Warrigal have teamed up with Flagstaff to make the annual Australia Day community walk a great event for all

A senior living provider Warrigal and social enterprise providing employment for people with a disability Flagstaff are ready to walk the Wollongong foreshore on Friday morning for an annual community walk that has become a feature of Australia Day celebrations.

The two organisation have joined forces with the Wollongong Rollerhawks and Figtree Follies made up of about 15 residents of Warrigal’s Figtree Village have been eagerly training for the Warrigal Australia Day Walk in recent weeks.

On Tuesday more than two dozen eager participants gathered near Lavendi for their final warm up.

In recent years hundreds of members of the community have joined in the four kilometre walk to raise money and awareness during Australia Day activities at Wollongong Harbour.

2018 is the first time Flagstaff has teamed up with Warrigal. Together they will help raise funds and lift the profiles of the two Illawarra-based charities. By joining in with the community to celebrate Australia Day they also want to raise awareness about active ageing and unlocking the potential of people with disabilities in the Illawarra. Warrigal chief executive Mark Sewell said the walk is such an exciting event for many reasons.

“Warrigal is all about ensuring older people have great lives, and it makes sense to partner up with another organisation putting people at the heart of what they do and helping to break down barriers,” he said. Our theme this year is ‘Here for Good’ and we are literally walking the walk on this one. It’s really about celebrating everything older people and people with disabilities can do in our community as we use the day to get out there and have fun with our friends and family,” he said.

Flagstaff chief executive Roy Rogers said employees from the Illawarra based social enterprise were excited about taking part and feeling included.

“People with disabilities are like everyone else, they love getting outdoors, getting some exercise, spending time with friends and family and having a great time. All the while taking in the breathtaking views along some of the most scenic coastline in Australia. Does it get any better?”

Rollerhawks player Nick Taylor said the wheelchair basketball players were proud to be a part of the Warrigal Walk and encouraged everyone to participate in such an inclusive event.

His sentiments were echoed by Jean Whittle, of Figtree Follies, who said that group had an average age of 80 years young and that showed everyone can do the Warrigal Walk.

Mrs Whittle has been living at Warrigal’s Figtree Village for 29 years.

“I enjoy walking and keeping fit and being with other Figtree Village residents, as well as residents from other Warrigal Villages for the walk. Having this sense of community makes it more enjoyable and gives us a real sense of pride in representing a great organisation”, she said.