Gwabegar - not the end of the line!

Primary Health Care Nurse based at Wee Waa Community Hospital, Donnella Mitchell is preparing for a journey of lifetime. On Monday 18 August, Donnella will begin to walk 85 kilometres from Gwabegar to Coonabarabran, retracing the steps of industrial pioneers along part of the Main Western Railway Line. 

Donnell will spend four days trekking through the Pilliga district, through bush land and townships such as Baradine, Kenebri and Bugaldie to emphasise the importance exercise and how physical activity can reduce levels of obesity and diabetes.

“I will be walking around 20 kilometres a day, taking in the beautiful scenery beside the railway line, scouting out points of interest and walking around the small communities I travel through, documenting my journey but also promoting the healthy lifestyle message,” she said.  

Donnella provides services to Pilliga, Gwabegar, Burren Junction and Wee Waa communities. In Gwabegar, she has established a wellness group where community members attend weekly sessions as part of a health prevention program and are taught how to keep fit and healthy.
 
“Part of the reason behind the walk, is to help put the small community of Gwabegar back on the map – the town was once a thriving industrial town, with timber as one of its main sources of income. But after the closure of the railway in 2005, the community has suffered,” she said.

But despite the economic downturn in the small town, there is no lack of community spirit, the children from Gwabegar Public School and local businesses supporting the nurse arriving at 9am to see her off on the journey.  

Accompanying Donnella on her trip will be her daughter, Bianca and son, Tyrel who will take turns in walking with the healthy lifestyle campaigner, who is no stranger to walking vast distances.

“I am hoping I can motivate people living in small communities to get off the couch, adopt better exercise and healthy lifestyle practices. We are going to document a number of walking tracks local people will be able to access, to increase their fitness levels and well being, “she said. 

“I would like to thank my community partners for supporting me during this venture, National Parks and Wildlife, Narrabri Shire Council, NSW Forestry,  Gwabegar Public School and the local Bird Watching groups.” she said.

Donnella will depart at 9.15am Monday 18 August on the corner of Anzac Parade and Bridges Street in Gwabegar.
  

Contact: Kylie Dawson

Phone: (02) 6767 7136 or 0408 667 299