Funds available to encourage local seniors to keep moving
Published on 04 July 2019
Expressions of interest are now open in Gannawarra Shire for a share of $1.2 million in Federal funding to help get older residents in the Loddon Mallee region up and moving.
Sporting groups and recreation providers are among organisations encouraged to check their eligibility to apply for funding to support people aged 65 and over to be more active.
The Loddon Mallee Move It project aims to reach over 70,000 people over the age of 65, offering new and modified sport and recreation activities, strengthening partnerships and workforce capacity, and raising awareness of the benefits of regular physical activity.
The project is funded by the Australian Government’s Move It AUS Better Ageing Grant through Sport Australia.
Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said Council was pleased to be involved in this initiative to help deliver great outcomes for seniors in the Gannawarra community.
“More than 27 per cent of the Gannawarra Shire’s 10,549 residents are aged 65 years and over,” Mayor Learmonth said.
“Statistically, older people across the region have poorer health and wellbeing than the Victorian average. There are higher levels of obesity and chronic disease, and many older people have low levels of physical activity.
“Through Move It, we hope to get more seniors in the community moving and enjoying the benefits of regular physical activity.”
The expressions of interest process will run from 1 July to 26 July.
Those interested in applying for funding are encouraged to visit Council’s website to check their eligibility and register to attend an upcoming information session about the project, being held in Bendigo on Thursday, 11 July.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Mildura Rural City Council are leading the implementation of the project. The 10 local government areas covered by this process are City of Greater Bendigo, Loddon Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Campaspe Shire Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Swan Hill Rural City Council, Gannawarra Shire Council, Buloke Shire Council and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
For more information on the expressions of interest process, contact Katrina Thorne, Community Engagement Coordinator on (03) 5450 9333.