For the University of Queensland team ‘UQ and Beyond’, taking part in Coastrek as a workplace team isn’t just good sense – it’s good science!
Dr Lisa Akison, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences, lining up for her 5th Coastrek, explains:
“Biomedical science is where healthcare meets science and our team members over the years of doing Coastrek have included lecturers, researchers, Faculty leaders and students. They teach or do research on lifestyle and environmental factors that influence health, so for us, a challenge like Coastrek is a great way to practice what we preach!”
In addition to the strong alignment with preventative health, the team credits the camaraderie and physical challenge as the reasons they keep coming back each year for Coastrek.
“We started with a team of four in 2021 and we are now a team of 10! We have regular training sessions around work and typically arrange a weekend away at the beach to do a long sand walk and test our gear.
Although we work at the same place, it varies how well we each know each other and this is an event which really brings everyone together. There is nothing like walking for a whole day along the beach to chat and discover things about your work colleagues. This is what brings many people back each year.”
And a final tip from this seasoned Coastrek team, points to the rewards at the end of the trek in the finish line village:
“Who doesn’t enjoy a glass of prosecco and a chocolate after a hard day’s hiking? That’s a definite must! It’s great to treat yourself and celebrate your achievement.
We obviously enjoy this event and look forward to it every year and much of this comes down to how well it is organised – from sign up, to training to event day – so we are really grateful to the Coastrek team for all their hard work in creating a great event that’s both fun and challenging and great for your health and wellbeing.”
Interested in getting a team of colleagues together? Visit our Workplaces page to find out more.
