Rules and guidelines about walking in parks
  • The principles of Leave No Trace
  • Walking SA
  • Bushwalking Leadership South Australia
Buy Ticket

This event is proudly supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia as part of the June’s – Park of the Month.

A Walk Can Work Wonders – Join us exploring two sections of the Adelaide100 trail

Posted on by Walking SA

As part of A Walk Can Work Wonders we’re hosting two events to explore sections of the new Adelaide100 trail. Each event will have a short 3km walk and a longer 8km+ walk.

The walks are FREE to participate and offer short or long walk challenges. We encourage walkers to bring along a buddy, and introduce someone new to the beauty of walking.

Sunday 18 June 2023

Happy Valley Reservoir

3.4km and 9.8km options

View map and brochure.

Download GPX files for gps watches and devices:

Book ticket

Sunday 28 May 2023

West Beach

2.3km and 9.2km options

Join Uncle Moogy Sumner and Walking SA to Walk for Reconciliation and be a Voice for our Generation. Ngarrendjeri / Kaurna Elder, Uncle Moogy, will start our event with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.

View map and brochure.

Download GPX files for gps watches and devices:

Book ticket