Get Out Get Active funding designed to get women and girls active for life

Council’s Healthy Sunshine Coast program is about to get a welcome boost that will help more women and girls get active thanks to the State Government’s Get Out, Get Active funding.

The funding will assist council to conduct a series of 20-week fitness and outdoor recreation classes to support inactive women and girls on the Sunshine Coast.

Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said one of the key initiatives noted in council’s Sunshine Coast Social Strategy was for the region to develop programs that help residents undertake sufficient physical activity and lead healthy lifestyles.

“Last year we launched the Healthy Sunshine Coast mums and girls teen program which aimed to improve opportunities for women and girls to get active in our community.” Cr McKay said.

“The success and feedback from this program has helped council to understand the barriers, motivations and triggers women and girls face in daily life.

“Research shows women are less likely to participate in physical activity so there is definitely a need for additional programs that engage and encourage women and girls to participate in physical activity.”

Cr McKay said when council applied for the funding it was required to outline an example of an energising and inclusive program specifically tailored for women and girls.

“There will be a range of activities to motivate, inspire and support women and girls in our community so they feel the amazing health and social benefits of taking part in physical exercise,” Cr McKay said.

“This program will be aimed at inactive women and girls, so if you haven’t exercised in a while or ever, there will be an activity for you.

“You don’t need to be fit as a fiddle or have a wardrobe of active wear to participate.

“It is now time to put together the program and we would like to hear from women and girls by completing a survey to let us know what activities, times and locations would suit best.

“From this information, we will develop an exciting free and low-cost program inviting women to be a part of the inspirational state government #JoinTheMovement campaign.”

The Queensland Government provided a $39,625 grant to Sunshine Coast Council for the Get Out Get Active program designed to get women and girls active for life.’

To complete the online survey visit council’s website. The survey will close at 5pm on August 31.