During this Sunday's Hiking Expo we'll be officially launching our Heysen Highlights book. 12noon at Main Oval, Belair National Park, launch by guest John Schutz, Chief Executive of Department for Environment and Water.
We were privileged at the December meeting of Council to have the opportunity to hear a presentation about Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from one of our members. Mark Waters completed the trail with E2E8 in August and worked within Reconciliation SA for eight years. The presentation initially arose from members of E2E8 asking questions about what Aboriginal country we cross as we walk along the trail. This led the group to decide to commence its walks with an Acknowledgement of Country. It seems awareness was growing among Friends as similar discussions had occurred during a couple of other E2E walks I joined last year. Mark took the initiative to write to the Friends about generating a broader discussion.
For well over 10 years the Friends has maintained a standard walk fee for its End to End, Trail Walker and Trail Starter walks. However increased costs of running the organisation are having an impact. Council has approved the following fees for 2019: Casual walk fee – new rate of $10 will apply to walks scheduled on or after 1 May 2019. Golden Boots Card – new fee of $75 will apply to any purchase on or after 1 May 2019.
Walk for the Heysen – Bridgewater Oval. Experience local parks and native scrub, have fun and support the Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation. You can choose between several short or longer walks and then relax with a BBQ lunch provided by the Foundation, or bring your own picnic.
Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the Friends? Honorary Membership is awarded to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Friends. Now is the time for you to make sure their efforts are recognised. Nominations of members are invited to be submitted to Julian Monfries, Chair, Honorary Membership sub-committee of the Council.
Join the Friends on their extended walk in 2018 -the iconic 250 km Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle. The Great North Walk is a wonderful trail through a magnificent array of natural and urban environments. The Friends will be exploring this long-distance Trail over 17 days in May 2018. Bookings open on February 1st 2018.
We have recently made changes to our walk booking arrangements. The major change made was to discontinue the sale of Multiwalk passes. When registering for walk, walkers now have the choice of using the casual walk fee option of $8 per walk or a Golden Boots pass (unlimited walks over 12 months at a cost of $60). Golden Boots will now be accepted for our Wednesday Twilight walks.
At the Friends Annual General meeting last Friday, Melanie Sjoberg was elected as our new President. Melanie becomes our first female President. Melanie is a dedicated walker having completed the Heysen Trail with E2E 4 in August 2014. Congratulations to Melanie and thank you to Robert Alcock, our retiring President.
The Friends of the Heysen Trail are saddened by the passing of our highly esteemed past President Jamie Sheppard on 27 December, 2016. Jamie was active in all facets of the walking community, and a most generous host of social functions for the members. Jamie will be remembered as a true gentleman and friend to all who knew him, and he will be very sadly missed in the wider community.
Friends of the Heysen Trail win an award at Walking SA Awards Presentation night
Friends of the Heysen Trail ambassador, Ron Kandelaars, was interviewed today by Ian Henshke on 891 ABC Adelaide. Listen to the 10 minute interview.
Much of the Heysen Trail infrastructure is now 30 years old. The Friends Trail Development Committee have plans for many upgrades to both the trail and walker facilities. We are seeking volunteers to get these projects moving, both in the field and at our Cobbler Creek shed.
