EVERY second Tuesday, around 50 members of West Gippsland Bush Walkers meet, walk and connect on many levels. Nearly all are over 60.
With older volunteers responsible for the overall planning and management, numbers are growing and the club is thriving, resulting in it being recognised at the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
Richard Habgood, 71, has been with the club for 10 years and says members were all pretty chuffed about taking out the Age Friendly Victoria Award.
"There are 60 other clubs across Victoria," he said. "We all generally do the same thing but not all them are like us... The bulk of our members don't have a bushwalking background.
"Being in the bush isn't the key factor for us. It's wonderful to be there, but we also do urban walks from time to time - Williamstown and St Kilda foreshore, Merri Creek."
And it's not all about fitness either.
"The major reason we get together is for the social side and friendship, and it's quite accessible for a range of people... no heavy packs or camping out overnight," Richard said.
"There are three levels of walkers - ramblers, hikers and trekkers. Ramblers might do a five to eight kilometre walk that's mostly flat and not too rough. We have ramblers in their mid-80s.
"There's 10 or 15 in each group. You're chatting as you go, you enjoy morning tea or lunch, meeting up for a coffee afterwards."
There are spin-off activities too. Smaller groups meet informally and take part in other activities, such as bike riding. Some have travelled overseas together.
Every spring and autumn there is a week-long trip away; a recent one was to Ararat.
Richard said an active committee was an important reason for the club's success in keeping its members connected.
"A member can only stay on the committee for a maximum of three years," he said.
"You get new people coming in regularly. There's a high level of enthusiasm and a high participation rate in activities.
"Our motto is 'Adventure, Friendship and Fitness' - that sums it up."
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