Free aquatic exercise programs are now on offer in the Tweed Shire for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and their families.
The two physical activity programs, Aquafit and Tweed Goorie Go-Getters, are described as culturally safe.
Organisers say, ‘The programs, supported by Northern NSW Local Health District, are designed to assist physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection. The programs create welcoming environments where participants can move at their own pace and feel supported’.
‘Aquafit is a low-impact, water-based exercise program held in a heated indoor pool at South Tweed. Suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers, the program uses water resistance and equipment to improve strength, mobility and confidence without stressing joints’.
Long-term participant, Sandra Corowa said Aquafit made a significant difference to her recovery after hip surgery. ‘The water aerobics has one hundred per cent helped my hips post-surgery. In the water you can move a lot more freely,’ Ms Corowa said.
Another participant, Donna Dance, described Aquafit as life-changing while managing chronic pain. ‘Aquafit is my happy place,’ Ms Dance said.
‘I haven’t had a steroid injection in nine months. I’m sleeping better and I can get around so much more easily.’
Alongside Aquafit, the Tweed Goorie Go-Getters program offers a 12-week group fitness program supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families to focus on health in a culturally safe and supportive environment.
Participant, Lois O’Connor, who has lived with chronic lung disease and recovered from multiple falls, said regular exercise through Go-Getters had been vital to her health. ‘When I stop exercising, I get sick. If you exercise, you keep your lungs working’.
‘Go-Getters has really helped me recover. I feel better all over,’ Ms O’Connor said.
For Diane Weir, the program has supported both physical health and connection after retirement. ‘It’s been a wonderful way to keep in contact with my Indigenous community,’ Ms Weir said. ‘It strengthens the body, builds confidence and is great for your mental health.’
NNSWLHD Acting Director Aboriginal Health, Oral Health and Health Promotion, Cameron Johnson, said the feedback reflects the value of culturally safe, community-led programs. ‘We hear again and again that these programs help people feel stronger, more confident and more connected,’ Mr Johnson said. ‘They’re about much more than exercise; they’re about belonging and wellbeing.’
Program details Aquafit
When: Currently running every Monday, until 29 June
Who: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 years and over, with medical clearance required
What: Low-impact, water-based exercise program in a heated indoor pool
Time: 10:30am – 11:15am Mondays
Where: Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre, Heffron Street, Tweed Heads South
To learn more: contact [email protected]
Tweed Goorie Go-Getters
When: Tuesday 2 June to Thursday 20 August (twice weekly)
Who: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 years and over, with medical clearance required
What: A 12-week, twice-weekly group fitness program delivered in a culturally safe and supportive environment Registration: Register your interest to join the Goorie Go-Getters via: https://healthupnorth.info/TGG26
NSW Health offers free healthy eating and active living programs and information for all families and individuals who want to make healthy changes. Visit Healthy Living – Healthy you, healthy Mob page for further information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-andwellbeing/healthy-living/healthy-you-healthy-mob
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