The Australian Government is helping more Australians get active, stay connected and improve their health, with a $200,000 investment backing nine community-led projects across the country.
The funding is being delivered through the Active Australia Innovation Challenge, which supports practical local ideas to help people be more active - particularly those at risk of chronic disease or living in communities with low levels of physical activity.
More than 600 organisations applied for funding in 2026, demonstrating strong demand for local solutions that help more Australians get active.
The successful projects will focus on communities that often face greater barriers to participation, including First Nations communities, people with disability, older Australians, culturally diverse communities and people living in regional and remote areas.
The projects reflect the diversity of communities across Australia and include:
- culturally safe water-based sessions and heart-health yarning for First Nations women and Elders in Mount Isa
- walking groups for people at risk of chronic disease on Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- physical activity and wellbeing sessions for children and families
- intergenerational walking cricket for seniors of Indian descent and their grandchildren, and
- music making workshops for people with physical disabilities where motion sensors turn music into sound.
The projects are designed to remove common barriers to participation - including cost, transport, disability, cultural factors, caring responsibilities and geographic isolation - while strengthening local connections and reducing social isolation.
More than half of Australian adults are not active enough. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, while also supporting mental wellbeing, musculoskeletal health and social connection.
Delivered annually by the Heart Foundation, the Active Australia Innovation Challenge forms part of the National Healthy Heart Initiative and promotes practical ways for people to build more movement into everyday life.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
"We know being active is one of the best things people can do for their health, but we also know it is not always easy. Cost, distance, disability, caring responsibilities and social isolation can all make it harder for people to take part.
"These projects offer practical, welcoming opportunities to be active in ways that reflect local community needs, cultures and experiences.
"The Albanese Government is investing in community-led initiatives that help more Australians get active, stay connected and reduce their risk of chronic disease."
| Project name | Summary |
| Wake & Move: A Targeted Activity Program for People with Sleep Disorders | A tailored 12-week movement and habit-building program for people with chronic sleep disorders, supporting achievable activity and improved wellbeing. |
| Deadly Moves | A youth-led program giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Sydney access to culturally safe, low-barrier physical activities chosen by participants. |
| Strong Hearts in Water Program | Free aquatic exercise sessions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and Elders in Mount Isa, supporting heart health, confidence and social connection. |
| Heart-Healthy Generations Cricket Cup | A modified intergenerational cricket program for Indian-origin seniors and grandchildren in Western Melbourne, supporting physical activity, connection and heart health. |
| Hearts In Motion - Playful Music Making for Active Lives | A creative movement program using music technology to make physical activity accessible and engaging for people with physical disability. |
| Happy Hooyos | Women-only exercise sessions for African - Australian mothers in Flemington public housing, delivered alongside children's homework support to reduce participation barriers. |
| Indian Ocean Territories Active Living Project | Community walking groups on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, supporting physical activity and cardiovascular health in remote communities. |
| In Your Corner: Still Moving | An adapted movement program for people with early to mid-stage MND, supporting safe participation, autonomy and wellbeing as symptoms progress. |
| Cosmic Yoga for All! | Family-friendly yoga sessions for caregivers and children in Babinda, designed to reduce barriers to participation and support wellbeing, inclusion and connection. |
