Walking group notches up 1000

The Mount Evelyn Walking and Activity Group during a nature hike . 142524 Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Victoria Stone-Meadows

THE Mount Evelyn Walking and Activity Group (MWAG) is celebrating its upcoming 1000th event at Lillydale Lake.
The group was started by a Mount Evelyn local, with a passion for outdoors, who wanted a way for people to get together and share a common interest.
MWAG consists of about 140 members, and was started in January 2012 with events such as kayaking, walking, cycling, hiking and adventurous weekends away.
Organiser of MWAG Ellie Truman said the group had developed into a great way for people to get active in a welcoming environment.
“It started as just a walking group but has grown into more of an adventure group these days,” she said.
“We’re not a fitness group but more of an outdoors group with a passion for the outdoors,”
“We also have winter social activities like going to the movies,” she said.
The self-funded group relies on membership fees of $15 a year which pays for website fees, members’ birthday celebrations as well as support for charities.
“We participate in relay for life and sports charities like that,” Mrs Truman said.
MWAG will be hosting a celebration at Lillydale Lake for their 1000th event milestone.
The event will include a party at the Lake’s Community hall with an adventure hunt and activities.
New members are welcome to join the group though it is recommended members live or are within a 15km range of Mount Evelyn as many of the group’s events are locally based.
“We like to be as open and welcoming as we can be, but must keep it within reason,” Mrs Truman said.
Any members of Mount Evelyn Community interested in joining MWAG can contact Elly Truman for more information on 0402 429 405.