Aboriginal co-operative Goolum Goolum is encouraging Wimmera people to join in a virtual fun-run this weekend to highlight the importance of staying connected through COVID-19. 

The group is joining a virtual event called ‘RunRona’, where organisers expect thousands of people across Australia to run or walk five, 10, 21.1 or 42.2 kilometres to raise money for health-promotion programs in Aboriginal communities.

Organisers are encouraging participants to run or walk at their own pace and to share their experience through social media with tags #gomob and #runrona. 

Goolum Goolum health and wellbeing programs manager Dean O’Loughlin said the idea was to take advantage of a national refocus on physical health through COVID-19 restrictions.

“We have members of our community telling us they were getting out and about more than they ever had before to stay active. We wanted to springboard off that energy and give people focus and recognition of what they’re doing,” he said. 

“We thought this would be the perfect way to do an event that brings people together, separately.

“To get out on country is a big one for us too – it’s very important for the Aboriginal community to be connected to their country. 

“It’s also a great way to focus people to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air and our beautiful surroundings. This also coincides with World No-Tobacco Day.” 

Mr O’Loughlin said despite physical distancing, Goolum Goolum support services were still accessible.

“We want to be relevant and present in today’s community and this is a perfect opportunity to remind people that we’re here for them, we’re contactable and we can still be together even though we have to be separated through regulations,” he said. 

Victorian organisation Clothing the Gap is working with regional partners to present the virtual fun-run, which also coincides with National Reconciliation Week.

Mr O’Loughlin said all money raised through ‘RunRona’ would go to Aboriginal health promotion service Spark Health Australia.

People can register for the run or walk at website clothingthegap.com.au/pages/run-rona.

They can also track the run or walk on STRAVA app by joining a
STRAVA Run Rona club www.
strava.com/clubs/CTGActive.

Goolum Goolum also plans to run a similar event for NAIDOC Week. 

– Dylan De Jong

The entire May 27, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire May 27, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!