National Walk Safely to School Day Turns 25: A Call to Action for Young Australians

As National Walk Safely to School Day approaches on Friday, 10 May 2024, primary school-aged children across Australia are encouraged to lace up their shoes for a walk towards a healthier future. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this initiative, championed by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlights the myriad benefts of walking and other forms of active transportation, particularly to and from school.

This annual event not only emphasizes physical health but also aims to improve road safety, reduce environmental impact, and promote the use of public transport to lessen car dependency near schools. Harold Scruby, Chairman and CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, emphasizes the importance of adult supervision for children under 10 when crossing the street, reinforcing the safety aspect of the campaign.

“Walk Safely to School Day is a great opportunity to teach our kids about the benefts of physical activity,” said Scruby. He also pointed to the worrying statistics of childhood obesity, which affects one in four children at critical levels across the nation, according to the latest ABS National Health Survey results from 2017-18. “The best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day,” he added.

The day is not just about walking; it also encourages schools and parent groups to host healthy breakfast events to start the day nutritiously. This initiative supports the dual goals of fostering healthful eating habits and providing social interaction within the school community.

As the event marks a signifcant milestone, schools across Australia are gearing up to participate more actively than ever. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are encouraged to get involved, not only to support their children but also to take part in making walking a regular part of their daily routine.

This initiative plays a crucial role in mitigating traffc congestion around school areas, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering a sense of community. Everyone in the community is invited to support the initiative, helping to instil healthy habits in children that can lead to lifelong benefts.

For more information on how to participate in National Walk Safely to School Day, visit the Pedestrian Council of Australia’s website or contact your local school to see what activities are planned for the day. Join the movement on 10 May and help make a difference in the lives of young Australians.

Connect You Too has been busy helping the community get out and about during April 2024.

In April 2024, we did a total of 2231 trips with a total of 12,172 service kms. Our popular destinations included 39 trips to Ballina; 156 trips to Coffs Harbour; 15 trips to the Gold Coast; 1171 trips to Grafton; 91 trips to Lismore and 648 trips to the Yamba/Maclean area.

We managed to get the community to 952 Specialist and GP appointments; 139 Hospital visits (Day Surgery drop off/pick-up); 314 social trips & 627 shopping trips.

In April, our social trips travelled to the Coffs Harbour Nursery. This month we are heading to Burringbar to visit Heaths Old Wares & have lunch at Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses. And in June, we are off to Sawtell for a tour of the area and have lunch at the Sawtell RSL.

Our Clarence Meals service delivered 1405 meals, 356 desserts and 70 soups during April 2024. We were able to do welfare checks, have a quick chat and help our customers see a friendly face.

Clarence Meals provides delivered meals to Iluka, Maclean and Yamba and surrounds from suppliers including Gourmet Meals, Lite n’ Easy and Meals on Wheels Grafton. For more information call 6646 6742.

Looking for a new home care package provider?

HART Services is available via our Townsend Connect You Too offces. For more information, call 1300 874 278.

If you need help with transport or meals, call Connect You Too at Townsend on 6645 3200 to see if you qualify for any subsidies or assistance.

The Auxiliary attended the Ballina ANZAC Day March and the ladies marched under our Ballina UHA Banner, two of our ladies laid a wreath on behalf of our members.

We will be attending the Love Lennox Festival on the 1st June and holding a Cake Stall and Raffe. We hope for a good day, many thanks to the committee for our invitation.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 21st May at 1.30pm in the Solarium at the Ballina District Hospital. All most welcome