City of Mandurah MARC

🏃 Only two sleeps until the Men’s Health Week Fun Run 🏃

It’s not too late to register for this Sunday’s 4km free fun run at Coodanup Foreshore Reserve.

Join your community from 7.45am for an 8am start and walk, jog or run along the picturesque foreshore. Not only are you doing your bit to raise awareness for men’s health, but there will also be a free morning tea at the end!

Event details:
👉Date: Sunday 21 June 2026
👉Time: Arrive at 7.45am for an 8am start
👉Location: Coodanup Foreshore Reserve
👉Cost: Free

🔗Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/men-s-health-week-fun-run-xdtujeyr

This is another event supporting a healthy and connected Mandurah 💙

Don't forget to join us tomorrow morning for the Men's Health and Wellbeing Expo.

All the action will happen from 10am. Hear from local service providers, health experts and pick up simple, practical tips you can use in your everyday life. All welcome!

And did we mention there is a FREE morning tea?

More info can be found online: https://www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/men%E2%80%99s%20health%20and%20wellbeing%20expo

We hope to see you there.

This is another event supporting a healthy and connected Mandurah 💙

What an incredible journey 👏

Bruce and Wendy Blanchard have officially completed their 600km walk from Perth to Kalgoorlie, raising over $21,000 for charity along the way.

With 4am starts, 30-40km days and 10km stretches logged at a time, it was no small feat 💪

After a well-deserved rest (and some very tired feet!), Bruce is already looking forward to getting back into the pool for his regular walking sessions at the MARC 🧡

Read their story again below 👇

At the MARC, every person has a story, and together, these stories create a vibrant, connected community. On the first Wednesday of each month, we share a new story, highlighting the incredible people who make the MARC a great place to be. This month, we meet Bruce and his wife Wendy.

"I’m legally blind and profoundly deaf – and when you read this, I’ll be walking 600 kilometres from Perth to Kalgoorlie with my wife, Wendy, by my side.

Losing both vision and hearing changes how you experience the world. My hearing loss came from years of industrial work, and my eyesight continues to deteriorate. I know that one day I’ll be totally blind. That’s not always easy to accept, but I’ve learned to focus on what I can do, not what I’ve lost.

That mindset is what led me to this walk. I’m a retired police officer, and for part of my career, I was stationed at Kalgoorlie. This journey back to Kalgoorlie has been on my bucket list for years. Eventually, I decided it was time to stop thinking about it and start walking. I can manage around 20 kilometres a day and have pushed myself to 30. It hasn’t been easy, especially with arthritis and flat feet, but I’m determined to finish. I’ve even packed crutches, just in case.

I’m doing this walk for three reasons: to challenge myself, to encourage others, especially people living with disability or those my age, and to raise funds for Sozo Life; a Thai charity that supports women and children escaping domestic violence.

Preparing at the MARC has been a huge part of this journey. Walking in the pool has helped me build strength without putting too much strain on my body, and just as importantly, the MARC has given me a strong sense of community. The staff here are outstanding - welcoming, supportive, and always looking out for me. That means a lot when you’re living with vision and hearing impairment.

When I’m out walking, I’m constantly reminded of people’s kindness. Strangers offer help, encouragement, or just a friendly check‑in. It restores your faith in humanity.

But none of this would be possible without Wendy. She’s the engine room behind everything, from planning and logistics to meals… she’s alongside me every step of the way. Our family support has been incredible too.

This walk is hard. Doing it with vision and hearing loss makes it harder. But challenges don’t define us, it’s how we respond to them."

You can follow Bruce’s Big Walk to Kalgoorlie and track his journey with Wendy via his page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17WVFxtaHG/

🏃‍♂️ Move for men’s health

Get active this Men’s Health Week with a relaxed 4km fun run along Coodanup Foreshore.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just keen for a walk with friends or family, this free community event is all about getting moving, connecting with others and supporting better health for men and boys.

After the run, stick around for a casual morning tea and a chance to chat with others in the community.

📍 Coodanup Foreshore Reserve
📅 Sunday, 21 June
⏰ Arrive 7.45am for an 8am start
🎟 Free event - register here: https://bit.ly/3RxYZCA
🤝Everyone is welcome - bring a mate and join us

This event is supporting a healthy and connected Mandurah.

💙 Men’s Health & Wellbeing Expo at the MARC

Looking after your health doesn’t have to be complicated.

Drop into the MARC during Men’s Health Week and connect with local services, have a chat, and pick up simple tips to support your wellbeing, mental or physical health.

No pressure, no bookings - just come along and see what’s on offer. Everyone is welcome.

☕ Free morning tea provided
📅 Friday, 19 June
⏰ 10am - 12pm
📍 MARC
🔗 More info: https://bit.ly/4g6uHRK

This event is supporting a healthy and connected Mandurah.

Caught somewhere over the rainbow 🌈✨

Turns out you don't have to go down the yellow brick road, you just have to head to the MARC.

A double rainbow over the centre feels a bit like a sign… we reckon the real pot of gold is a warm pool, a good workout, a great community and a magic view. ✨

📸 Thanks to our staff member Gemma for the great snap!

💦 Swimming is more fun with a friend!

To celebrate the reopening of our Leisure Pool and Water Safety Week, we’re inviting our little swimmers to bring a friend along to lessons at MARC Swim School.

Here’s what’s included:
👶 Your friend will receive a FREE trial lesson in our infant program
☕ You’ll receive a $5 cafe voucher to enjoy during your visit

It’s the perfect way to build confidence in the water while sharing the experience with someone special.

📅 Monday 8 June - Sunday 14 June
⚠️ Places are limited, so get in quick

📞 Contact the MARC Swim School on 9550 3610 to book

At the MARC, every person has a story, and together these stories create a vibrant, connected community. Each month, we share the incredible people who make the MARC such a special place. This month, we meet Artan.

“I’ve been a swim teacher here for 15 years… but really, my story with the MARC started long before that.

I moved to Australia from the Netherlands when I was about 12, and the MARC quickly became part of my life. I’d come here all the time with my friends. I didn’t learn to swim here, but this place was always where I felt connected.

After high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I was a bit goalless, to be honest, but through a family connection, I ended up doing my swim teaching qualification… and I just sort of fell into it.

Looking back now, I realise how much this place has shaped me, and how much I’ve been able to give back.

Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of kids how to swim, and now I’m working alongside some of them. There are about eight teachers here today that I once taught as kids. That’s something pretty special. It’s like watching the next generation carry things forward.

The biggest thing for me is knowing that what we teach here actually matters.

I remember a story where a young child fell into the pool, and their sibling, one of our students, had just learned water safety skills and was able to save their life.

Moments like that really hit you. You realise this isn’t just about swimming, it’s about giving people skills they’ll carry for life. Skills that can save lives.

That’s always been my philosophy.

If I’m teaching, it’s not just about technique, it’s about making it fun and engaging. Because when kids enjoy it, those skills stay with them.

Some of the most rewarding moments are the full-circle ones, like seeing someone I once taught now standing beside me as a teacher. That’s when you realise the impact you’ve had.

The MARC has been part of my whole journey. It’s more than a workplace, it’s like a second family.

Now, I’ve become a familiar face. People grow up, move on, and come back… and I’m still here. Still teaching. Still part of their story.

That means a lot to me.”