Each Wednesday morning during the dry season, people from all walks of life gather at STEPS Casuarina and lace up their shoes for a refreshing stroll through the community.
The Multicultural Walking Group is a local initiative developed in partnership with the Refugee and Migrant Settlement Service (RAMSS) at Anglicare NT, the Heart Foundation, and STEPS. Launched in 2024, the group was created to promote physical activity, reduce social isolation and build stronger connections among people from diverse backgrounds.
The group, inspired by the Heart Foundation Walking model and supported by STEPS’ Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), offers a relaxed and welcoming space for migrants, refugees and local residents to connect and share their culture while practising their English language skills and improving their health.
From April to September, participants meet each Wednesday morning at 8:30am and walk for roughly 30 minutes to a nearby park, with plenty of conversation and encouragement along the way. Once at the park, small group discussions are facilitated around topics like cultural traditions, favourite holidays, and life in Darwin, helping our participants foster a deep sense of community.
The group was recently surveyed, who have collectively walked over 1,250 kilometres across 20 weeks, and the stats speak for themselves:
- An average of 25 participants joined each week
- 71% felt it improved their physical and mental wellbeing
- 81% said the group helped with their English language skills
- 85% felt more connected to the community
- 100% would recommend the group to others
But it’s the stories behind these numbers that show the true impact of the Multicultural Walking Group.
“For me, the Multicultural Walking Group means getting to know new people, new friends, new cultures,” one participant said. “Everything is beautiful when we are all together as a group.”
“Because of this activity, I gained more knowledge about Australian culture,” another participant shared. “I’m from Thailand, [and I’ve] made great friends with people from Timor and Vietnam because of this activity.”
Watch the Multicultural Walking Group share their stories in this video from Anglicare, highlighting the joy and community spirit that we’re proud to help facilitate.
If you’re interested in joining the Multicultural Walking Group for the 2026 dry season, sign up through this link.
Improve your English language skills with STEPS AMEP
If you or someone you know is a migrant or refugee living in the Northern Territory and would like help improving English language skills for work, study and life in Australia, STEPS AMEP could be the perfect fit.
We offer hours of free English lessons and help people get the best start to life in Australia. Get support while you learn, make new friends, and access personalised assistance like childcare and at-home tutoring.
Speak to our friendly AMEP team by calling us on 1300 131 965, emailing us at training@stepsgroup.com.au, or visit our AMEP webpage for more information.
