Donna Klease, organiser of the Mapleton Movers Heart Foundation Walking Group, has been nominated for a 2025 Golden Shoe Award, with group members recognising her dedication to community health and wellbeing through six years of consistent volunteer leadership.
The nomination, which Donna learned of only when her certificate arrived in mid-December, came as a complete surprise. “I was totally surprised and grateful that my efforts in running the group had made an impact, that they enjoyed the walks as well as the health benefits,” she said. “I didn’t know that I had been nominated until the certificate arrived advising me.”
Understanding the Golden Shoe Awards
The Heart Foundation Golden Shoe Awards represent the national walking programme’s primary mechanism for recognising exceptional volunteer walk organisers across Australia. As Heart Foundation Walking expanded from its mid-1990s origins, the awards evolved from internal recognition to structured national honours that celebrate the unpaid leaders who maintain walking groups year-round.
The awards operate within Heart Foundation Walking, which now comprises more than 1,200 walking groups and over 1,000 volunteer walk organisers nationwide. The programme was originally designed to provide free, accessible group-based physical activity for people at risk of cardiovascular disease and those who needed social connection as much as exercise.
Each year, the Heart Foundation presents Golden Shoe Awards across several categories: Rising Star for organisers with less than a year in the role, Lifetime Strider for long-term service, Above and Beyond for exceptional extra efforts, and state and territory awards. National recipients receive a golden shoe pin, certificate and $250 gift card, whilst all nominees are notified and presented with certificates containing comments from their nominators.
“While only one winner can be awarded, we feel a nomination is a worthy recognition and accolade of your dedication to your walking group and that your walkers appreciate all that you do,” wrote Anita Cromb from the Heart Foundation in notifying Klease of her nomination.
The 2025 national awards recognised organisers ranging from those leading groups for just months to Keith Dekok from Victoria’s Moonee Valley Walkers, who has led more than 4,000 walks over 25 years. Ian Watson from Victoria’s Mighty West Walkers received the Above and Beyond award for transforming a personal health challenge into a community walking initiative that has grown from three walkers in 2019 to a thriving group.
Six years of consistent leadership
Donna’s involvement with the Mapleton Movers stretches back to the group’s establishment in July 2019, when she and friend Beth Wilkins attended a local cancer fundraising morning tea and discussed joining a walking group. Discovering none operated in Mapleton, Beth established one through the Heart Foundation Walking Programme, whilst Donna coordinated operations from the beginning.
Her background as a former Master Swimmers national medal holder and Central Queensland Seniors Triathlon winner meant fitness had long been part of her life, until injuries curtailed competitive activities. “My friend Beth and I started the group to get more fitness back,” Donna explained. “We formed the group as there weren’t any Heart Foundation Walking Groups here on the range.”
When Beth Wilkins officially retired in 2024, Donna continued as sole organiser, maintaining the group’s schedule of walks every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7am from the Lilypond’s Carpark Memorial Tram seated area. The group has completed more than 1,300 walks and currently comprises 29 registered members who attend on different days.
“As an organiser you need to make it your priority to be there three times in the week to arrange the walks to everyone’s fitness levels, so no one is left out,” Donna said.
What nominators value
Wendy-Joy, who has walked with the group for 18 months, nominated Donna based on what she describes as “her constant love of our local community.” The variety of walks, different from her previous routine, initially attracted Wendy-Joy to the group, but it’s the social aspect that keeps her returning.
“It’s a great social walk, lots of conversation while enjoying our beautiful surroundings,” she said, describing the group’s atmosphere as “very friendly.” She particularly appreciates Donna’s “great communication” and “consideration towards those that aren’t as healthy as others, having a break/breather.”
Her advice to prospective members is emphatic: “DO IT!”
Paula, a fellow nominator who has walked with the group for approximately six years, echoes these sentiments. “I think she deserved it, because she goes above and beyond,” Paula said, highlighting Donna’s motivation, organisation and welcoming approach. “She’s very motivated, organised. A great person to let you know about the neighbourhood.”
The friendship and camaraderie prove crucial motivators. “It’s motivation with the group to get yourself up and going,” Paula explained. “Very friendly, very enthusiastic.” Her message to potential members mirrors Wendy-Joy’s directness: “Just join! It’s a great hour to motivate people.”
Organising for inclusion and safety
Donna’s approach centres on variety and adaptability. “We are lucky we have so many different walks around Mapleton and Flaxton,” she said. “I make sure I do different walks each time we meet so as they aren’t boring. If a walker is struggling with an injury or health problem I adjust the walk so that everyone enjoys the walk.”
Safety considerations involve constant assessment. “I always assess who may be struggling and walk with them and ask the others to go ahead and meet us at a destination,” she explained. Communication remains essential, with group text messages alerting members to any changes due to weather events or her own unavailability, always encouraging walkers to continue independently as others will attend.
The Heart Foundation provides regular support through state organiser Anita Cromb, who sends updates on walking techniques, communication strategies, healthy recipes and stories from heart attack survivors. Donna has also connected with other walking group organisers across the Sunshine Coast, learning that each operates differently based on their location and community needs.
Health and social benefits
The Mapleton Movers welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, accommodating prams, wheelchairs and dogs on leads. Routes showcase the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s scenic beauty, including concrete paths around Mapleton village, walks with coastal views at Flaxton, and trails within Mapleton National Park when conditions permit.
Walks typically last 45 minutes to an hour, with flexibility for varying fitness levels. The group maintains its schedule in most weather conditions, walking with umbrellas in light rain. The tradition of coffee after Wednesday walks at La Botiga café in Mapleton, and occasionally at the Barn on Flaxton, reinforces the social dimension.
For Donna, the personal benefits extend beyond fitness. “Other than the fitness benefits, it’s a wonderful time to have a chat to the other walkers and find out what is happening in their lives,” she said. “You also learn so much by discussing all manners of topics.”
Research associated with the Heart Foundation Walking programme shows that walking 30 minutes daily can reduce heart disease risk by 35 per cent, whilst programme surveys indicate more than 90 per cent of participants report physical, mental and social benefits from group walking.
Looking ahead
The Mapleton Movers has entered its summer recess and will resume walks on Monday, 12 January 2026, meeting at the Lilypond’s Carpark at 7am.
Donna’s hopes for 2026 focus on continued health improvement among members. “I hope that everyone is doing something to improve their health,” she said. “A small walk is better than no walk. Reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes by exercising and building more activity into your day-to-day life, eat well and see your doctor.”
Her advice to prospective walk organisers emphasises simplicity: “Lace up those shoes and meet up even for a small walk, you’ll enjoy the health benefits.”
The nomination itself represents recognition not just of Donna’s organisational skills but of the community she has helped sustain. As the Heart Foundation notes in its awards messaging, the Golden Shoe is more than an individual honour, it symbolises every step taken towards healthier, more connected communities through walking.
Anyone interested in joining the Mapleton Movers can contact Donna Klease at bellville2@bigpond.com or search for “Mapleton Movers” through the Heart Foundation Walking Group website.
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