Canberra likes to move it, but many are still not active enough

March 20, 2024

There’s no denying that Canberrans like to move it! In fact, *71.5% of ACT adults (15 years +) are active three or more times per week, beating the rest of the country as the most active jurisdiction, with walking and cycling by far considered the most popular activities.

Yet many Canberrans are still not moving or not moving enough to meet the national guidelines.

With our recent appointment to manage the five ACT Government-owned leisure centres in Canberra, we want to raise the profile of this issue. Yesterday March 19th, we worked with Paralympian swimming stars to launch the Move It Canberra campaign at Gungahlin Leisure Centre.

In what could only be described as an explosion of exercise, Gungahlin Leisure Centre came alive with a range of activities to launch the Move It Canberra campaign which comes with a challenge to the residents of Canberra:

“The message of the Move It Canberra campaign is clear – Canberra needs to ‘Move It’ at least 30 minutes, five times a week to support their ongoing physical and mental health,” claimed Belgravia Leisure Area Manager Mat Pole.

“We therefore challenge Canberrans to see if they have what it takes to achieve 10,000 minutes of exercise on Saturday 23rd March across Lakeside, Stromlo and Gungahlin Leisure Centres.”

And if the goal is reached?

We have committed to donating $10,000 via the Belgravia Foundation to support improved access and participation in swimming, aquatic activities and water safety among the underrepresented communities of ACT.

Not a bad incentive to get moving, right?

To kick start the launch a group of exercise enthusiasts jumped, stretched and squatted their way through a mega outdoor group exercise class at Gungahlin Leisure Centre.

Photography courtesy of Libera Arts, capturing moments from the Move It Canberra campaign launch.

Next, the public were given opportunity to see if they could keep up alongside Australia’s Paralympic swim team, with head coach Marty Roberts as well as swimmers Jasmine Greenwood, a silver medalist in the 100m butterfly at the Tokyo Paralympics, Alex Saffy, who clinched a bronze medal at the 2022 World Para Swimming Championships and a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Riley Moore, who will be vying for a spot on his first National Team this July at the Australian Olympic Trials in Brisbane.

Jasmine Greenwood is wholly behind this initiative and said; “Being physically active through swimming has allowed me to have wonderful opportunities and live a life of good health.

“It’s very important that everyone incorporates physical activity into their daily lives, as the health benefits that follow are tremendously positive for overall wellbeing.”

Mat Pole continued; “Keeping active can play a vital role in promoting healthier lifestyles and in helping to prevent chronic health conditions, and I’m proud to work for a business that is knocking down participation barriers and creating accessible and welcoming environments, so no-one misses out.

“I encourage the residents of Canberra to register and get down to their local leisure centre on 23^rd March and try something new. Whilst we love our walking and cycling here in Canberra, there are a range of benefits from undertaking strength-based activities that are on offer at your local leisure centre, and you never know, you may just find your ‘thing’.”

Anyone can join the challenge on 23rd March and there’s no need to be a member, with the centres encouraging participants to try a new activity or exercise on offer at the centre for something a little different to their usual routine. Plenty of fun activities will be on offer and there will be something for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register and participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise to contribute to the grand total.