New CHANGE project directory packed with healthy, active lifestyle options
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New seniors’ activity sessions, tai chi, children’s movement and music classes and Food as Medicine workshops are among new activities featured in Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) the CHANGE Project’s 2020-2021 Spring/Summer Healthy and Active Directory.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the expansive new directory offered residents across the region access to handy information or classes that encouraged an active and healthy lifestyle.
“At the start of this Council term in April, I said one of Council’s main goals was to improve the health of our residents by encouraging the community to be more active,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Spring is the ideal time to step out and be more active, whether in social sporting competitions or at any of the sport and recreation facilities and programs that are offered at Council’s parks and venues.”
TRC Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said the award-winning CHANGE Project was a perfect starting point for residents who wished to join a communal activity session.
Cr McMahon said the directory listed scores of low-cost or free activities and programs to help residents make simple, but effective lifestyle improvements.
“I encourage residents to join any of the activities such as group fitness programs, walking and running groups, yoga/meditation sessions, aquatic classes, Zumba and dance activities, options for different age groups (seniors, kids, social sporting initiatives), plus gardening and healthy eating workshops,” Cr McMahon said.
“Residents can review and plan their attendance at classes via the new Spring/Summer 2020-21 Healthy & Active Directory booklet, which is available at Council customer service centres and libraries.”
Residents can call Council on 131 872 or email [email protected] to have a copy mailed to them. The latest program can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/change
Cr McMahon said new classes included Active Seniors’ sessions starting at Yarraman and Cooyar, tai chi at the Toowoomba City Library and a movement and music class for children (Prep to Year 6) in Toowoomba.
Registrations are open for the next Jamie’s Ministry of Food online course starting on October 6, while Crows Nest residents can line up for Food as Medicine workshops.
Cr McMahon said the new directory also included activities that were suited for people with a disability.
“We are fortunate to have classes that cover activities for all abilities and ages. These classes are identified by a yellow tick in the latest directory. As we mark Disability Action Week (September 13-19), I’m pleased to see sessions catering for all groups in the community,” Cr McMahon said.
“The CHANGE Project was launched in 2012 to provide affordable health and fitness options for the Toowoomba Region community.
“The CHANGE Project delivered 2,920 activity sessions across the Toowoomba Region in the 2019-20 financial year, attracting more than 52,700 attendees.”
Cr McMahon said Council’s 2020-21 Budget had allocated $19 million to upgrade parks (including park equipment and facilities), trails and sporting facilities.
He said residents could access more than 102 hectares of grass sporting fields (97 fields) and almost 14 hectares of hard surface fields. (148 courts, including court for netball and tennis)
“There are plenty of resources online that help the community stay active, as well as guides to healthy eating and general wellness strategies,” Cr McMahon said.
“Please make sure that you only use online resources developed by qualified practitioners or organisations, such as Queensland Health or the Heart Foundation.”
Online resources: To explore Toowoomba Region parks, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/parks
To discover our Region’s walks and trails, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/walkingtrails
For extra resources, please visit: Queensland Health: https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/
Heart Foundation: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/
Caption: Cr Tim McMahon (left) discussing the CHANGE Project’s latest Healthy and Active Directory with Petria Grabham (Carers Qld – NDIS Toowoomba Local Area Coordinator), Kym Stokes (incoming Regional Access and Disability Advisory Committee member) and right, Nichole Robson (Carers Qld – NDIS Toowoomba Local Area Coordinator). The quartet discussed a range of issues affecting the disability sector with additional input from fellow incoming RADAC member Joshua Marshall via phone. Apologies were received from Michelle Davies (Carers Qld – NDIS Toowoomba Local Area Coordinator; incoming RADAC member) and Paul Wilson (Help Enterprise and Employment).