Port locals get ready to walk for wellbeing

THE Portarlington community is gearing up for its fourth Walk for Wellbeing next month.

Held on Sunday October 7, the event is a way for the local communities of the Bellarine to join together to support and promote the importance of taking care of mental health.

Event Organiser Julie Elterman said the Walk for Wellbeing was a relaxed informal event that welcomed participants to walk three kilometres along the Portarlington foreshore trail. “You may wish to walk and chat, go for it and power walk, jog, walk with your dog on lead, pole walk, or travel by scooter,” Ms Elterman said.

“One of our messages is that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and walking with others is a way to take care of this together. If you are not up to the walk we’d love to see you coming along to enjoy listening to some of our local entertainers. We welcome back the easy sounds of the Portarlington Harmonica Band and Fred Wachtel of the Retrofitters bringing a bit of rock and roll.”

Ms Elterman said organisers were delighted that Bellarine councillor Jim Mason would be opening this year’s event.

She asked if people could assemble on the foreshore at Pier Street West from around 10am onwards ready for an 11am walk start time.

“Green has become the event’s signature colour chosen because it represents a sense of calm, the importance of balance and the need for renewal in our busy lives,” she said.

“You will receive a green wrist band, ribbon or scarf and if you can wear something green that would be terrific.” Entry is a donation.

Ms Elterman said a new and ongoing funding initiative was to direct funds raised towards Mental Health First Aid Training for local community organisations and groups.

Ms Elterman said organisers wished to thank the individuals, groups, businesses and most of all the participants whose continuing support made this event possible.

For event enquiries phone the event coordinator Julie Elterman on 5259 3138.

Mental Health Month in Victoria runs from October 7 to November 6.