Wilderness program builds resilience

A Walpole not-for-profit organisation is gearing up to mark a significant milestone later this year.

Outward Bound Australia’s Walpole branch has fostered personal development, teamwork, leadership, resilience and environmental awareness through outdoor adventure activities since November, 1987.

Walpole is the only location in WA where the national organisation’s programs are offered, which program co-ordinator Dylan Smith said was because of the area’s pristine, picturesque setting.

“Walpole is the most ideal spot you could think of for what we do,” Mr Smith said.

“It has that element of remoteness about it (and) very varied flora and fauna in the landscape, which allows us to add different elements to our programs.

“The community itself has also been super supportive.”

Based 10km north of the town on local landowners’ Thomas and Elizabeth Gerner’s private property, the Walpole branch has grown in popularity from 92 participants in 1987 to more than 2000 more recently.

Mr Smith said programs were tailored to help at-risk youth and people with substance abuse problems, as well as families, students, adults, businesses and community groups.

Activities include hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, abseiling and a “high ropes” course, which involves participants navigating their way through giant rope ladders and other obstacles 15m above the ground.

Mr Smith said the Deep and Nornalup rivers, Walpole and Broke inlets and surrounding mountain ranges were ideal for teaching participants the importance of environmental awareness.

He said it was very rewarding work.

“The best thing...is seeing a group of people go from nervousness on their first day to a new-found confidence they return to their lives with,” Mr Smith said.