Get out, Get Active

Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
The Honourable Steve Dickson

Get out, Get Active

Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, and aqua aerobics will be more accessible to Queensland women in a new initiative to fuse fitness and fun and encourage them to Get Out and Get Active.

Recreation and Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the Queensland Government would contribute up to $20,000 towards the delivery of community-based activities in a partnership with local councils.

“Get Out, Get Active is aimed at getting more women and girls active, as part of the Newman Government’s commitment to boost participation levels in recreation and sport,” Mr Dickson said.

“We’re allocating $200,000 towards this initiative, and asking local councils to come up with innovative community activities women can participate in.

Mr Dickson said the idea was motivated by a key recommendation from the Newman Government’s Ministerial Advisory Committee on Women and Girls in Sport and Recreation’s Start Playing, Stay Playing report.

“The report recommended partnering with local government to provide active recreation opportunities,” he said.

“I would love to see a local council organise a series of high-energy activities around local parks, and use the money to pay for instructors and equipment.

“The idea is to provide local, accessible and free or affordable opportunities that will encourage women to become more active, in activities that are less structured than traditional team and individual sports.”

Sunshine Coast Zumba instructor Mel Volker said community-based programs had the potential to deliver good results by providing readily accessible activities.

“Physical activity is a great way for women to interact with each other and stay healthy,” Ms Volker said.

“Activities like Zumba are great because they can be organised at a time and place to suit many women, just needing enough floor space, great music and loads of enthusiasm.”