As the birds begin to chirp early on Saturday morning, a group of active Manilla locals will be pulling a wooly jumper over their heads, rugging up in preparation for a brisk 5km run, jog or walk around Manilla’s Chaffey Park.

The weekly Chaffey Park parkrun is held every Saturday at 8am and has fast become a hit with locals and travellers alike, all keen to stay active and connected to their community.

Parkruns are free, weekly, timed events held across the world, organised, and run by local volunteers, and the Manilla community has Vicky Deane and her group of local volunteers to thank for bringing the global event to Manilla.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Vicky’s efforts to bring the event to Manilla had recently been recognised as part of the NSW Seniors Festival, with Vicky picking up the 2023 Seniors Local Achievement Award.

“I’m a big advocate for getting people up off the couch, away from the TV and connecting with their community,” Mr Anderson said.

“Physical and social activity is proven to have positive impacts on mental health and wellbeing which is why it’s so important that we continue to provide opportunities for our communities to get out and about.

“Chaffey Park parkrun is a great opportunity for the Manilla community to do just that, providing locals with an outlet early every Saturday morning.

“It’s a credit to Vicky and her team who did all the legwork to bring parkrun to Manilla, and continue to volunteer every weekend to ensure the event is a success.

“The NSW Seniors Local Achievement Award was created to recognise people within our communities who go above and beyond for their community, and I can’t think of a more fitting recipient than Vicky.

“This is deserved recognition for many volunteer hours put into the parkrun and I thank Vicky for her efforts to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of her community.”