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Latrobe Valley walking groups unite for Heart Week to celebrate connection, fitness, and heart health awareness

Latrobe Health Assembly and the Heart Foundation united local walking groups for Heart Week, promoting heart health, connection, and physical literacy through walking, social interaction, and support for new and existing groups.

By news@gippsland - 15th May 2025 - Back to News

Latrobe Health Assembly, the Heart Foundation's Walking group host for the Latrobe Valley, together with the Heart Foundation, brought together local walking groups for National Heart Week.

Walking 30 minutes daily can cut heart disease risk by 35%, making Heart Foundation Walking Groups vital for heart health

Steps connect community

The morning tea united the walking groups for the first time in years, with some newer groups and walkers never having met before. Beginning the event by joining the Moe Pet-Friendly Walking Group gave everyone the chance to make connections and get to know each other while being active.

Elaine, who has been a walking group leader in Traralgon for 13 years, said the benefits of walking groups include being active, staying healthy and providing social interaction. That last one is what's most important to Elaine as, living by herself, she says it gets her up in the morning.

"This was a fantastic opportunity for the local Heart Foundation Walking groups in the region to meet and mingle - it was a great event organised by the Latrobe Health Assembly, and we look forward to working together to get more people across Latrobe walking," said Heart Foundation Walking Program Officer, Alicja Najbar-Kaszkiel.

Heart health together

This year, National Heart Week (5-11 May) encouraged Australians to Never miss a BEAT by seeing their GP for a heart health check. Coronary Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the Latrobe Valley, and is largely preventable through diet and exercise. Walking just 30-minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by 35%, which is why Heart Foundation Walking Groups go a long way toward maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

"We're thrilled to be working alongside the Heart Foundation as the new host for walking groups in the Latrobe Valley. This is an integral part of the work we are doing in physical literacy, which is about building the skills, knowledge and behaviours to lead active lives, while also creating opportunities for social connections and friendships to form," said Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Tanya Rong.

As the new host for the Latrobe Valley, the Assembly will continue connecting the groups, can assist in recruiting and retaining community members, and can support new groups in starting out. To learn more about walking groups in the Latrobe Valley, visit Heart Foundation Walking Groups in Latrobe Valley page.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland delights Wilson Lodge residents and 98-year-old Joyce, boosting wellbeing and community connection for older people
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland celebrated its oldest passenger, 98-year-old Joyce Grimer, and welcomed Wilson Lodge residents, providing free trishaw rides that promote wellbeing, social connection, and community engagement for older Australians.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
  East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025.
• Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
  Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions.
• Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
  Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
  Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success.
• Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
  A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare.
• Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
  Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.