IT is a simple philosophy behind the Man Walk group; 'walk, talk, support'. And with COVID-19 restrictions easing, more men are joining the group to do just that.
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With gatherings of 20 people now permitted, 16 men joined in the Tuesday morning jaunt that coincided with Men's Health Week.
Two of those men included the area's Police Commander Supt Chris Schilt and Goulburn's Officer In Charge Inspector Matthew Hinton.
"Men generally don't reach out when they are struggling and that is something we must change," Insp Hinton said.
"Society's expectations can limit what we share about work and life pressures."
"What I like most about participating this morning was that you turn up in the dark and it didn't matter who you are or what you do, you are welcomed as part of the group".
The group began with a small group of men almost a year ago and has grown to an online membership of more than 150 men.
The Man Walk provides an opportunity for men to get together to walk, talk and support each other in a regular and healthy way.
'Manbassador' for the Man Walk, Daniel Strickland said new members were always welcome.
"It was fantastic to be able to increase our numbers today and allow for some new people to join us," he said.
"In addition to local police joining us we also had two new walkers attend. We had great conversations and were honoured to have Daimon Poole, the owner of Maccas North come on board to sponsor a post walk breakfast which also included free coffee vouchers for all the Man Walkers for the remainder of 2020.
The Man Walk started in Kiama about a year ago when physiotherapist Mark Burns began walking each weekday morning around Kiama Harbour and Mr Strickland has since made it a success in Goulburn.
The Goulburn Man Walk starts at 6am every Tuesday from Marsden Weir.
Pjero Mardesic from Adictd2grow has experienced the benefits of the communal walk.
"It's all about knowing that we have a safe place to one together and support each other," he said.
"We have an amazing community a great opportunity to come together, walk, talk and support each other.
"For us [it's a way] to raise awareness about men's health during Australia's Men's Health Week. We must do something better in order to get a stronger result."
- The Man Walk runs at 6am every Tuesday, leaving from the playground at Marsden Weir, Fitzroy Street, Goulburn. New walkers welcome. Go to The Man Walk- Goulburn for more details or contact Daniel on 02 4824 4004.
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