Council is delighted that the Loddon Mallee Move It project has won the Local Government Professionals (LGPro) 2022 Active Ageing and Wellbeing Award!
The LGPro Active Ageing and Wellbeing Awards aim to:
- Recognise the contribution of individuals and teams working in areas that encourage active ageing and wellbeing in Local Government and their council
- Advance innovation and leadership in the provision of active ageing and wellbeing
- Promote high standards in the design and delivery of Local Government programs and projects that promote active ageing and wellbeing.
The Loddon Mallee Move It project received the award in the category of “Outstanding Program or Project – Grant Based (externally funded)”.
Funded by the Australian Government’s Sport Australia Move It AUS – Better Ageing funding, and overseen by a steering group comprising Local and State government representatives, the Loddon Primary Care Partnership, COTA and LaTrobe University’s John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, the project involved approved activities delivered by councils, neighbourhood houses, community health, sporting groups and a Regional Sport Assembly.
Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson, welcomed the LGPro award and subsequent project recognition.
“We are extremely delighted and proud that the Loddon Mallee Move It project has received this award.
“This project helped many of our older residents increase their physical activity levels and subsequently improve their physical and mental wellbeing,” Mayor Anderson said.
Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Bernie O’Sullivan said the Loddon Mallee Region Move It project is a prime example of regional cooperation at its best.
“We thank the Australian Government for funding this initiative and making it possible. We also thank the participating councils, staff across the region and members of the project steering group who worked together from project development to delivery,” he said.
During the life of the Loddon Mallee Move It project, which was extended due to COVID-19, physical activity programs were offered in more than 40 locations. Whilst impacted by the pandemic, nearly 2,000 people participated in “come and try” sessions and one-off events, and 1,307 joined physical activity programs funded by the project.
The project also delivered a regional television and radio campaign highlighting the benefits of physical activity for older people, estimated to have reached around 70,000.
An evaluation of the project by LaTrobe University has recorded overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who reported marked improvements in their health and wellbeing. The evaluation report will continue to contribute to the evidence base for health promotion interventions that target older people in rural and regional communities moving forward.
