The walk was led by Glen Eira Mayor Cr Anne-Marie Cade, Kingston Mayor Cr Jenna Davey-Burns, and Port Phillip Mayor Cr Heather Cunsolo. Together, they represent three of six councils in Melbourne’s inner south led by women mayors this year.

Citing trends which continue to show the impact the cost of living and COVID is having on community health and wellbeing in Melbourne’s inner south, particularly for women, the mayors said it was timelier than ever to raise the profile of community connectivity and Council services which support health and wellbeing.

“Following the International Women’s Day campaign theme of ‘inspire inclusion’, we’re here to show the role local government plays in the health and wellbeing of women – and indeed everyone – in our communities,” Cr Cade said. “The number of Australians 18 and over experiencing severe psychological distress increased from eight per cent to 11 per cent from 2017 to 2023.”

“There is absolutely no doubt we are stronger together,” Cr Davey-Burns said. “Through taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and working closely with our wonderful community organisations and volunteers we can make a huge difference for our community. Supporting positive health and wellbeing will always be our number one priority.”

“In challenging times, the community looks to their local services for guidance and support,” Cr Cunsolo said. “Councils have the reach, relationships and local knowledge to connect our community and make services more accessible. We help form partnerships and lead solutions, not just talk about problems.”

The programs councils support, partner with, connect people to or deliver themselves have a significant impact on quality of life in local communities.

The mayors believe more people should know about and access valued local services like libraries, parks and recreation, maternal child health, community grants, diversity and inclusion programs, and local events, all of which continue to play a significant role in keeping communities connected in challenging times.

The mayors walked from Galbally Reserve Playground in the City of Monash to Murrumbeena Park in the City of Glen Eira.