In 2014 Guyra Shire is fitter, healthier and stronger thanks to the Healthy Highlanders program that has been an integral part of the community for the last two years.
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On Monday Healthy Communities Coordinator Steve Griffith presented the final report to Council on the initiative which has been operating in the Shire since July 2012. The program has been funded as part of the Australian Government’s Healthy Communities Initiative and will run until 30th June this year.
The Healthy Highlanders program has focused on delivering effective community based physical activity and healthy eating programs, as well as developing a range of local policies that support healthy lifestyle behaviours.
“The Guyra, Tingha and Ben Lomond communities have embraced the program,” Mr Griffith said. “994 residents in the Guyra LGA have participated in Healthy Highlanders activities since July 2012, with 443 participating in more than one program.”
“Regular program participants have reported feeling fitter, stronger and have greater energy levels as a result of their involvement in Healthy Highlanders and many have also lost weight and reduced their waist size!”
In the Guyra Area in excess of 700 residents have participated in programs such as HEAL, Aquarobics, Austcycle, Heartmoves, Zumba, Mum’s and Bub’s exercise classes, Mobility Plus, Shape Up, Fitter Fellas, and Mixed Sports. In Tingha up to 220 residents have participated in programs such as HEAL, Community Garden, Mixed Basketball, Shape Up, Fitter Fellas, Mums and Bubs, Mixed Touch and Aquarobics.
“Since Healthy Highlanders was launched, over 25 exercise and health professionals have been trained to deliver nationally accredited exercise programs in the Shire,” Mr Griffith said. “Healthy Highlanders also supported three Guyra residents and one Tingha resident to undertake their Certificate IV in Fitness through New England TAFE.
“These individuals have since been engaged to delivery group fitness programs in both Guyra and Tingha and will assist with the sustainability of programs from 1st July.”
“The installation of the 2.5km Community Fitness trail in Guyra in 2013 and outdoor gym equipment in Tingha (Grahame Park) and Ben Lomond will provide a lasting legacy for the program,” added Mr Griffith.
In receiving the Healthy Highlanders report, Mayor Hans Hietbrink thanked Steve Griffith for his energy and enthusiasm in coordinating the program on behalf of Council.
“Council is currently considering the Healthy Highlanders report and looking at actions recommended by Mr Griffith to continue to assist in the promotion and support of physical activity and sports programs on a cost recovery basis beyond June 30,” Cr Hietbrink said.
Mr Griffith’s final report thanked the members of the Steering Committee for their input and guidance to the project and also acknowledged key partners in the delivery of programs, New England Medicare Local, Hunter New England Health, Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, Anaiwan Local Aboriginal Land Council, UNE, New England Mutual, Rotary Club of Guyra, Guyra Central School, Ben Lomond Public School, Tingha Sport and Recreation Club, Soldiers Memorial Hall and Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club.
In concluding, Mr Griffith thanked instructors, sports convenors and program presenters for the enormous contribution they made to the success of the Healthy Highlanders project and congratulated the Guyra, Tingha and Ben Lomond communities for embracing the project.
