Breaking down the barriers to living a healthy, connected lifestyle is the driving force behind the launch of social initiative Live Life Get Active (LLGA) in Kogarah this week.
Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene was joined by Live Life Get Active director Jane Flemming, Kogarah RSL General Manager Grant Amer and Ben Fairfax and Thomas Zdun from foundation sponsor Capital Bluestone to launch the program at Kogarah Park.
As President of St George Cricket Club, a Director of Cricket NSW, an active tennis and golf player and regular walker, The Mayor is an advocate for an active healthy, connected lifestyle.
“Being involved in sport, or physical activity of any kind, is vital to all round wellbeing.” Mayor Kevin Greene said
“Yes, of course there is a physical gain, but team or group activities also offer numerous social and mental health benefits.”
The launch ties in with a range of Council initiatives, including direct funding of more than $250,000 for local sporting associations through the Stronger Communities Fund, grant support for community fitness and active lifestyle programs, the development of Penshurst Park Sporting Hub and the George River Seniors Program.
LLGA is a national organisation set up to address the health and wellbeing of Australians. Its unique strategy combines fitness, nutrition, motivation and very importantly, community, to provide a path for positive change.
By offering free classes and advice, the program tackles many of the factors perceived as barriers to lifestyle changes.
Australian track and field athlete Jane Flemming says cost and time are often seen as prohibitive to leading a more active lifestyle.
“LLGA puts health, fitness and nutritional information on the community’s doorstep. We provide free access to outdoor fitness classes and a supportive, welcoming environment. As well as time and cost, often people are put off going to the gym because they feel intimidated. Our classes are completely the opposite. They bring the community together and leave no room for excuses.”
The sessions, which include yoga, boxing, and cross training, are designed for all fitness levels and include all equipment.
The Kogarah program has been made possible thanks to support from Capital Bluestone Pty Ltd, the development team behind the Kogarah RSL Veridian project and foundation sponsor for LLGA. It is the third location supported by Capital Bluestone, following successful activations at Woolooware Bay in Cronulla and Esplanade in Baulkham Hills.
Capital Bluestone Managing Director Ben Fairfax said it’s a great opportunity for new and existing residents to meet their neighbours, strengthen existing community links and build a foundation for the future.
“We have seen in Cronulla that the program does much more than get people outside and exercising. We have seen the positive impact LLGA has made on physical, mental and social well being. It ties in with our approach to ‘The Whole of Community’ initiative.”
LLGA has been operating for more than four years, and has almost 45,000 members.
For more information about Live Life Get Active visit www.livelifegetactive.com or to become a partner contact Amanda King - aking@livelifegetactive.com
