Funding to help older people to keep moving in the Loddon Mallee

Published on 23 September 2019

Nine different projects will receive a share of around $1.2 million in federal funding to help get older residents in the region up and moving.

The funding was distributed as part of the Loddon Mallee Move It project, which was led and managed by Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Mildura Rural City Council.

Sport and recreation groups, local councils, community health organisations and neighbourhood houses are among the organisations which will receive funding for programs to support inactive people aged 65 years and over to be more active.

Acting Director Community Wellbeing, Jill Karena said Council was pleased to be leading the initiative and helping to deliver great outcomes for older people in the region.

“These funded programs and activities will assist older people to understand the benefits of regular physical activity and will improve social connections and their physical and mental wellbeing,” she said.

“We’re really excited to see the range of activities that will now be offered in these regional and remote locations, such as tai chi, yoga, fitness classes, modified boxing, modified Pilates, water aerobics, and modified golf.”

Organisations which received funding following an expression of interest process included Campaspe Neighbourhood House Cluster, Maryborough District Health Service, City of Greater Bendigo, Gannawarra Shire Council, Loddon Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Castlemaine District Community Health, Riverside Gold Club and Mallee Sports Assembly.

The project is funded by the Australian Government’s Move It AUS Better Ageing Grant through Sport Australia.