A regular group of patrons from the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) are building strength, connection and wellbeing through weekly aquatic exercise classes at Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
For the past three years, the patrons have attended Community Network Forums at Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre and regularly participate in weekly hydrotherapy-based aquatic exercise classes, building strong connections with both team members and each other.
The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) is a regional not-for-profit Community Controlled Health Service (CCHS) that leads the planning, development and delivery of health and family wellbeing services and employment pathways to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of South East Queensland.
Through its partnership with IUIH, Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre is creating an inclusive and culturally safe environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can support their physical health, strengthen social connections and feel a sense of belonging.
Pictured in header: Urban Indigenous Health Institute (IUIH) patrons at Burpengary. Left to right: Victor, Gema, Maree, Kilian Colleen, Sharon, Barbara and Emily
Building strength in a culturally safe environment
Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Gema from IUIH leads aquatic exercise sessions for the group on Mondays, 8-10am and Tuesdays 12-2pm. She said the welcoming environment at Burpengary played an important role in participants’ experiences.
“It is great to see how welcoming the team are towards our mob, with a genuine sense of inclusion and respect throughout the space.
“Whether you’re here for lessons or just to visit, it always feels like a place where people feel valued and looked after.”
Kaz Bennett, Access and Inclusion Officer at Burpengary added:
“It’s a privilege to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through the work we do. Watching people connect while growing stronger mentally and physically is my favourite thing about my job.”
Group Manager Access and Inclusion, Damian Gorman, said:
“Local partnerships like Burpengary’s work with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) reflect our commitment to taking ongoing meaningful action that supports our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. Our free online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness program, CultureWise, is there to support team members to create culturally safe experiences for our patrons.”
Creating a welcoming environment
Regular participants Colleen, Tanya, Stevie, Barbara and Maree said the classes had become an important part of their week.
“I love coming to hydro classes because I can do my exercises with ease in the water and the temperature is great even during winter,” commented Tanya.
Stevie added that they feel like they are finally achieving their goals, is learning to love exercising and loves coming together as a group.
For Sharon, attending classes has helped her recovery after injury in a car accident.
“I have always been very well supported in the program and by the team at Burpengary. They create a relaxed and positive atmosphere from the moment you walk in.”
Emily commented that the welcoming team made every visit enjoyable.
“Lovely team members, like Kaz and Juanita from the aqua cafe, go out of their way to make my visits to Burpengary special by making us feel comfortable and supported.”
To learn more about Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre, visit the website here and to learn about IUIH, visit the website here.
Key facts:
- Patrons from the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) have attended Burpengary Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre for three years.
- The group participates in weekly aquatic exercise classes in the centre’s hydrotherapy pool.
- IUIH is a Community Controlled Health Service supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across South East Queensland.
- The partnership supports physical health, wellbeing, social connection and cultural safety.
- Participants also attend regular Community Network Forums hosted at the venue.
- The initiative aligns with Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to reconciliation, inclusion and creating welcoming community spaces for all.
