Walkie Talkies volunteer recognised as community champion

Roslyn Greener has been recognised as Central Coast Council’s newest Community Champion for her co-ordination of the women’s Walkie Talkies walking group for the past 22 years.

Volunteer Greener and her dedicated committee co-ordinate a varied schedule of walks from Wondabyne to Watanobbi and beyond every week to provide social interaction and physical activity for any woman who is keen to participate.

The group also runs friendship walks during the Christmas and Summer holiday period when many women can feel particularly vulnerable and isolated.

Greener said the group gave her just as much as she gave it.

“I have been very grateful for the Walkie Talkies during different times in my life,” she said.

“Sometimes when I’m having a bad day, just getting together with a group of like-minded women and being out in nature can give you an entirely different perspective.

“We have some incredibly beautiful natural areas to explore across the Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle.

“After 22 years I never grow tired of them, but I do have my favourites.

“And the catch-up for coffee afterward is just as important as the walk itself.”

Walkie Talkies provides women with a sense of camaraderie and friendship, while improving their physical and mental health, and has extended to many other points of connection over the past two decades, including a monthly morning tea for breast cancer survivors.

Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre CEO Sara Foster said Walkie Talkies embodied the true spirit of women supporting women in the community.

“This exceptional group of women saw a way for women to come together and improve their physical and mental wellbeing and have been diligently carrying on this tradition for more than two decades,” she said.

“Since its inception, hundreds of women have been a part of Walkie Talkies – many discovering lifelong benefits that extend far beyond the walking tracks.”