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Active Communities project to encourage physical activity

The first stage of a project to improve the general health and wellbeing of communities in Latrobe City, by encouraging walking and physical activity, has commenced.

By Latrobe City Council - 21st December 2005 - Back to News

The first stage of a project to improve the general health and wellbeing of communities in Latrobe City, by encouraging walking and physical activity, has commenced.

The Latrobe Active Communities Network project, aims to increase walking and physical activity in the townships of Boolarra, Yinnar, and Yallourn North; and in the Neighbourhood Renewal areas of Moe and Traralgon.

Latrobe City mayor, Cr Lisa Price, said the project is targeted at involving all community members including the vision impaired and culturally diverse groups. "Consequently, we are currently undertaking a survey in these towns to find out the particular needs of each community, and hopefully open the door for every person to access a program of physical exercise and social interaction," Cr Price explained.

"We are also looking at ways of meeting the specific needs of the senior members of the local communities by working with agencies to establish and promote affordable locally-based physical activity options," Cr Price said.

"The first step in the project is to map existing and possible safe walking tracks and routes and physical activity opportunities suitable for different ages, physical abilities and interest groups in targeted towns. By engaging the local community and consulting with them, we can build and sustain a successful, healthy living project," Cr Price said.

The Latrobe Active Communities Network project has received two grants from the Department for Victorian Communities to fund a project worker to facilitate implementation of the program. The project will be facilitated by Trish Leddin who has been appointed the Active Communities project worker for two years.

Member for Morwell, Brendan Jenkins MP, said the State Government provided a ‘Community Walking’ grant through the Go For Your Life program, and a ‘Healthy and Active Living for Seniors’ (HALS) grant from the Office of Senior Victorians.

"Health and wellbeing are hugely important for everybody. Physical health can improve mental and emotional wellbeing yet for some members of the community access to healthy, physical activity may be restricted due to various circumstances. The Latrobe Active Communities Network project will go a long way towards addressing needs in this area," Mr Jenkins said.

Additional funding is also being provided by the Central West Gippsland Primary Care Partnership, with further support provided by Latrobe City as the lead agency and fund-holder.

Ms Leddin said that the project will initially involve looking at issues such as location, safety, infrastructure, barriers to participation in walking, and the existence of other physical activity groups.

"To help us with these issues, we are inviting people of all ages and physical abilities in the targeted areas, who are interested in promoting health, wellbeing and social connectedness, to make a vital contribution to the project with their input.

We will also welcome any suggestions and input from local sporting, historical and nature clubs, or other community groups," Ms Leddin said.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from people who currently walk in these communities or who are interested in walking. Those interested in leading walking groups, or being walking buddies to a variety of people including the aged or those rehabilitating after hospital visits, are also asked to contact us, as they will be a huge help in making the project a success," Ms Leddin said.

Cr Price added that the project provides a great opportunity to showcase unique features and further develop the soul of the targeted towns and neighbourhood areas, while socially connecting local residents.

"Once a program of activities has been established in the targeted areas, Council will consider extending the project to other towns in the municipality," Cr Price said.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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