Working out how to get, and stay, healthy will be made that much easier for primary school kids and their families with a free 10-week healthy lifestyle program in Ballina, Casino and Grafton for Term 1.
Parents and carers can now enrol their primary school-aged children into the free 10-week after school program that will run once a week during the school term.
Go4Fun is a family focused healthy lifestyle program that aims to improve the health, fitness and self-esteem in children aged 7–13 and their families.
‘We know the cost of living is impacting many parents, so having free, after-school
programs, like Go4Fun is one way we are supporting our community,’ said Kathryn Watson, Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health Services.
Qualified health professionals lead the program through fun games and activities for the whole family to develop skills and knowledge about healthy eating and getting moving.
‘Families love that the program is free, helps improve their children’s sleep, mood, general wellbeing and is a fun way to bring the family together,’ said Ms Watson.
East Ballina parent, Tanya Salama, whose son attended Go4Fun, said the program has had a positive effect on her family.
‘Honestly, this program is fabulous. The facilitators are very engaging, great with the kids and parents alike,’ Ms Salama said.
‘When we first moved to the Northern Rivers, we were looking for a program like this. We had seen dietitians before, and nutritionists, but we could not find a program that blended the nutrition with the physical activity, until we saw Go4Fun.
‘When we found Go4Fun, we were delighted. It was important for us as a family and important for my child’s health.’
Go4Fun programs have been running in NSW for more than 10 years. The program includes games, activities, prizes and a supermarket tour. It also helps families and children to connect with others in their local area.
Go4Fun programs are also delivered throughout the year by local Aboriginal Medical Services including Rekindling the Spirit, Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation and Bugalwena General Practice.
Parents and carers can sign up to the program directly, and GPs can also refer their patients.
Get involved
Places are available for Term 1 in the following locations:
Ballina
Go4Fun rins Tuesdays 4pm–6pm, starting 6 February at Northlakes Community Centre, 1 Mulloway Place, Ballina NSW 2478
Casino
Aboriginal Go4Fun in partnership with Bulgarr Ngaru Casino. Call 1800 571 101 for more information.
Grafton
Go4Fun will run Tuesdays 4pm–6pm, starting 6 February at the PCYC, 300 Powell Street, Grafton NSW 2460.
For more information and to register your child, call 1800 780 900, visit: www.go4fun.com.au or contact your local Aboriginal Medical Service.
