By Helen Fairlie
In 2020 I was just so lucky. That was when I discovered the Mighty West Heart Foundation Walking Group.
After losing my job, I moved across the Westgate, from the East, and settled in Altona Meadows.
Not knowing anyone, and feeling alone, I would go out walking. One day, I followed a group of men and women, walking and talking among themselves. When they arrived at their café destination, I stayed outside, watching. As I turned to go, one of the walkers came out. “Would you like to join us for a coffee?” they said. That day I became a member of the Mighty West Heart Foundation Walking Group. I was welcomed and accepted. I was just so lucky.
Looking back over the past five years, I’ve seen friendships forged, hopes restored and lives transformed.
I had found a walking group that was supportive, sociable, and caring at a critical time in my life.
In 2019, our leader and founder, Ian Watson, established in the West, a walking group that fulfilled the need for exercise, fresh air, and scenery as well as friendship and mental wellbeing. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, whatever the weather, we meet and walk along a Hobsons Bay scenic route, either coastal or inland, followed by coffee and chat at a local cafe.
Our members come from a range of backgrounds and join for various reasons. The Mighty West walking group fulfills a need in the lives of our members. Retirement, health, friendship, exercise, adventure, and the need to belong within a caring community are just some of the reasons why they have joined. When the walk is over and coffee time comes, some talk and others listen, some sit with friends and others move around. Coffee time is the cornerstone for the social wellbeing of our members. Lives are shared, problems solved and current affairs discussed.
Ian’s vision of a walking group that addressed an existing health and wellbeing need within the community required a determined effort on his part to ensure that it was local, accessible to all, and genuine in its ability to provide opportunity for its members to grow. His journey began when his own health was at risk and he was on the brink of a heart attack. His walking journey back to health inspired him to make a difference in the community for others with similar health and wellbeing issues. He believed that a walking group not only provided exercise but also friendship, connection, and opportunity.
What makes our walking group unique? Members are valued and encouraged to share their gifts and talents for the wellbeing of the group through social outings, special walks, country trips and Christmas in July. From 2019 to 2025, our group has grown from three original members to 297 members, all of whom believe they are “just so lucky” in belonging to a walking group that Ian would say is “The best in the West.”
