People of all ages walk for wellbeing

ABOUT 90 people including families, children and many folk with their dogs signed up for Portarlingon’s Walk for Wellbeing at the weekend.

Long-time resident and Bellarine Ward candidate Lindsay Ellis officially opened the event on Sunday morning, before participants embarked on the three-kilometre walk from Portarlington Pier to Bellarine Bayside Boat Ramp and return.

Organiser Julie Elterman said Mr Ellis reminded the group of the importance of connecting with others and building good relationships to enjoy the good times in our lives and help us deal with the hard experiences we face.

“He spoke about the benefits of walking and how walking with others can help with our motivation,” Ms Elterman said.

“He also said that apart from great exercise, walking releases chemicals within the body to get us out of the house and into the beautiful natural world and more importantly it’s free.”

She said he invited participants to enjoy the beautiful Bellarine foreshore as they walked, and to reflect on a catch phrase: “Get out of your head and into your body”.

The sounds of the Portarlington Harmonica Band were lively and fun putting everyone in the mood for a brisk walk along the new path recently put in place by Bellarine Bayside along the foreshore trail.

On the return, the Retrofitters were playing some lively popular songs to welcome the walkers back as they picked up some refreshments.

Funds raised through donations totalled $542, which will go towards mental health and wellbeing activities for the Bellarine communities.

The organisers wish to thank everyone involved that helped to make this year’s Walk for Wellbeing an event that felt good to be part of.