Yarrahapinni community group celebrates 24 years of walking | Photos

Traditionally, the Anniversary in mid-May is celebrated with a picnic, except in 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions saw the event cancelled.

Founded by three ladies from Yarrahapinni (Heather Johnson, Ruby Lenane and Gwen Harradine) in May 1997, the inaugural walk of the Yarrahapinni Walkers took place at Grassy Head Beach over two decades ago.

Walks of about one-hour duration were generally held on Sundays and Thursdays, with a morning tea once a month and an occasional barbeque lunch.

Frequently travelled areas included beaches, local country roads, fire trails, local towns and occasionally places further afield.

A walk sheet was prepared each month, except December and January, and was printed by Bill White, also from Yarrahapinni.

A Christmas party also became part of the tradition.

The group proved popular with people from Stuarts Point, Eungai and Yarrahapinni, and has continued with minor changes ever since.

In later years, walks were extended to include December and January, and an earlier start time of 8am was implemented.

New tracks were added, so there was enough variety to ensure the routes are only used every two to three months.

Recently the Yarrahapinni Walkers joined the National Heart Foundation's Walking program.

With the retirement of two of the original organisers, Audrey Rogers and Ruby Lenane took charge, and later Noel Harradine joined Audrey (when Ruby and Bill White retired).

To find out more about the local community group, go to their Facebook page: Yarrahapinni Walkers.

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