Medibank Private Active Tasmania Winners Named

Tasmania Minister for Sport and Recreation Michelle O'Byrne has announced that a fitness club established by Tasmania's The Advocate newspaper in an effort to get its community more active was the major winner of the 2008 Medibank Private Active Tasmania Awards.

Minister O'Byrne said The Advocate's Fit Club, was a shining example of a community physical activity project, stating that "participants of the Fit Club improve their health and fitness levels by committing to moving at least 10,000 steps each day."

The Minister explained that "The Advocate newspaper runs weekly columns setting out diet and fitness advice as well as inspirational stories on Fit Club members to encourage others to join up."

Minister O'Byrne said the Medibank Private Active Tasmania Awards recognise schools and organizations that play a valuable role in developing and maintaining healthy communities.

The Advocate's fitness club also won the Collaboration or Partnership Award.

Other winners of the awards are:

• Local Government - City Award Winner: Hobart City Council for the North/South Track, a shared use track in Wellington Park
• Local Government - Other Award Winner: Sorell Council for its Healthy Intervention Program incorporating B Happy, B +ve and BINFORMED
• School or Groups of Schools Award Winner: Reece High School
• Community Organisation Award: Beaconsfield House
• Whole-of-Community Involvement Award Winner: National Heart Foundation of Australia Tasmania Division
• Innovation Award Winner: Derwent Valley Council
• Diversity Award Winner: Reclink Choir of High Hopes
• Encouragement Award Winner: Montello Primary School