Being active is better together

THE City of Ballarat’s new Active Women and Girls’ ambassadors have been appointed and their purpose it encourage and support female participation in activity and sport.

Ballarat parkrun volunteer and Conservation Volunteers Australia’s Gail Weston is leading the culture and environment pillar, Wendouree Athletics Club’s Steph Mundy’s focus is participation, and Masters HQ managing director and PerFit coach Mel Robinson is infrastructure ambassador.

Curtain Call Performing Arts Studios’ dance teacher and fitness instructor Narelle Tolliday will lead the media pillar with a focus on social media, newsletters, the local newspapers and radio stations to share the campaign’s work and events.

She said the ambassador team already have “a really good spark.”

“We all come from different backgrounds but are all strong and passionate about girls and women being active,” Mrs Tolliday said.

“It already feels like we can do this together and share the responsibility equally, moving into the future.”

Ms Robinson is the president of the Australian Functional Fitness Federation. She said her focus is infrastructure, but ultimately implementation will be a “group effort” with a unified goal.

“I’ll be looking at current and upcoming sport facilities to see if they need improvement, so we can make sure they comfortably suit girls and women,” she said.

“Sport can be male-dominated, but we want to ensure the girls and women know they belong there as much as anyone else.”

The campaign’s initial quarterly network meeting was relaxed, taking place at the end of last month online.

“We’re going to work with the network, alongside the City of Ballarat, to get out there, support women and girls, and ensure activities and opportunities are accessible, whatever they choose,” Mrs Tolliday said.

“It’s important to allow yourself the time to be active each day, because it’s so good for our physical, emotional, social health and wellbeing. Let’s do it together.”

In the new year, the ambassadors will be attending and organising community events that promote active living.

If you’re interested in getting involved in network meetings, join facebook.com/groups/BallaratActiveWomen.