Have your say about future active living services

Live life to the full: Co-CEO Neighbourhood Collective Australia and The Old Church on the Hill Rose Vincent, chair of Marong Community Action Group and 2024 Citizen of the Year Heather Wearne, Long Gully Community Garden coordinator Jonathan Ridnell, City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, member of Bendigo Disability Inclusion Reference Committee Alex Reimers, City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney, deputy youth mayor Alyssa Beaton, and Intercultural Ambassador Valentine Joe. Photo: SUPPLIED

THE 2025 Active Living Census (ALC) has commenced, giving residents a chance to have their say about programs, recreation spaces and services in the community.

The ALC is a region-wide survey conducted by Healthy Loddon Campaspe, asking residents in the region about their health, wellbeing and daily activities.

Almost 20,000 people took part in the 2019 ALC, providing the region with data about health and wellbeing in the community.

The survey looks at things like how often people play sport or are physically active, what they eat and drink, smoking and gambling habits, how happy people feel about their lives, and what stops them from being healthy and active.

This information helps schools, sporting clubs, community groups, government and local leaders make better decisions about health programs, new recreation spaces and services.

It also helps the community obtain funding to make the region a healthier place for everyone.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf urged all residents to take part by completing the online survey.

“The Active Living Census is a crucial tool for understanding the health and wellbeing needs of our community,” she said.

“The more people who participate, the clearer the picture we get. We strongly encourage everyone, young or old, active or not, to take 15 minutes to fill it out.

“It’s your health, your community, your say.”

Anyone who completes the census online before Sunday 22 June will have the chance to win a weekly $200 JL King pack and Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook’s Apprentice cookbook.