Free, accessible ways to be active

TWO activations aimed at encouraging incidental and affordable physical activity in Heathcote were launched last week.

The Heathcote Wonderwalk and Active Heathcote booklet were launched by Healthy Loddon Campaspe, a State Government-funded initiative aimed at improving health outcomes in the region.

City of Greater Bendigo active and healthy communities manager Amy Johnston said the municipality is pleased to work with HLC to deliver another round of physical activity projects in Heathcote.

“By working with local partners like Heathcote Community House and consulting with community groups, we’re excited to launch the Heathcote WonderWalk and Active Heathcote booklet,” Ms Johnston said.

“We hope that these new activities, most of which are free and accessible for all ages and fitness levels, will encourage Heathcote residents to be more active, more often.”

The Heathcote WonderWalk was developed in conjunction with Heathcote Community House, and public consultation found what kinds of activities would help people be more active.

“Feedback received highlighted that something free and accessible was important,” Ms Johnston said.

“The WonderWalk is a more mature version of the successful StoryWalks that have been installed by Healthy Loddon Campaspe across the region.

“Instead of a story book, the WonderWalk will feature local photos, poetry and stories for residents to stop and enjoy along a walking trail.

“Colourful footpath stickers lead the way to each of the WonderWalk boards, and the content will be changed regularly to keep things interesting.

“The Active Heathcote Booklet has been created to provide an overview of the variety of locations and ways to move and explore the town.

“The booklet includes a Heathcote town map as well as a page for each location, highlighting and focussing on low-cost and free activities.

“Booklets will be available locally at the Community House, along with a number of other locations in town.”

Community House executive officer, Vicki Forde, said she was very pleased to see the WonderWalk completed.

“We’ve been looking forward to it ever since we started our walking group in conjunction with Heathcote Aged Care, earlier this year,” she said.

“Every Friday we meet at the community house and walk to the aged care facility where we are joined by residents.

“We have made some very special social connections. Everyone walks at their own pace and whatever distance they choose.

“We start at 9.30am and finish with morning tea and a chat. Everyone is welcome to join us.”

Community members and representatives from Advance Heathcote, the O’Keefe Challenge and Heathcote Aged Care Facility attended the launch.