Andrew Southcott (Boothby, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In 2001 a group formed to walk in the mornings at the Westfield Marion shopping centre. Last Monday they held their 13th birthday. Although, due to the sitting of the federal parliament I was unable to attend, I would like to take this opportunity to wish them a happy birthday.

This group meets three times a week and they walk the centre, which provides a safe, weather-proof environment, for fitness. Members of the group range in age, with most members 60-plus—either retirees or part-retired members. They have grown from small beginnings to now having over 130 members. They have monthly guest speakers from different community organisations. Previous keynote speakers came from Angel Flight, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the MFS, SAPOL and local celebrity chef Dorinda Haefna, who is a member of the Marion Mall Walkers.

In 2010 I was able to walk with the Marion Mall Walkers and take the Leader of the Opposition with me. There is a committee in place. Some of the stalwarts of the club include Margaret Rowe, life member, founding member and past president for 10 years and Pauline Barber, also a founding member, who have both shown great commitment. This is a great example of healthy ageing. They are a very familiar sight in the early morning walking around the shopping centres in their red shirts. I would like to pay tribute to the great work that the Marion Mall Walkers do for my community.