Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Get ready, get set for Walk to SchoolBass Coast primary schools and families are encouraged to get active this October by taking part in VicHealth’s Walk to School program. By Portal Admin - 22nd September 2017 - Back to News The program aims to encourage students and families to build healthy habits and walk, ride or scoot to school. School holidays are a great time to get prepared by making sure bikes and scooters are safe and ready to go for the start of term four.
Bass Coast Shire Council will work with local primary schools to deliver a range of activities encouraging more families to walk, ride or scoot to school this October, thanks to a grant from VicHealth.
The October activities will be varied to suit all ages and interests and will have a focus on being active, healthy and safe. Council will encourage schools to take part in competitions, park and walk events, healthy breakfasts and healthy eating events, and walking maps to help children walk to school safely. Council will support schools to coordinate activities which best suit their students, and will facilitate an active presence of Council rangers and Police.
Schools can help children record their walks using classroom calendars, and all participating schools will receive student certificates to celebrate their students’ achievements.
VicHealth are combining creativity with physical activity and encouraging kids to put their best foot forward by decorating their shoes, bikes or scooters to make Walk to School even more fun. There will be some great prizes for students with the most creative designs.
Schools with high participation levels and students who show a keen commitment to the Walk to School challenge will be in the running for some great prizes awarded by VicHealth, as well as the long term benefits of changing their habits towards a more active and healthier lifestyle.
VicHealth CEO, Jerril Rechter, said each year the Walk to School program continues to grow with more and more schools taking part.
"Last year more than 144,000 kids from over 750 schools across Victoria took part in Walk to School. Together they walked more than 2.2 million kilometres – the equivalent of walking almost 55 times around the world," Ms Rechter said.
"This year, we hope to see even more local kids getting active as they travel to and from school. If you can’t walk all the way, there are many great opportunities to get involved and support your school. Try parking the car a few blocks from school and walk, ride or scoot the rest."
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Pamela Rothfield, echoed Ms Rechter on the value of the Walk to School event.
"VicHealth’s Walk to School initiative is a fun and free way to get school kids active and help them build lifelong healthy habits. It’s also a great way for parents and carers to enjoy some quality time with their kids," Cr Rothfield said.
Once term four starts, Council and Victoria Police will be monitoring school crossings and driver behaviour around schools to promote safer behaviour, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times.
Bass Coast schools can contact Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Department on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or 5671 2211 to find out more about local Walk to School activities, or visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au for more information.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy. - Gippsland's diverse landscapes and bold winemakers offering flavours as varied and unforgettable as the region itself
From wild coastlines to rugged ranges, Gippsland delivers bold landscapes and diverse wines. At Eat Drink Play Gippsland, explore unique flavours, passionate winemakers, and stories bottled across this Switzerland-sized wine region. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events - South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
|
|
