Bass Coast Shire Council will join VicHealth in its mission to get kids walking, riding and scooting to school this October, as part of the annual Walk to School program.
The program, which runs from 7 October to 1 November, encourages families to get active on the trip to and from school, to help kids build healthy habits for life. Council is helping local primary schools to deliver a range of activities to support more families to walk, ride or scoot to school, thanks to a grant from VicHealth.
Throughout the month, schools will hold park and walk events, host healthy breakfasts and healthy eating events and run some fun competitions. Council will be providing some great prizes for schools to give away, including movie tickets and YMCA vouchers.
Schools taking part in Walk to School will also be in the running to win some fantastic prizes from VicHealth, including a footy clinic at their school hosted by an AFL or AFLW player.
Along with the health benefits, walking to school has benefits for the whole community. It reduces traffic congestion and pressure on parking and even helps the environment!
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said VicHealth's Walk to School program is a free, easy and fun way for kids to get active and building healthy habits for life.
"Council is delighted to support Walk to School, to encourage more kids to be active on the way to and from school," Cr Tessari said.
"Our kids are healthier and happier when they're active every day and walking to school is a great way to get their activity in.
"Last year 11 local schools participated in this great initiative and we encourage more primary schools to get involved this year to make Walk to School bigger and better."
VicHealth Acting CEO Dr Lyn Roberts AO helping kids to get active is so important for their health and wellbeing.
"It's great to have the support of Bass Coast Shire Council to get more local kids walking, riding or scooting to school," Dr Roberts said.
Once term four starts on 7 October, Council and Victoria Police will be monitoring school crossings and driver behaviour around schools, to promote safer behaviour, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times.
