Councils in recent years have become more pro active in encouraging increased physical activity and healthy eating in their communities. Bundaberg Regional Council is also taking the lead in this area. Bundaberg Regional Council is currently the coordination point for the Healthy Lifestyles Group, a small and committed network of professionals who work together to enhance opportunities for healthy living in our region.
Some of the Healthy Lifestyles Group achievements since it was formed in 2007 include:
- 10,000 Steps Community Challenges – two across 2008 to 2009 in the Bundaberg Region
- 10,000 Steps signage on pathways across our region,
- Healthy and Active Expo commenced in 2009 as part of the well established Seniors Expo held in Bundaberg annually as part of Seniors Week, and
- Established a Community Pedometer Loan Scheme.
For further information about the aims of the Healthy Lifestyle Group refer the groups Terms of Reference and Strategic Framework.
A focus on council’s role in enhancing community opportunities for Physial Activity and Healthy Living is also indentified in Bundaberg Regional Council's Sport and Recreation Strategy. You can access a link to the strategy here.
Coral Coast Pathway Partnership 
The Healthy Lifestyle Group in partnership with Queensland Health and Bundaberg Regional Council were successful in obtaining National Social Marketing Funding to implement local strategies that support the "SWAP IT, DON'T STOP IT" national campaigns key messages regarding physical activity and healthy eating. With this funding directional signage has been placed along the Coral Coast Pathway and a walking map and brochure highlighting key points of interest along the route were developed. These walking brochures will be available via Tourist outlets and Bundaberg Regional Council Administration and Service Centres. Access a printable walking brochure here.
Gin Gin Walk it Off Community Challenge
On the 9th February, 2010 the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre launched its ‘Walk it Off’ Community Challenge – a program offering its community the opportunity to participate in a walking and weight loss challenge by coming together, having some fun and learning new information to help us to all become more active and healthy.
The stimulation for the initiative came from the successful weight loss program conducted in Whyalla, South Australia. The staff of the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre felt that the Gin Gin community would be “up for the challenge” so took it to their community. The challenge was to run over 6 months and culminated in the Gin Gin Health Expo held in August 2010 during seniors week.
More than just a weight loss program, the focus of the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre “Walk it Off” Community Challenge was to engage the community, provide opportunity for fun, friendship and improved well–being and to promote the concept that “activity is both fun and healthy”.
With resounding community support and participation in the program the challenge was eagerly embraced by the Gin Gin community.
You can access more information on the Gin Gin “Walk it Off” Community Challenge below.
Launch Presentation
Walk it Off Program Report
Walk it Off Newsletters - March 2010 May 2010 and July 2010.
The Bundaberg Regional 10,000 Steps Community Challenge
Bundaberg Community Development Inc received funding from the Department of Health and Ageing as auspicing partner on behalf of the Healthy Lifestyle Group to implement the Bundaberg Regional 10,000 Steps Community Challenge during 2008 - 2009, which was conducted twice during the project period.
The aim of the project was to increase the health-related physical activity and awareness of good nutrition within the community through the implementation of a community walking challenge using pedometers and the 10,000 Steps Project resources and website.
The project was delivered through a Project Coordinator who was supported by the Healthy Lifestyle Group as the Project Steering Committee. The Healthy Lifestyle Group's purpose is to work in partnership to provide opportunities for increased community awareness of sustainable nutrition and physical activity opportunities and programs for the Bundaberg region.
The Bundaberg Regional 10,000 Steps Challenge was an inclusive “whole of community” delivery focus which included participants from school aged children, through to workplaces, community organisations and the ageing population. The two challenges were a tremendous success with participant numbers far exceeding the anticipated 200 participants per challenge. You can access more information on the Bundaberg Regional 10,000 Steps Community Challenge below.
Healthy and Active Links
Another useful resource for supportive environments for physical activity and healthy eating is the Queensland’s Governments Active Healthy Communities website.
For steps you can take to live a more active and healthy lifestyle have a look at the find your30 minutes of physical activity website.
Food for Sport is a guide to healthy eating and drinks supply in sporting clubs. More than that it offers a user friendly resource and tools section which provides helpful information for modifying food choices towards healthier eating.
Healthy Spaces and Places website offers a national guide for planning, designing and creating sustainable communities that encourage healthy living. Although this site is foremost for planners and designers, the site also provides a resource for: health professionals, governments, property development industry and communities (the public, community organisations and schools).
