Daisy Hill Heart Foundation walkers celebrate 30 years of fitness

10 August 2026

Having walked almost 15,700 kilometres across 3,100 walks, Daisy Hill Heart Foundation Walking Group organiser Jill Wilson has come remarkably close to covering the distance of a lap around Australia.

But for Jill, the real achievement has been the friendships formed along the way.

In August this year, the Logan-based group is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking 3 decades of bringing residents together through regular walks, shared stories and a love of the outdoors.

From spotting tawny frogmouths in the treetops to debating who has worn out the most pairs of shoes, the group has become a cherished part of life for generations of local walkers.

'In the early days, the Heart Foundation had more incentives and organised activities, but we just kept going,' Jill says. 'The walking is important, but it's really the friendships that keep people coming back.'

What began as a Heart Foundation initiative has evolved into a close-knit community that welcomes people of all ages and fitness levels, with the group now part of Logan City Council’s Active & Healthy program.

'When this group started we met at a local bus stop and had about 20 walkers and our leader then was John who was very fit and had a remedy for everything,' Jill says.

'He moved and Brian took over and we had some challenging walks under his leadership, and there were Heart Foundation incentives such as drink bottles, caps and T-shirts for people who had done 100s of walks. Once he moved to Cairns, I became the lead.'

Under Jill's stewardship, members now walk several times a week through some of Logan's most beautiful natural spaces, including Cornubia Forest, Daisy Hill Conservation Park, local bushland tracks and routes through Rochedale South.

'We've got everyone from people in their 20s through to people in their 80s,' Jill says. 'One of our regular walkers is 88. There really isn't an age limit if you enjoy walking and being around people.'

Above: For nearly 30 years Jill Wilson has been at the helm of the Daisy Hill Heart Foundation Walking Group, clocking up more than 3000 walks. 

While heart health is often the reason people join, many stay for the social connection and sense of community the group provides.

'We celebrate birthdays, have Christmas get-togethers and keep in touch on WhatsApp,' Jill says. 'When you've been walking together for years, you become friends, not just walking buddies.'

And after 30 years on the trails, members have collected plenty of stories.

'We see koalas quite regularly and people get very excited when they spot them. One of our walkers recently found a turtle and was determined to get a photograph before it disappeared. Everyone becomes a bit of a wildlife spotter after a while.'

Some of the funniest stories come from the group's early years, when members experimented with bringing their 4-legged friends along for the walk.

'Years ago, people used to bring their dogs along and it sounded like a good idea until the dogs decided they wanted to stop every five minutes,’ Jill says.

‘Walking a group of people turned out to be a lot easier than walking a group of dogs.'

Above: Members of the Daisy Hill Heart Foundation Walking Group before they start a 5km walk through Cornubia Forest Park.

Jill says she receives regular calls from people worried they won't be able to keep up with the group, but she’s quick to reassure them that not everyone walks at the same speed.

'Often they tell me they've got a sore hip or a sore knee, or that they haven't exercised in years,' she says.

'I always tell them the same thing: come and give it a try and most of the time they do, and they keep coming back.'

Beyond the laughter, members support one another through health challenges, caring responsibilities, family changes and life's inevitable ups and downs.

'We've shared a lot of life together over 30 years,' Jill says. 'People look out for each other and that’s what makes the group special.'

The Daisy Hill Heart Foundation Walking Group meets Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesday from 3:45 pm across various locations in Daisy Hill. To get involved, message Jill on 0408 181 050.

To find free or low-cost activities in your suburb, visit Active & Healthy program. 

Photo at top: The Daisy Hill Heart Foundation Walking Group is celebrating 30 years of friendship, fun and fitness.