City of Launceston, Tasmania, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Active Launceston and reflecting on the agility required to maintain funding for 10 years.
City of Launceston, Tasmania, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Active Launceston and reflecting on the agility required to maintain funding for 10 years.
Active Launceston is a community driven project that provides free physical activity programs and events and supports new and existing physical activity businesses, services and organisations.
Originally a partnership between the University of Tasmania, the City of Launceston and the State Government, the City is now the only current funder.
Project founder and ongoing project manager, Lucy Byrne of Healthy Tasmania Pty Ltd, said she was overwhelmed by the personal stories, research outcomes and the community-wide impacts of Active Launceston, while acknowledging it has been a labour of love to keep it going.
“Active Launceston is an evidence-based, fully evaluated program that is repairing the three biggest problems Tasmania has right now; providing jobs and boosting local businesses, keeping people well and out of hospital and improving education and health literacy.
Mrs Byrne says while the statistics speak for themselves, it’s the personal stories that maintain her passion for the project.
“Looking back through the photos it’s just incredible how many people’s lives have changed because of their involvement with Active Launceston. It’s so much more than Yoga in the park.
Mayor, Albert Van Zetten, said that the benefits that Active Launceston has in the community are not only obvious but also crucial.
“The project is a proven economic multiplier for our city.
“It sustains and grows local businesses, improves the social dynamics of our community and, at a time when the health system is under huge pressure, it’s helping our community members form healthy habits that keep them well and out of hospital.
“It connects people with the existing services and businesses that they may not have otherwise known about or felt confident enough to access.
“I’ve seen people come out the other side with a new-found confidence that is life changing. It’s not just another project, it’s an essential service for our community which is why the City of Launceston has been such a strong supporter.”
