Swan Active kicks goals with healthy options

Published on 08 December 2020

Local residents and families are now able to enjoy healthier food and drink options at the City of Swan’s three leisure venues, Swan Active, thanks to a $15,000 Healthway grant.

The City of Swan was the first local government to receive funding under the new Healthy Venues Grant program that was launched by the Hon. Alanna Clohesy MLC at Swan Active Beechboro on December 2, 2020.

Mother-of-two Elyse Pridding regularly visits Beechboro Community Hub with her family to use the gym, pool, library, outdoor park, creche and cafe.

Elyse said she having more healthy food and drink options available at the cafe helps her and her family live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

“I pick up my daughter Stella from the creche after my gym session and we’ll grab a bite to eat at the cafe,” Elyse said.

“I enjoy eating healthy foods, like the wraps or spinach gozleme, because I feel better both physically and emotionally.

“Also knowing the food is fresh and prepared on site gives me peace of mind that what I’m eating is nutritious.”

As part of the program, Swan Active will change its cafe menu to incorporate 50 per cent ‘green choices’ at its Midland, Ballajura and Beechboro venues.

City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey said Swan Active was well placed to champion healthy venues.

“Leisure is one of the key services the City of Swan provides to its 156,000 residents and the thousands more Western Australians who work and play in the area,” Mayor Bailey said.

“Improving access to nutritious foods and reducing access to discretionary foods in community-based settings is an evidence-based way to encourage healthy eating.

“In addition, we are able to reinforce positive messages and educate the community about the importance of nutritious and healthy options through the use of promotional material and product placement.”

Elyse said reducing the promotion of unhealthy options is a change she supports.

“My children aren’t huge fans of healthy eating but I make an effort to encourage them to pick healthy options and believe they will learn to like these foods and drinks with more exposure,” she said.

“Beechboro Community Hub brings the very fibres of the community closer together so I’m pleased that Swan Active has become a healthy venue.”

This project has been in partnership with East Metropolitan Health Service and WA School Canteen Association.

Funding of up to $5,000 is available per food and drink outlet to increase the availability and promotion of healthy food and drink choices, and educate the community about the importance of nutritious and healthy options.

Visit the Healthway website for more information about the grants program.