Supporting holistic health with nature
Green Hearts is a community health initiative that supports people in Springfield to enhance their physical, mental and social wellbeing through gentle activity in nature. This website grew from a shared idea – sparked by health professionals, activity providers, local residents, and community hub teams – all recognising the value of bringing together useful and inspiring information in one accessible place.
We, the Green Hearts team, acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, waters, flora and fauna on which Springfield stands, the Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul Peoples.
We recognise their enduring cultural and spiritual connection to Country and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Green Hearts is also about nurturing a deeper relationship with the natural world – one that invites not only enjoyment, but also care, curiosity, and a sense of giving back. These moments of connection support our wellbeing and may gently inspire choices that care for the environment we all share.
The Green Hearts website is where you’ll find tips for a healthy heart, insights into how time in nature supports our wellbeing, a Springfield community directory of activities, and inspiring ideas to connect with, and care for, the natural world around you.
If you would like to know more about Springfield Green Hearts, email victoria.sullivan@uq.edu.au
UQ at Springfield
Supporting Cardiovascular Health
Move your body – support your heart
Being active every day is one of the best things you can do for your heart. By moving in ways that raise your heart rate and build muscle strength you boost circulation an improve long-term heart health.
A regular brisk walk – just 30 minutes a day – can lower your risk of heart disease and boost your overall wellbeing. And the good news? Small, consistent steps can lead to big health benefits.
So, what is brisk walking? It simply means walking at a pace that makes your heart beat a little faster, but not so fast that you’re out of breath. You should still be able to hold a conversation.
(@) Why move more? Being physically active not only helps your heart, it also supports your mental and social wellbeing. Here’s how…
Helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Helps to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes
Maintains strong bones
Improves balance and coordination, reducing falls
Improves your daily mood and helps manage stress
walking with others is a great way to connect with community
Like to know more? You can explore Australia’s national guidance for physical activity via this website: Australian activity guidelines
Why be active in nature? How does this support health and wellbeing? We explore this below, but first, keep these points in mind when trying new activities:
(@) Start where you are
Important: If you’re new to physical activity, start small and build up gradually. Even 10 minutes of walking every day can make a difference.
Dress for the weather: The Queensland sun is hot! Remember to cover up, wear a hat and sunscreen, and take a water bottle with you.
And remember: if you have any health concerns or health-related questions before increasing your activity, chat to a Health Professional first for guidance. This may be your GP, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist or a Physiotherapist.
Nature-based Physical Activity
Being active in natural settings adds an extra boost to our wellbeing, especially if you are joining in with a group activity. Nature-based physical activity takes place in parks, nature reserves, woodland, forests, rivers, community gardens, on the beach and in the ocean.
Activities include walking, jogging, hiking, yoga, community gardening, green gyms, conservation, swimming and active volunteering – anything that gets our body moving while surrounded by the natural world.
Fresh cooler air, shady trees, and the scent of pine and gum create nice environments in which to be active. You may find these surroundings energising, peaceful, or awe-inspiring. They also give us space to connect with others, and to explore nature on our doorstep.
You may experience these benefits from Nature Activity
Keeping your Heart Healthy
Heart Health Checks
Being active, eating heart-healthy foods, staying smoke-free, and building strong social connections all support a healthier heart. These changes aren’t always easy, which is why it helps to have the right support around you, such as good information, a friendly chat with your GP, or encouragement from your local community.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, but there’s good news. There are steps you can take to lower your risk, and every small change counts.
A great place to start is with a Heart Health Check.
What is your Heart Health Risk?
A Heart Health Check with your GP will help you better understand your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
This 20-minute check-up estimates your risk over the next five years, and together you can create a heart healthy plan to lower your risk and improve your overall wellbeing.
Speak to your GP about a Heart Health check if:
- You are aged 45-79 years
- You have Diabetes from the age of 35 years
- You are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage from age 30 years
Heart Health Checks are covered by Medicare and generally free at bulk bill practices. Visit the Heart Foundation website for further details about Heart Health Checks and for the most up to date information:
Health flourishes in community.
Health flourishes in community because connection is at the heart of wellbeing, with each other, and with the natural world.
When people come together, they share knowledge, support, and a sense of belonging that strengthens our physical, mental and social health. Communities also play a vital role in caring for local natural spaces. In turn, these green places support health, offer calm, and remind us that by looking after nature, we are also looking after ourselves and each other.
Springfield offers a wide range of parks, bushland trails, and open spaces – perfect places to connect, explore and care for the natural world on our doorstep.
Seeking extra connection or support with your health and wellbeing?
There are several community centres and hubs in Springfield where you can connect with broad range of activities, social groups, services and support on a range of topics. Take a look!
Community Centres and Hubs
Springfield’s community centres and hubs are welcoming spaces where people come together to connect, get active, and access local support and services. They offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities – from fitness classes and social groups, to gardening, arts and crafts and volunteering opportunities. These spaces make it easy to try something new, meet others, and feel more connected to where you live.
YMCA Springfield Lakes Community Centre – meet, celebrate, learn and connect
What’s on? A wide variety of low cost activities and events: gentle exercise, garden club, arts & crafts, Mahjong, the Ipswich Thriving Seniors program, community cafe, volunteering, bookswap, day trips, play groups, information and community referral service.
Contact: Alison Clark – Operations Coordinator for details
- Address: 53 Springfield Lakes Boulevard, Springfield Lakes, Qld.
- Phone: 07 3288 2292, E: springfieldlakescc@ymcaqueensland.org.au
- W: www.ymcaqueensland.org.au/services/community-centres/springfield-lakes
- F: https://www.facebook.com/YMCASpringfieldLakesCommunityCentre
Westside Community Care, Camira-Springfield – essential practical and social support
What’s on? Low cost physical activities/classes, sports, arts and crafts, Free Food Giveaway, online Facebook community, volunteering. Services: legal, addiction, domestic violence support. Activities available most days (check online timetable).
Contact: Pastor Phil or June for info about activities, services and support
- Address: Camira Springfield Community Centre, 389 Old Logan Road, Springfield.
- Phone: 07 3818 0921 or 0411 021 153, E: info@wccare.org.au
- W: Westside Community Care
- F: www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitycare
Vedanta Centre Springfield Lakes – a welcoming place of peace
What’s on? Spiritual centre with various activities and events including yoga and meditation, community garden, bookshop, library, education workshops, volunteering, community events, food relief and weekly soup kitchen, Saturday café, and community services. Low cost or free activities and classes.
Contact: Swami Atmeshananda for further info about activities.
- Address: 96 Vedanta Drive, Springfield Lakes, 4300, QLD.
- Phone: 07 3818 9986 E: info@vedantabrisbane.org
- W: Vedanta Centre
- F: www.facebook.com/vedantaspringfield
Springfield Camira Men’s Shed – space for men to interact & share knowledge & skills
What’s on? an environment where men can gain a sense of purpose, joy and/or satisfaction from interacting with like-minded individuals, and finding support. You will have access to tools and equipment to undertake activities of interest (indoors & outdoors) and opportunities for conversation. The Shed promotes an environment of good physical, mental, and social health. This is a Membership-based group with fees.
Contact: Chris or Pete (Membership Team) for further info & membership enquiries.
- Meet: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am to 12pm
- Address: Shed is behind Camira Springfield Community Centre, 389 Old Logan Road, Springfield, Qld.
- Phone: 0478 630 408 or 0419 674 959 E: springfieldmensshed@gmail.com
- W: SpringfieldCamira Men’s Shed
- F: www.facebook.com/SpfShed
More actions that support nature
Building Nature Block by Block
Roll up your sleeves and plant a garden bed, flowerpot, or planter with native species and help boost biodiversity. No matter the size of your outdoor space, your Nature Block can become a stepping stone for pollinators like bees and butterflies in the neighbourhood.
You can make a space for nature in your garden or windowsill and join a community of nature conservationists across the country.
Visit Conservation Volunteers Australia for a step-by-step guide to creating a Nature Block in your space and be part of a collective effort to protect and restore nature. W: My Nature Block.
Further Health & Wellbeing Support
For heart health fact sheets and practical tips on a wide range of topics, including nutrition, blood pressure, and mental health, visit the Heart Foundation: W: Your Heart
For mental health and wellbeing information and support, visit the Queensland Government:
If you are struggling with your mental health, help is available. Call 1300 642 255 for telephone triage services.
The following crisis and support helplines are available 24 hrs a day:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
- 13YARN to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
- Open Arms: 0800 011 046 for veterans and families support. Visit W: Open Arms
Feeling Inspired?
Looking after your heart and caring for nature go hand in hand. Every step taken outdoors, every moment of connection, and every small action to protect the natural world helps create a healthier, happier future; for us, our community and the planet.
We ‘d love to hear your stories of nature, movement and connection in Springfield. Share your photos and experiences with the Green Hearts team and help inspire others to get active and enjoy the outdoors too!
Email Green Hearts victoria.sullivan@uq.edu.au
Community directory of activities
Green Hearts is all about connecting Springfield’s residents with nature-based physical activities – an easy, enjoyable way to boost fitness, build community, and rediscover the joy of being outdoors.
In the Green Hearts Community Directory below you will find a range of nature-based activities to suit your abilities and inclination, from walking groups, volunteering, looking after the land, and movement in the park.
Plus, we’ve included Springfield’s fantastic community centres and hubs where you can explore a variety of groups and activities and connect with broader services and support on a range of topics.
Seeking calmer ways to get outside and enjoy time in nature? How about Nature Journaling, or creating a ‘nature block’? We have some top tips to get you started.
If you are feeling inspired to give back to the places you love, check out our section on plogging and nature advocacy.
Take a look! We have so much happening here in Springfield.
Springfield in Step with Nature Walk – nature walk for holistic health
Join us for an easy-paced nature walk in and around Robelle Domain park. We are a chatty group that enjoys time in nature.
Details: Weekly walk of 45 mins. Optional café stop at the end.
- FREE. All walking abilities welcome
- Meet: Mondays 7.15am Robelle Domain, John Nugent Way Bridge
- Contact: Vicky Sullivan for further information.
- Phone: 0475 129 166 E: victoria.sullivan@uq.edu.au
- F: Nature Walk
- This is a Heart Foundation walking group. Visit website to register and join this walk. W: Heart Foundation Walking
Springfield Mo-Men and Man Walks – men’s mental & physical health
Group activities & social meet-ups including weekly Man Walks, monthly social evenings & special events through the year.
Details: Weekly walks of 60 mins. Optional café stop at the end.
- FREE. All walking abilities welcome.
- Meet: Saturdays 6.30am and Thursdays 7pm for leisurely community Man Walks in Robelle Domain parklands.
- Contact: Mark Winter for further information about all Mo-Men activities including the Man Walks.
- Phone: 0423 021 253 E: springfieldmomen@gmail.com
- W: Springfield Man Walk
Springfield Lakes Nature Care – nature conservation in Opossum Creek
A group of volunteers working to protect and enhance the natural environment within and around Opossum Creek.
Details: Nature education and activities, including monthly Bushcare at Opossum Creek; regular Bird Walks; Tree planting; Animal Surveys; Litter Picks.
- FREE or low cost. Reasonable fitness required.
- Meet: Monthly Bushcare activities (weekends and family-friendly) and volunteering opportunities.
- Contact: Luise Manning for further details and ways to participate.
- Phone: 0407 167 722 E: info@springfieldlakesnaturecare.org.au
- W: Springfield Lakes Nature Care
Robelle Domain parkrun – 5km community event: walk, volunteer, jog, run, spectate
This is a free, fun and weekly 5km community event in Robelle Domain parklands for everyone.
Details: Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
- Meet: Saturdays at 6.50am for a 7am start, John Nugent Way Bridge, Robelle Domain parklands. All abilities welcome.
- Info: Wide, mostly sealed paths. Suitable for pushchairs and prams. Check first for wheelchair and walking aid suitability.
- Contact: email the Events Team with any questions
- E: robelledomain@parkrun.com
- F: Robelle Domain parkrun W: Robelle Domain parkrun
Please register with parkrun Australia before attending your first event. Visit the main website: W: parkrun Register
parkrun is available in communities all over Australia, providing opportunities to keep active and connect with others, even while you are on your travels.
Heart Foundation Personal Walking Plans
Do you prefer to walk alone? Are you looking for a gentle introduction to walking? Try this easy-to-follow six-week plan designed to make it easier for you to start walking and keep walking!
The plans are personalised to your current physical activity levels and include weekly emails, motivational text messages, a two-way text chat feature for extra support, and resource downloads to track progress.
- Build confidence, strength and fitness
- Connect with nature and find the joy in walking
- Visit W: Heart Foundation Walking for further information and to register
Ipswich City Council
Active and Healthy Program
Ipswich City Council’s Active and Healthy program has free and low-cost physical activity and outdoor recreation opportunities at various Springfield venues throughout the year.
Enjoy activities such as Yoga or Tai Chi in the park, and Aqua Fit at Orion Lagoon.
- To book a class you must be an Active and Healthy member.
- It is free and easy to join.
- The online timetable is updated regularly. Visit W: Active and Healthy Ipswich for further information. You can also download the Active and Healthy App to your phone.
Guides to Walking and Hiking Locally
Keep it local: Springfield has dozens of parks and recreation spaces that are ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, picnics and play. Stay local at Springfield Central parklands, Woogaroo and Opossum Creeks, Robelle Domain parklands, and Spring Mountain park. Search the Ipswich City Council website for locations, facilities and marked route maps such as Regatta Walk at Springfield Lakes:
W: Search Parks
Walking and Hiking: If you’d like to explore further afield try the culturally-significant White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate. Visit the Ipswich City Council webpage for further information, downloadable guides, and tips to keep you safe on the trails. W: White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate
Remember to check the weather forecast, let someone know where you are going and when you are due home, and keep to the trails!
Nature connection through stillness, creativity and care
There are many ways to tune into nature beyond physical activity – gentle, creative and mindful moments that help us feel connected, calm and part of the natural world. Even just five quiet minutes sitting on a park bench or under a leafy tree makes a difference. Try these ideas!
Nature Journaling
Grab a notebook, engage your senses and get closer to nature through journaling. It’s a fun and relaxing way to slow down and deepen your connection with the natural world.
What can you see, hear, smell or feel? Whether you are sketching insects, writing reflections, counting birds, or crafting a poem, you’re tuning in and building a relationship with your environment.
Your observations can even support citizen science projects, like W: Frog ID by helping scientists track biodiversity. For inspiration and top tips to get started, visit W: ABC-News
Bring Nature Indoors
Caring for indoor plants is a lovely way to connect with nature at home. Greenery indoors has been shown to boost mood, reduce stress and even support concentration. Some plants may even help purify the air.
Looking after a plant is a learning process, and part of the joy comes from noticing what they need and how they grow. Australian natives like the Bird’s Nest Fern and Kentia Palm are generally well suited to indoor living and will respond well to your care and attention. Look out for local plant swaps or community workshops.
For further information about native plants, visit:
Actions that support nature
We love spending time in nature for activity, recreation and relaxation, so how can we give back to nature? Nature is under pressure, with habitat loss and a changing climate affecting ecosystems and creating challenges for wildlife, but our actions can make a difference! Here are some simple activities to keep you moving along your ‘care for nature’ journey.
Plogging
Formed from the Swedish ‘plocka upp’ (pick up) and jogging, plogging combines walking or jogging with picking up litter. This is a fun way to clean up your local park while adding extra movements like bending, squatting and stretching to your routine.
It’s important to stay safe while picking up litter so consider the following:
- DO NOT pick up hazardous items such as broken glass and syringes
- Stick to footpaths and designated tracks
- Avoid roads and look out for vehicles
- Take a buddy along for twice the impact!
Want to know more? Visit Clean Up Australia for a deeper dive into plogging, and essential tips on how to stay safe W: Plogging
Get involved with Bushcare and Landcare
Local Bushcare and Landcare groups focus on environmental conservation and restoration. They bring volunteers together for hands-on activities like weeding, tree planting, and habitat restoration.
Springfield Lakes Nature Care works to protect and enhance the Opossum Creek catchment and offers a range of family-friendly activities including waterbug surveys, bird walks, tree planting, litter picks and monthly Bushcare sessions. Visit W: Springfield Lakes Nature Care to learn more and get involved.
Citizen Science: discover nature together.
Citizen science is a fun way for families to explore nature and help scientists at the same time. You can count birds in your backyard, listen for frog calls, or keep track of plants and animals on your walks
Projects like the annual W: Aussie Bird Count, W: Frog ID and W: Climate Watch turn your sightings into important information that helps protect nature. It’s a great way to learn and connect!
Become a Nature Advocate!
Nature Advocacy means using our voices to speak up for the environment and support decisions that protect and restore the natural world. Actions like raising awareness about deforestation, organising community campaigns, and writing to decision-makers help give nature a seat at the table.
The Queensland Conservation Council represents community environment groups across the state and leads efforts to protect Queensland’s ecosystems. Visit W: Queensland Conservation Council to explore current campaigns and discover how you can get involved locally.
And finally… Report Sick or Injured Wildlife
If you find sick or injured wildlife, help is available. Contact one of the following wildlife rescue groups for advice and assistance.
- W: RSPCA Wildlife (Wacol) phone 1300 264 625 (7am-7pm)
- W: Wildcare Australia (Qld)- 07 5527 2444 (24 hrs)
- W: Bat Rescue QLD – 0488 228 134 (24 hrs)
Always prioritise your safety, never put yourself at risk, and DO NOT touch BATS.
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