Walking to wellbeing

Staff from across the Kimberley Land Council racked up close to 12 million steps during the organisation’s end-of-year wellbeing step challenge.

The challenge, which brought staff from across the region together, from Broome to Kununurra and remote ranger bases, was part of an incentive designed to strengthen connection, wellbeing and health through walking together.

KLC deputy chief of staff Sarah Parriman said creating a positive and supportive workplace culture was a priority for the organisation.

“As one of the larger employers in the Kimberley, creating a positive and supportive workplace culture is a real priority for us,” Ms Parriman said.

“Our staff are spread right across the region, from Broome to Kununurra and out on ranger bases in remote communities, so the step challenge was a simple but powerful way to bring people together around a shared goal.

“Many of our roles require staff to be physically fit, particularly those working on country and in fire management.

“Initiatives like the step challenge help encourage healthy habits while also boosting morale, connection and friendly competition across the organisation.

“The response from staff showed just how positive these kinds of initiatives can be for wellbeing at work.”

Staff averaged 51km per person each week, with overall activity levels increasing 20 per cent over the course of the challenge.

In total, participants walked close to 8,900km, the equivalent of travelling from Broome to Kununurra and back four times.

KLC staff member and former Nyul Nyul ranger Zynal Cox said the incentive was a positive initiative for rangers across the region.

“We have to do a lot of walking in our work on country, whether it’s during ecology surveys, burning, weed management or pest control,” Mr Cox said.

“So these extra health initiatives are important and help keep us motivated, healthy and supported to do our jobs properly.”

Highest steppers overall were Paruku IPA co-ordinator Geoff Brook and regional fire officer Hamish McAlpine, with Bardi Jawi Oorany ranger Julia Stumpagee recognised as the highest stepper in a remote role, Ben Dunphy for the Broome office, and Geoff Brook taking top honours in the Kununurra office.

Awards for most consistent steppers went to Gooniyandi ranger Temuera Smiler, fire program manager Andrew Morton, HR advisor Brodie Harris, two-way science project officer Molly Woof, and ecologist Natarsha Babic.

The most improved steppers category recognised Gooniyandi Ranger Kaunell Shaw and Bardi Jawi Oorany ranger Julie Stumpagee.

A special mention was given to Geoff Brook, who in week four of the challenge walked the equivalent of six marathons in a single week.