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Healthy People, Healthy Environment Project

Last Wednesday, 30 people explored the delights of the Wonthaggi Heathlands

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 24th August 2001 - Back to News

Enjoying a walk at the Wonthaggi Heathlands as part of the Healthy Life, Healthy Environment project, which is sponsored by VicHealth.

Last Wednesday, 30 people explored the delights of the Wonthaggi Heathlands. Lori Worthy a Ranger with Parks Victoria, guided the group around the Heathlands and provided an interpretation of significant landmarks. Lori explained significant geological and botanical sites, talked about the significance of the site to the Bunurong people and encouraged walkers to taste some of the local bushfoods throughout the Heathlands.

The walk was part of a project that includes a series of environmental recreational activities. These activities are aimed at helping people become healthier and become involved in local environmental projects. The activities are open to any groups or individuals throughout Wonthaggi.

The project is funded by a VicHealth 'Healthy People Healthy Environment Project" grant. VicHealth provided the grant as a part of their Recreational Grants allocation for 2001, which is administered through the Schizophrenia Fellowship of Victoria (SFV Services).

Beth Banks from the Cape Paterson Coastal Plains Landcare Group explained that regular recreational activities have been organised such as tree planting and guided interpretation walks.

"SFV Services will prepare healthy lunches and drinks for those who take part in these activities to promote the message that diet and physical activity are vital for individual wellbeing," explained Ms Banks.

Harry Kiekebosch, Manager of SFV Services Day Program was thrilled with the response to last Wednesday’s walk.

"Those who attended gained a valuable insight into the significance of this area," said Mr Kiekebosch. "I am sure they will have a greater appreciation of their local environment due to this guided walk."

Future walks are planned for places like the George Bass Coastal Trail, Baxters Wetland/Williamsons Beach, Screw Creek Nature Walk, Bunurong Rockpool Rambles and a Wonthaggi Heritage Walk.

The Wonthaggi Wetlands Conservation Park will be an integral part of this project. Part of the VicHealth funding will be used to promote and modify the existing walking track through the park and provide seating and signage along the loop walk around the wetland area.

By improving existing facilities and providing seating in the Wetlands Park access will be increased for people with limited mobility from the nearby senior citizens clubs, Rose Lodge and others in the community. It is also hoped that the modifications will encourage more users from the township.

Details about upcoming walks and tree planting activities will be posted on the wall at Ritchies Supermarket in Wonthaggi. The next VicHealth activity will be tree planting near the mouth of the Powlett River on Wednesday 29 of August. For further information please phone Geoff Trease on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: basscoastshire@gippslander.com

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