Go4Fun is a free, after-school, healthy lifestyle program for primary school-aged children who are above a healthy weight, that kicks off in Term 4 in Kyogle, Grafton, Goonellabah and Tweed.
The 10-week program, which runs once a week during the school term, teaches 7 to 13-year-old children and their families about the benefits of healthy eating, as well as healthy lifestyles through games and activities.
Emphasising practical and fun learning
Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health Services, Kathryn Watson, said the program emphasises practical and fun learning for the whole family.
‘Go4Fun has been shown to have positive health impacts by increasing children’s fruit, vegetable and water intake, as well as time spent each week getting active,’ she says.
Ms Watson says families will learn insights from the supermarket tour, learn how to read food labels and prepare healthy, affordable meals.
‘There are prizes for attendance and lots of resources provided including a backpack, recipe books, water bottles and bouncy balls.’
A fabulous program
East Ballina parent, Tanya Salama, whose son currently attends Go4Fun, said the programhas had a positive effect on her family. ‘Honestly, this program is fabulous.
‘The facilitators are very engaging, great with the kids and parents alike.
‘Go4Fun inspired us as a family to make new goals. We talk about our health goals as a family. Our whole family has changed to wholemeal bread and little changes add up.
‘It empowers and informs children to help them make better choices. My son now reads labels at the supermarket to make healthier choices. He asks to eat at home instead of eating out. He is now open to change and trying new things. It makes a difference when the information comes from someone else.’
Running for over 10 years
Go4Fun programs have been running in NSW for more than 10 years and help children achieve healthier habits, such as increased healthy eating and improved fitness. Parents and carers can sign up to the program directly, and GPs can also refer their patients.
‘We know that GPs who are referring into the program, such as Lismore GP Superclinic, say their patients are really benefitting from the support,’ said Ms Watson.
The Aboriginal Go4Fun programs are delivered by local Aboriginal Medical Services Rekindling the Spirit, Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation and Bugalwena General Practice.
Places are available for Term 4 in the following locations:
GOONELLABAH
Go4Fun
Tuesdays 4pm-6pm, starting 10 October
Location: Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre – 50 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah
Aboriginal Go4Fun in partnership with Rekindling the Spirit
Mondays 4pm-6pm, starting 9 October
Location: Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre – 50 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah
GRAFTON
Aboriginal Go4Fun in partnership with Bulgarr Ngaru
Wednesdays 3.30pm-5.30pm, starting 11 October
Location: Gurehlgam, 18-26 Victoria St, Grafton
KYOGLE
Go4Fun
Wednesdays 4pm-6pm, starting 11 October
Location: Kyogle Community Centre, 3 Bloore Street, Kyogle
TWEED
Aboriginal Go4Fun in partnership with Bugalwena General Practice
Thursdays 3.30pm-5.30pm, starting 12 October
Location: Banora Point Community Centre, Cnr Leisure and Woodlands Drive, Banora Point
For more information and to register your child, call 1800 780 900, visit: www.go4fun.com.au or contact your local Aboriginal Medical Service.
