Sunrise Wanderers herald a new dawn

Putting the call out in April for local men young and old to join him on his early morning walk along the streets and foreshore of Mount Martha, Merv Stewart didn’t anticipate the response. He would be taking his usual sunrise stroll regardless, and when at the first scheduled session no one appeared 10 minutes before the designated start time of 6.15am, Merv prepared to set off alone from the starting point outside Mr Curtis.

A few minutes later, a solitary figure showed up in what was a dark, misty beginning to the day. As the two men chatted, two others dropped in, then 20 more arrived by 6.15am. So began the Sunrise Wanderers. While it’s never been about the numbers, the group has steadily grown to more than 150 men attending the walks over the past six months, the youngest 15, the oldest 83. There’s no pressure to attend every month, but when these men get together there’s a sense of camaraderie rarely found elsewhere.

Away from the pressures of work and family demands, Mount Martha’s Sunrise Wanderers enjoy connecting with others like themselves or with people they might otherwise never have met. Genuine friendships have been forged, with some Wanderers since catching up for self-organised activities – day trips, golf, business opportunities – outside the core walking group. Merv’s aim has been realised: the men of Sunrise Wanderers consider their walks a safe space to chat and unwind, or to simply enjoy the benefits of exercise at a slow pace.

The quietness of dawn reveals Mount Martha in a different light, presenting colours and wildlife unseen during the day. Walkers appreciate the diversity of the routes covered too, long-time residents remarking “I didn’t even know this street existed” as Merv takes them down side streets less travelled before finishing the course with a trek along South Beach and coffee at Milkbar and Co.

While several Sunrise Wanderers joined the group voluntarily, others were initially persuaded by family: kids suggesting the activity to their dads as something they could do together; partners recommending the group to their other half as a change of scene. No matter how they arrive at the Sunrise Wanderers, all men are assured of a warm welcome.

Walks now begin at 6.30am from Mr Curtis on the last Sunday of every month except December. The next is on January 28. Come alone or tell your mates and head down together. There’s no need to pre-register. For more details on the Mount Martha group, email mervstewart@ gmail.com

If others are interested in starting a Sunrise Wanderers in their own community, Merv aims to establish four or five more groups across the Peninsula next year and would love to collaborate to make this happen.