Become an ISLAND Walk Leader

Help bring ISLAND walking groups to communities across Tasmania

Become an ISLAND Walk Leader

Thank you for your interest in becoming an ISLAND Walk Leader.

The ISLAND Project is working with Heart Foundation Walking, Australia's largest free walking network, to create local walking groups that help people stay active, connect with others, and support their brain and overall health. Heart Foundation Walking has been helping Australians start and stay walking for more than 30 years and supports hundreds of volunteer-led walking groups around the country.

Our first ISLAND Walking Group, the ISLAND City Strollers, is starting up in Hobart, meeting at the Cenotaph every second Wednesday from the 12th of August. We'd love to see similar groups established in communities right across Tasmania.


Why become a walk leader?

Walking groups are about much more than exercise. They provide opportunities for people to:

  • Stay physically active
  • Meet new people and build social connections
  • Explore their local community
  • Enjoy time outdoors and in nature
  • Support healthy ageing and brain health

As an ISLAND Walk Leader, you'll help create a welcoming space where people can come together and take positive steps for their health.


What's involved?

The great news is that becoming a walk leader is flexible and manageable. You do need to complete compulsory training but after this you can choose:

  • When your group meets
  • How often you walk
  • The length and pace of the walk
  • The location that suits your community

Walking groups can start small. Even two or three regular participants are enough to get started. They are also open to all, walkers do not need to be a part of the project so feel free to invite family, friends and colleagues!

Heart Foundation Walking provides resources, guidance and ongoing support to help you establish and manage your group. Volunteer walk organisers are also supported by the Heart Foundation and local coordinators. 


Time commitment

After the initial training, the time commitment can be as little or as much as you'd like it to be.

Many groups meet:

  • Weekly
  • Fortnightly
  • Monthly

You can choose a schedule that works for you and your community.


Not ready to lead on your own?

That's perfectly okay.

If you're interested in starting a group but don't feel ready to take it on alone, please get in touch with us at island@dementia.utas.edu.au. There may be others in your area who would be happy to co-lead an ISLAND walking group with you.

Sometimes sharing the responsibility makes getting a group started much easier.

We are currently seeking co-leaders in:

  • Burnie


Choosing an ISLAND walking route and group name

Participants don't need to be ISLAND members to join an ISLAND walking group. However, including "ISLAND" in your group name helps connect people with the project and makes your group easier to find.

Some examples include:

  • Launceston ISLAND Strollers
  • Coastal ISLAND Walkers
  • Walking the ISLAND
  • ISLAND Trail Trekkers

Feel free to get creative and choose a name that reflects your local area. 

When thinking about a walk location consider accessibility, parking, public transport and enjoyment. You may even like to finish it at a cafe for an optional coffee! Some suggestions include bush trails, foreshore walks, shopping centers (for an accessible option) or parks and reserves. Be sure to include this information in the description.


Safety information

A first aid certificate is not required to become an ISLAND Walk Leader.

However, we recommend familiarising yourself with your walking route and knowing the location of the closest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) before each walk. This is a simple step that can help improve safety and preparedness.

You can find nearby AED locations using this local AED locator website.


Ready to get started?

Whether you're ready to launch a walking group or would simply like to learn more, please visit Walking Program | Heart Foundation Walking. Here you can register as a walk leader and look for or join existing walks in your area. 

If you do register, please let us know and we will help promote your walk.

By becoming an ISLAND Walk Leader, you'll be helping people in your community stay active, stay connected, and take small steps towards better brain health - one walk at a time.