General News
26 October, 2026
Walking club hits its stride
A WALK in the fresh air followed by a hot cuppa and easy conversation with new-found friends sounds like the perfect way to spend a relaxing morning.
Warrnambool’s recently formed Sonder Social Club gives local residents of all ages the opportunity to meet once a month for a gentle walk and a friendly catch-up.
According to support lead with Sonder Living, Maddie Cook, this new group is open to residents of all ages and abilities – you don’t need to be super fit, in fact, if you prefer not to take part in the walk and would just like the chance to meet new friends and enjoy casual conversation, this group is also for you.
“The Sonder Social Club is something I’m really excited about because it’s about much more than simply going for a walk,” Maddie said.
“It’s about connection, inclusion and making sure that everyone in our community has somewhere they feel welcome.
“Through Sonder Living, we support people living with disability and older members of our community and one thing we see time and time again is how important genuine social connection is.”
Maddie said it can be surprisingly difficult for people to find opportunities to get out, meet new people and feel like they are part of something - particularly for people who may have limited mobility, live with disability, be socially isolated or simply not have a big social circle.
That’s where the idea for the Sonder Social Club came from.
“We wanted to create something that was completely free, genuinely inclusive and open to absolutely everyone,” she said.
“It isn’t a service, there’s no referral or funding required and you don’t need to be a Sonder Living client. It’s simply a chance for people from all walks of life to come together, have a chat, get some fresh air and hopefully make a few new connections along the way.”
The group plans to meet at the Pavilion at 10am on the first Sunday of each month for a relaxed community walk before heading back for a coffee and catch up afterwards.
“People can come on their own, bring a friend or family member, or come along as a carer or support person,” Maddie said.
“Accessibility is a really important part of what we’re trying to achieve. The walking route is fully accessible so people are welcome to bring walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Advertisement
“There is also a ramp into the Pavilion, making it easy for everyone to join us for the social side of the morning too.”
And there is absolutely no prize for being the fastest.
Maddie insists the walk isn’t about fitness, distance or keeping up with everyone else.
“Some people might walk, some might use a mobility aid, some might take their time and others might simply come along for the conversation and that’s exactly what we want,” she said.
“It’s genuinely about inclusiveness and making sure nobody feels like they have to be a certain age, ability or fitness level to participate.”
Anyone unable to participate in the walk, or would prefer not to, is also welcome to go along for a cuppa and catch up.
“The social connection of these events is really the heart of it,” she said.
“I think one of the things that makes Sonder Living a little different is that we genuinely want to be part of the community, rather than simply provide a service within it.
“Ultimately, we’d love for the Sonder Social Club to become something people look forward to each month; somewhere they can turn up not knowing anyone and leave having had a good conversation, a laugh and perhaps even made a new friend.”
The first walk will begin at 10am on Sunday, November 1.
A sign will be placed on the grassed area near the Pavilion Café as a meeting point.
