Taking a walk back in time
Published on 27 May 2015
To encourage people to get out and about Healthy Together Mildura and Victoria Walks have joined forces with the Chaffey Trail Reference Group to publish a series of short historical walks around Mildura.
Launched on Tuesday 26 May as part of Mildura Day Celebrations, the historic walking maps trace the story of how Mildura became an irrigated oasis in the midst of an arid land.
Healthy Together Mildura Active Communities Officer Louise Tarrant said adding historical points of interest to the maps was a great way to encourage people to go for a walk in areas they may not usually frequent..
“There are some lovely local walks mapped on the Victoria Walks website,” Mrs Tarrant said. “The history is really fascinating and we hope it will encourage people to explore more of our district on foot.”
Six walks have been mapped on the interactive Victoria Walks website. Each walk features points of interest, historical photos and a short history. The map can be accessed via a smart phone, which acts as a virtual tour guide as people walk the route.
Community Wellbeing and Services Portfolio Councillor, Sharyon Peart said the historic walking maps were a great example of community collaboration.
“It is wonderful to see such diverse groups come together to create something wonderful.” Cr Peart said. “As a community we all need to get out and move more and learning more about our history adds an extra element of fun.”
“The project also ties in nicely with the Mildura Tracks and Trails Strategy, which aims to improve community health and wellbeing through providing greater opportunities to use active transport.”
Studies show regular walking can help to prevent heart disease, obesity, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s. With 61% of adults and 25% of children Australia wide overweight or obese, walking is now more than ever an essential ingredient in our long term health and happiness.
The walks are available online at www.walkingmaps.com.au or from Healthy Together Mildura's website www.healthytogethermildura.com.au
The printed brochure is available from the Mildura Visitor Information Centre, Mildura Rural City Council and various cafes.
Healthy Together Mildura is funded by the Victorian Government and is a partnership between Mildura Rural City Council and Sunraysia Community Health Services.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
(03) 5018 8689
angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au