Friends

Grounded in Truth Walking Together.

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Serpents Tongue, Ochre Point, Moana – Tjilbruke Trail south of Adelaide. Tjilbruke Trail info kaurnaculture.wordpress.com

Grounded in Truth Walking Together:
Friends of the Heysen Trail recognise and respect National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June 2019.

The Friends is proud to commence a process of re/learning stories of Aboriginal connection along the 30+ years of the Heysen Trail.

We respect the traditional owners past and present and respect their continued relationship to country.

The following articles from recent issues of the Trailwalker magazine outline some initiatives that the Friends are undertaking.

Reconciliation

Read about Reconciliation from End to End 8 walker Mark Waters.

A Shared Journey to Reconciliation

Mark Waters, then State Manager Reconciliation SA, gave a presentation to the Friends’ Council in December 2018.

Friends of the Heysen Trail and Reconciliation

Since Mark’s presentation in December, Council has introduced plans to bring recognition and respect to the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Heysen Trail passes.

These initiatives are still being discussed with Aboriginal Elders, Reconciliation SA and the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).

In her President’s Report of the last issue of Trailwalker (Autumn 2019), Melanie Sjoberg introduced draft wording for an Acknowledgement to Country which End-to-End groups can use as they traverse Aboriginal country on the trail. That Acknowledgement, while still under discussion with Traditional Owners/Native Title Holders.

The Friends also have formed a Reconciliation Committee whose members will meet with Aboriginal stakeholders, Reconciliation SA and DEW to discuss opportunities for sharing stories along the Heysen Trail.

The theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week (31 May – 3 June) is Grounded in Truth – Walk Together in Courage. This theme has resonance for the Friends and all users of the Heysen Trail.

Book Launch: Heysen Highlights Sunday 14 April

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During this Sunday's Hiking Expo we'll be officially launching our Heysen Highlights book

During this Sunday’s Hiking Expo in Belair National Park we’ll be officially launching our Heysen Highlights: A companion guide to the Heysen Trail book.

The book will be launched by John Schutz, Chief Executive of Department for Environment and Water, as part of the Hiking Expo ceremonies at 12noon.

Author Simon Cameron will be on hand to sign any copies purchased on the day. Simon joined the Friends of the Heysen Trail in 2001, the same year that he started walking the Trail. He has never stopped walking it. As anyone who has had the joy of walking with Simon will known, there is so much to see and so much to discover along the Trail that there never will be a reason to stop.

In this companion guide the Heysen Trail is broken into 58 sections, for each day there is an overview of what to expect and what to look out for when hiking. By explaining the historical context, of the Aboriginal people, European explorers and settlers and the development of the trail, walkers can enrich their experience of the trail and its landscape.

Hearing about Reconciliation from E2E8 walker Mark Waters

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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.

The Reconciliation SA website outlines the following information:

‘Reconciliation’ is about Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians talking, walking and working together to overcome the reasons that there is division and inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Reconciliation has both symbolic and practical elements. A spirit of goodwill, mutual respect and recognition of the effects of colonisation on Australia’s first people are the symbolic cornerstones of reconciliation effort.

In South Australia, an Acknowledgement of Country is a way of showing respect and awareness of Aboriginal owners of the land on which a meeting or event is being held, and of recognising the continuing connection of Aboriginal peoples to their Country. It is a demonstration of respect dedicated to the traditional custodians of the land or sea where the gathering of participants is being conducted. Government agencies and community organisations are adopting the practice of acknowledging the traditional custodians of Country at events, ceremonies, meetings and functions.

Awareness about Aboriginal history in SA and connection to country has grown since the Heysen Trail was developed 30 years ago. Council members were very interested and receptive to the discussion and felt that it was a good opportunity for the Friends to consider how we can understand more about the deep history of the areas we traverse. This is likely to be an ongoing conversation within the Friends and will also be raised at our next meeting with senior officers from the Department for Environment and Water, as owners of the trail.

Our new book Heysen Highlights includes a map identifying Aboriginal language groups along the Heysen Trail. Members are strongly encouraged to find out more and to consider showing respect through an Acknowledgement of Country at relevant times during the walk season. Council will provide further information about the Aboriginal lands that the trail traverses and a guide for appropriate words that may be used by walking groups.

Melanie Sjoberg
President, Friends of the Heysen trail

Friends of the Heysen Trail – Walk Fee increase 2019

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For well over 10 years the Friends has maintained a standard walk fee for its End to End, Trail Walker and Trail Starter walks.

Despite extensive commitment by so many of our volunteers, the broader cost of living is having an impact and costs of running the organisation are growing: office rent, administration & insurance.

New fees for walks conducted after 1 May 2019.

On that basis, the Friends Council has determined an increase to walk fees will apply for the 2019 walk season as follows:

  • 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. 

The changes have been made administratively on the website. Members won’t need to do anything different when registering for a walk.

Twilight walk fees will not change.

Members with a current Golden Boots card will be able to continue to use that until it reaches the expiry date.  In other words, any Golden Boots card purchased on or before 29 April 2019 will apply until the relevant expiry date during 2019 – 20.

Friends’ Volunteers will continue to be issued with a Golden Boots card to use during the walk season in recognition of the time and commitment given to the Friends and the Heysen Trail.

Join the Friends before May 31, 2019

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Join the Friends of the Heysen Trail before 31st May and win.

Financial members of the Friends of the Heysen Trail support the ongoing maintenance and greening of South Australia’s premier walking trail; participate in an extensive 2019 walks programme and receive the quarterly full-colour 32-page Trailwalker magazine.

If you join the Friends of the Heysen Trail between 1st March and 31st May 2019 your name goes into the draw to win a 2-day guided walk on the Heysen Trail and overnight accommodation at Heysen’s Rest B&B, Myponga*. The accommodation includes complimentary beer and wine, and provisions for a cooked breakfast; drop off at the end of your guided walk and pick up next morning from your accommodation.

One year’s membership costs only $25 single, $40 family and $10 student. The easiest way is to join on-line. Simply go to the membership page of the Friends of the Heysen Trail website for more information and to join.

Our website also has more information about the Heysen Trail, Friends activities and our walking program.

*The prize must be redeemed in the 12-month period following the closing date of the competition. Accommodation is limited to two adults, although the winners can bring family and guests on the guided walk. Competition closes Friday 31st May 2019. The winner will be notified after the draw in the Friends of the Heysen Trail office at Suite 203 Epworth Building, 33 Pirie Street, Adelaide 5000.

Introduction to Walk Leader Training Night. Tuesday 2nd Oct 2018.

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Have you ever thought you’d like to become a Walk Leader with the Friends of the Heysen Trail?

Well, here’s your chance to see what goes on, on and off the trail.

In a low key evening we will run through the basics of being a leader and how you can get involved.

Being a walk leader is a rewarding way of sharing your favourite walks with others and a great way to get involved with the Friends.

So if this is something you’d like to hear more about, we’d love to see you on the night.

The evening is the first step in joining our team of walk leaders. We will offer further support and assistance and help you plan and lead walks.

If you are interested come on and give it a try.

How
Just go to the walks calendar on the website and register as you would for a normal walk.

Where
Woodville Bowling Club, Oval Avenue,  Woodville South.

When
Time-7.00 to 9:30pm, including a Tea Break.

If you have any questions, please send an email to the Office and one of the leaders will contact you.

Walk for the Heysen 2018.

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Walk for the Heysen

Sunday 29 April 2018
Bridgewater Oval, Mount Barker Road, Bridgewater
Walk on the Heysen Trail and BBQ picnic

Walk for the Heysen – experience local parks and native scrub and have fun while supporting the Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation’s 2018 fundraising efforts. The foundation supports the improvement of facilities and the environment on the Heysen Trail & other walking trails.

  • Four walk options from 5km to 17km.
  • Walks depart from 9.00 am. Arrive in time to register before your walk.
  • All walks depart from and arrive back to the Bridgewater Oval. Walks are designed to suit all ages and standards of walking fitness.
  • Bring the family for a great day out in the Adelaide Hills.

After the walk grab a BBQ meal (included in registration fee) at the Bridgewater Oval, or bring your own picnic. The picnic area includes the football club rooms, toilets and parking.

In keeping with the tradition of the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk conducted by the Friends of the Heysen Trail in 2013, the theme for the day will be yellow.
A prize consisting of a Heysen Trail merchandise pack (value $100) is up for grabs to the best yellow sartorial costuming on the day.

Tickets

$30 for adults, $5 for children, $60 for families

Book online here.

Download the event flyer

You may also choose to make a one-off donation to the Foundation through the Foundation’s web site: Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation

The Foundation is registered as an environmental charity and donations are tax deductible.

Honorary Membership – know someone who has served the Friends well?

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Jamie Shephard, Honorary Member.

Do you know someone who warrants Honorary Membership of the Friends?

Have they made an outstanding contribution to the Friends or to the Heysen Trail?

Now is the time for you to make sure their efforts are recognised.

You can nominate them for Honorary Membership of the Friends of the Heysen Trail & Other Walking Trails Inc.

Please email your nominations to Julian Monfries, Chair, Honorary Membership sub-committee of the Council.

In your nomination please include the following information:

  • The name of your nominee,
  • The classification of the award you are nominating them for,
  • A summary of their contribution to the Trail or the Friends and how they qualify for the award,
  • Your name and contact information

The sub-committee will consider all submissions and then make recommendations to Council. Succesful candidates will be presented to the full membership at the next Annual General Meeting to be held on 23rd March 2018.

Please submit your nominations by the end of January, 2018.

Guidelines for Honorary Membership (Distinguished Service)

  • normally at least 10 years of paid membership as an ordinary, Family or life member;

AND

  • at least 6 years of substantial voluntary contributions to the Association,
  • Including especially one or more of:
    • Membership of Council
    • Chair of the various sub-committees
    • Regular Walker Leadership roles
    • Maintenance Section Leader or Volunteer
    • Office Volunteer

Guidelines for Honorary Membership (Exceptional)

Substantial and sustained contribution to promotion, development and/or maintenance of the Heysen Trail, or the Association other than as a paid member or volunteer though, for example, public service support, media support etc.

 

 

 

The Great North Walk – May 2018.

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Directions for the walk in the Lane Cove National Park

The Great North Walk

Bookings for the Friend’s extended walk for 2018 open on February 1st 2018.

The route map.

 Join us as we walk the iconic 250 km trail from Sydney to Newcastle.

The Great North Walk is a wonderful trail following many tracks through a magnificent array of natural and urban environments.

Created in 1988, as an Australian Bicentennial project, the Great North Walk is rich in the history of New South Wales.  Follow the links for more information about the walk.

The Friends will be exploring this long-distance Trail over 17 days in May 2018.

You can find out more about this walk from Peter Solomon using the email link given in the walk description on the Friends walk calendar.

To secure accommodation, bookings need to be made early.  Make sure you don’t miss out on this great walk.

 

The Friend’s Trail Maintenance Shed Open Day – Saturday November 25, 2017.

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Inside our Maintenance Shed at Cobbler Creek

Did you know the Friends of the Heysen Trail operates a Maintenance Shed at the Cobbler Creek Recreation Park?

Wondering what goes on behind the scenes of the Trail Development and Maintenance program?

Did you know we have a working partnership with the Work for the Dole scheme to produce toilets and platforms?

Come along to the Friend’s Shed Open Day

  • Find out more about the infrastructure and maintenance program.
  • Socialise with like-minded members, free BBQ and drinks on offer.

Details and how to register…

When       Saturday November 25 2017, 11.00am to 2.00pm.

Where    ‘The Shed’, Cobbler Creek Conservation Park, east of the intersection of Smith and Bridge Rds, Salisbury East.

All you need to bring is a chair and hat.  BBQ and drinks will be supplied

Register for the free event

We have work ready to do now:

By Christmas we will have 3 new toilets and 15 camping platforms ready to install at a range of locations along the trail.

  • Are you interested in helping with the installation project? You don’t need to be highly skilled, although some lifting work may be involved.
  • Would you like to be notified of future maintenance events ( i.e. weekday or weekend trail trips, our End to End Maintenance weekends and shed work days)? We have a range of work to be done including ‘lighter’ jobs such as pruning along the trail and painting huts.

Do you have home handy person/building skills?

Our Hut Maintenance Co-ordinator needs more assistance.

If you are a skilled home handyperson or tradesperson and are willing to participate in one or two maintenance trips per year with a small group, please put your name on the list below. Typical work includes carpentry, painting, roofing, plumbing, glazing and plastering.

If you can help in any of these areas, please let us know.

You can leave your name to enter your availability preferences and interests/skills and we will add you to our Maintenance Volunteers mailing list.

Join Mailing List

This is your chance to ‘give a bit back to the trail’.