Brisbane residents will be able to keep taking advantage of free and low-cost health and wellbeing sessions with the expansion of a long-running program.
Launching later this year, the $5.6m Move Well Brisbane initiative is more than just a sequel to the city’s well-supported active and healthy programs; it’s a total reimagining of how the city stays well.
Building on the success of the Active and Healthy sessions, the program promises to turn the city’s lush parks and outdoor areas into hubs of collective energy.
Over the next two years, the current calendar of 9000 sessions across 218 locations annually will jump to more than 20,000 sessions.
This surge also champions the local economy, doubling the network of small business providers to a 400-strong army of wellness experts.
Moving beyond the traditional group fitness class, the program pivots towards a holistic philosophy. It taps into a growing demand for whole-body wellness, weaving together the tranquillity of mindfulness with the essential science of nutrition.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the program is a mirror held up to the city’s heartbeat, reflecting the unique way Brisbane locals chase health.
“Brisbane has the best lifestyle in Australia and one of the reasons is that we’re a city that embraces healthy, active living,” Cr Schrinner said.
“From sunrise walks and running clubs to yoga mindfulness sessions and nutrition workshops, more people are taking a whole-of-life approach to wellbeing.
“Move Well Brisbane will be the biggest boost to free programs we’ve ever had, helping to reduce the cost of living and complementing all those fitness movements that are already occurring across Brisbane.
“The program reflects that uniquely Brisbane way of life with more free activities in more places, more often, expanding the focus beyond fitness to overall wellbeing.
“It will help residents stay healthy, stay connected, save money and make the most of living in Australia’s lifestyle capital.”
Cr Schrinner said Brisbane residents will also be consulted on a new Dawn Economy Plan with recent research revealing 30 per cent of Brisbane’s food businesses are open by 7am.
“This is Brisbane’s biggest ever boost to free and affordable activities, creating more reasons to get out, get active and enjoy living in the world’s earliest rising city,” he said.
The evolution of the program is partly fuelled by the needs of millennials and gen Z who are seeking health offerings that offer flexibility and deep community connection.
More sessions will be available from dawn to dusk and on weekends, making it easier to fit a class in before work, during a lunch break or on a Saturday morning.
The program also has activities for a wide range of ages, experience levels and abilities including seniors, children and families.
In a cornerstone partnership, Nutrition Australia will bring the kitchen to participants. These hands-on workshops will empower families to transform humble ingredients into vibrant, healthy meals without breaking the bank.
Nutrition Australia CEO Kirsty Elliott said the partnership would give residents practical tools to manage food budgets without compromising on health.
“Nutrition Australia is thrilled to be partnering with Brisbane City Council to support residents right across Brisbane,” she said.
“Our hands-on workshops will empower the community to build their cooking skills and awareness of nutritious, budget-friendly food options.
“Many households are feeling cost-of-living pressures, so we know how important it is to share ideas on how we can stretch our food budget a bit further while serving up delicious, affordable and easy meals and snacks for ourselves and family.
“Nutrition Australia’s vision is for a connected and nourished community.
“Delivering this program across Brisbane’s many parks and outdoor spaces demonstrates how preparing and enjoying food together has the power to nourish us socially as well.”
Brisbane residents should keep an eye on council’s website as more new sessions are added throughout the year.