South Australia’s oldest walking club, the WEA Ramblers Bushwalking Club Inc celebrates 100 years of discovery, community, and connection with nature, lacing up their boots for a series of walking challenges to commemorate the milestone.
The WEA Ramblers Bushwalking Club was founded in August 1925 under the auspices of the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), with the club’s first outing taking place at Hallett Cove led by Mr. Ham, a University of Adelaide lecturer, marking the beginning of a remarkable legacy.
One hundred years later, that same spirit endures with the club continuing to combine physical activity with educational and social enrichment, walking fortnightly on Sundays, covering distances of 12 to 18 kilometres, with additional shorter monthly Tuesday hikes of around 6 to 9 kilometres.
The Ramblers have organised several special events to commemorate their centenary year and on the 100-year anniversary of their first walk, a presentation on the club’s history will be unveiled.
The club today has members aged from 40 to 80 with some members being a part of the group for over 40 years, with members celebrating almost half a century of participation in the walking club.
Avid Rambler, Elizabeth O’Shea has been part of the group for over 46 years, joining the group when she was in the workforce as she was new to the area.
“The adventure of walking and the camaraderie drew me in to walk with the Ramblers. It gave me a sense of belonging outside the city.”
“The Ramblers’ centenary is not just a celebration of walking, but of a community that has journeyed together for generations, through nature, learning, and life.
“The Ramblers are welcoming, non-competitive, and nature-loving and that is why I continue to be a part of this amazing group.”
Avid walking couple Ian and Fay Harding joined the Ramblers in 1974 and have been clocking kilometers for 50 years and love the essence of the WEA Ramblers Bushwalking Club.
“What makes the Ramblers so special is their dedication to exploring not only the landscape, but the stories, flora, fauna, and cultural history embedded within it. It has been a wonderful 50 years with the group and we look forward to many more,” Mr Harding said.
As they walk into their second century, the WEA Ramblers continue to honour the land, learning, and lasting friendships that have carried them this far, and WEA CEO Lesley Venning couldn’t be prouder of the culture that has been cultivated by this club and other clubs like it.
“While WEA offers nearly 1,000 short courses each year, to more than 10,000 students across locations in metropolitan Adelaide, we are also incredibly proud that we have a variety of clubs that are accessible and inclusive that stand the test of time.
“The Ramblers Bushwalking Club is a wonderful example of the inclusive culture that the WEA cultivates. As an independent, student fee-funded organisation, I’m incredibly proud that our community and our organisation continues to participate in these initiatives together,” Mrs Venning said.
