The Northern Territory Government is working with the Alice Springs Town Council and the Heart Foundation to encourage healthy activities in Alice Springs and throughout the Territory’s parks.

The Alice Springs Town Council’s Heart Foundation Walking Group will be walking around the Telegraph Station tomorrow morning as part of their weekly treks around town.

Every week the group sets out from the Town Council Chamber and once a month they start in a different location – this month will be at the Telegraph Station.

Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT (PWCNT) Community Engagement Officer Susie Pendle said PWCNT was proud to support the walking group and encouraged the community to join the walk that takes in the natural landscape at the Telegraph Station.

“Alice Spring’s Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is one of the Territory’s beautiful outdoor areas and it’s great to see the community getting out and active in our park,” she said.

Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan said the Heart Foundation Walking Group was incredibly lucky to be able to walk through the Telegraph Station.

“It is no surprise that so many people join us for the walks when we are able to enjoy the wonderful natural beauty of a park so close to Alice Springs,” he said.

Mounting evidence suggests human contact with nature can have many different positive benefits for physical and mental health. Being close to town, the Telegraph Station is a place for locals to take advantage of this.

Research shows contact with nature can help reduce stress and alleviate anxiety and depression and it is encouraged for the community to take advantage of the Territory's parks and outdoor areas.

The Heart Foundation walking group is the second largest walking group in Australia of its kind, with around 100 members.

The Alice Springs Town Council Heart Foundation Walking group has walks planned for 52 weeks of the year which commence at 7am on Saturdays from the Civic Centre.

It is free to join in on these walks, which are suitable for all ages and abilities. Interested people should contact lmoody@astc.nt.gov.au for more information.

For further information contact: Lucy Buhr 0437 915 366