Students from over 30 local primary schools will walk, ride and scoot to school this month as part of VicHealth Walk to School initiative.
City of Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Director Vicky Mason said VicHealth's Walk to School program is a free, easy and fun way for kids to get active and learn healthy habits for life.
"The City is working with over 30 local primary schools to encourage more families to walk to school during October thanks to funding provided by VicHealth," Ms Mason said.
"We'd love to see more students and their families walking, scooting or riding to help get local kids active, form good habits that they can use for the rest of their lives and gain confidence and friendships.
"Kids are healthier and happier when they're active every day, and walking to school is a great way to get their activity in."
Local schools that participate in Walk to School will receive certificates to celebrate their students' achievements and prizes provided by the City of Greater Bendigo and VicHealth. Free passes to local swimming pools will also be given out to selected students over the month.
Acting VicHealth Chief Executive Officer Dr Lyn Roberts AO said each year the Walk to School program continues to grow with more and more schools taking part with fantastic results.
"Walking, riding or scooting to and from school every day is an easy way to make physical activity part of kids' daily life which is why our Walk to School program is so important," Dr Roberts said.
"Last year more than 140,000 kids from over 750 schools across Victoria took part in Walk to School and walked the equivalent of two return trips to the moon. This year we hope to get even more schools involved in the program to improve the health of our kids.
"Helping our kids to get active is so important for their health and wellbeing - which is why it's great to have the support of the City of Greater Bendigo to get more local kids walking, riding or scooting to school."
