AUSactive’s Million Moves campaign gets Ballarat launch

City of Ballarat has advised how it will be part of the AUSActive Million Moves campaign - the health initiative designed to get more Australians moving and feeling great this September.

With increasing active living a key priority as part of the City of Ballarat's Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2031, the call is going out for residents to commit to 21 days of extra movement, starting from 1st September.

Encouraging members of the community to commit to completing 75 'moves' each day for 21 days, people in Ballarat are being encouraged to take the pledge by signing up as an individual or joining a team, with the aim of clocking up one million moves as a city.

Encouraging as many Ballarat people as possible to be a part of the campaign, City of Ballarat Mayor, Tracey Hargreaves stated "we know that regular physical activity is associated with good mental health, healthy ageing and increased levels of happiness.

"We want to see Ballarat people moving and helping us reach that Million Moves milestone.

"September 1 will be the start of spring, which is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and get moving."

While the Million Moves campaign, which runs from run from 1st to 21st September, will be staged primarily in Western Australia and Queensland, grant funding from the Australian Government means the campaign has this year extended to Victoria, with Ballarat identified as the lone Victorian location to lead the charge in 2025.

Wollongong in NSW has also jumped on board, with the two regional cities pitted against each other to see who can record the most 'moves' over the three weeks.

AUSactive Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish said Million Moves was about getting the community moving together for a great initiative, stating "we're on a mission to move the needle on one of Australia's most alarming health statistics - that 75% of adults are not active enough to benefit their health.

"Million Moves is about showing people that movement doesn't need to be complicated, expensive or intimidating. Whether it's a walk, stretch, dance, or resistance band session - every move matters."

Ballarat initiatives
In addition to the health benefits that come from being active, there are a range of incentives on offer in Ballarat.

The Ballarat Lifestyle and Aquatic Centre (BALC) will be spearheading a team in Ballarat to encourage maximum participation.

To make it even easier to move, BALC is offering non-members who sign up to the Million Moves challenge and join 'Team BALC' a free 21-day pass to use the facility's pools, gym and group fitness classes.

Current BALC members who join the team will also go into the draw to win three separate three-month Gold Memberships.

Click here to visit the Million Moves website.

Image: Group fitness at Genesis Fitness Ballarat Body and Soul.