City subsidises self defence program for women 55 and over

THE City of Greater Bendigo is joining forces with local self-defence school OVAIT to provide a low cost, four week Women’s Self Defence and Situational Awareness group program designed for women aged 55 and over.

Participants will be separated into two groups, one starting on Thursday 8 May and running each Thursday until 29 May, with the other starting on Thursday 26 June and running each Thursday until 17 July.

Sessions will be 60 minutes in duration from 5.15pm to 6.15pm.

City of Greater Bendigo community partnerships acting manager Nikki Nikki Williams said the program is subsidised by the City with the cost of each class $5 per person, payable on the day via cash or EFTPOS.

“The program blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based techniques with practical situational awareness strategies and will equip participants with skills that focus on using leverage, timing and energy efficiency,” she said.

“These are techniques that work for all ages and abilities, recognising and assessing risk in different environments and setting boundaries using verbal and psychological strategies.

“Learning self-defence can empower people.

“It decreases fear and anxiety and increases confidence, sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem, and helps you feel stronger and more confident in your bod(y).”

Founded in 2020, OVAIT is a family owned business operated by husband and wife team and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners Tracey and Adam McCurdy, providing a range of services aimed at preventing violence.

Bookings for the limited places in the program can be made on the COGB website at bendigo.vic.gov.au/events/womens-self-defence-and-situational-awareness-group-program.