Movement making the community stronger
Community, camaraderie and a dose of healthy competition was the order of the day at HMAS Stirling’s annual Walk to Work Day and Causeway Classic Run on October 2.
Sailors, officers, Australian Federal Police and Australian Public Service staff, contractors and families from HMAS Stirling and Fleet Base West came together to walk or run the vehicle-free causeway.
It was the first time the event was opened to the broader Stirling community – beyond the ADF and their families – with the aim of bringing the whole base together to promote the importance of physical wellbeing, connection and team work.
The finish line at the Sports Pavilion was buzzing with local businesses serving up refreshments, with face painting available, a jumping castle and performances by the Navy band.
The event attracted all ages and fitness levels of entrants in either walking, running or cycling.
LSPTI Phillip Penafiel said, statistically, this year had the highest number of registered runners, with the highlight being the community involvement.
“There’s so many people out here from different roles and all socialising together with businesses that support us in the local area,” LS Penafiel said.
It was a family affair for SMN Rob Sokol, who enjoyed the walk alongside his wife and three children during their school holidays.
“It’s the first time on base for my wife and my son – he’s never seen the Navy ships before, so that’s a highlight for him, getting to see where I go to work,” SMN Sokol said.
Sprinting to the finish to win the Causeway Classic in 26 min 25 sec was LEUT Gus Coleman. With detours stretching the usual 6.8km course to a longer 7.6km, LEUT Coleman had some feedback.
“My legs are sore; they should call it the Causeway Classic: uItra-marathon edition,” he said.
LCDR Dionette Sakova won the female 35-44 category while pushing her two children in a pram. She wanted them to be part of the day, to see that exercise is a normal part of life in the Navy community.
“I go away [for] long periods of time. It makes it less of a burden when they are part of a community and they know they’re part of something special as Navy kids,” she said.
“They said they’re proud of Mummy for getting a trophy, but they’re ready now to play on the jumping castle.”
Taking part in the run was a personal challenge for first-year officer MIDN Kayla, who ran with a group of friends.
“I’d never run more than 5km before, so this was a new challenge for me. We all ran together, which made it really fun,” MIDN Kayla said.
Addressing the crowd, XO HMAS Stirling CMDR Fletcher Wall recognised the significance of bringing people together across ranks, units and the broader Navy community.
“The turnout is a testament to what we are building here. From the 3214 on base, thank you to the families, thanks for turning out today,” CMDR Wall said.
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