Ten local councils in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria will share in a grant of more than $1.8 million from the Liberal & Nationals Government to encourage older Australians in their communities to live more active lives.
The Loddon Mallee Group of Councils is one of 27 organisations that will share in an investment of almost $23 million by the Government through the Move It Aus Better Ageing program aimed at getting millions of older Australians moving more often.
Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie announced the grant to the Loddon Mallee Group of Councils today at Lake Victoria, Maryborough.
"The Liberal & Nationals Government is delighted to provide this grant in support of the Loddon Mallee Region Move It project which covers 10 local government areas, reaching more than 7000 people over the age of 65," Minister McKenzie said.
"The Loddon Mallee Region Move It project will help to get older people more active by offering new and modified sport and recreation activities – and strengthening local partnerships and the local workforce.
"The two-year project will encourage more older Australians in the Loddon Mallee region – particularly those from vulnerable or socially-isolated groups – to engage in regular physical activity.
"It will also help older Australians to better understand the benefits of regular physical activity and social connectedness.
"Physical activity providers, community clubs and groups will be supported to provide age-appropriate activities."
Minister McKenzie said Australians were living longer and the Move It Aus Better Ageing program was an important step in helping older Australians to get the most out of their senior years.
"As outlined in the Government's National Sport Plan – Sport 2030 – no matter what your age and no matter what your stage, we're encouraging all Australians to embrace the philosophy of 'Movement for Life'. This is a really important step in that process," Minister McKenzie said.
"On current trends, the number of Australians aged 65-plus is expected to double in the next 40 years.
"This shift presents a challenge in broader health terms but provides a chance for sport and physical activity to make a positive difference to the lives of older Australians."
Currently only 25 per cent of Australians over 65 meet the Department of Health physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes activity per day.
