Ten local councils in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria will share in a grant of more than $1.8 million from the Federal Government to encourage older Australians in their communities to live more active lives.
The Loddon Mallee Group of Councils is one of 27 organisations that will share in an investment of almost $23 million by the Government through the Move It Aus Better Ageing program aimed at getting millions of older Australians moving more often.
Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie announced the grant.
“The Liberal & Nationals Government is delighted to provide this grant in support of the Loddon Mallee Region Move It project which covers 10 local government areas, reaching more than 7000 people over the age of 65.
“The Loddon Mallee Region Move It project will help to get older people more active by offering new and modified sport and recreation activities – and strengthening local partnerships and the local workforce.
“The two-year project will encourage more older Australians in the Loddon Mallee region – particularly those from vulnerable or socially-isolated groups – to engage in regular physical activity.
“It will also help older Australians to better understand the benefits of regular physical activity and social connectedness.
Minister McKenzie said Australians were living longer and the Move It Aus Better Ageing program was an important step in helping older Australians to get the most out of their senior years.
Currently only 25 per cent of Australians over 65 meet the Department of Health physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes activity per day.
