Every Friday morning, seniors in the regional Victorian towns of Kilmore and Seymour gather at specially designed outdoor exercise parks to start their day with movement, laughter, and connection. They are part of Mitchell Shire Council’s Impact Seniors Exercise Park Project, an innovative health and wellbeing initiative delivered in partnership with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).
What began as a community request for senior accessible outdoor exercise equipment has evolved into something far greater, a vibrant, community-driven program promoting physical activity, social interaction, and leadership among older adults in regional Victoria. Key to this success are dedicated volunteers, known as Senior Volunteer Champions, who lead exercise sessions after completing intensive training with qualified instructors from NARI.
Participants report more than just improved fitness. The sessions have become a space where seniors forge meaningful connections, build new friendships, and find renewed confidence. For some, involvement has supported rehabilitation after significant health events, such as hip surgery, and helped others to re-enter the workforce with increased confidence and mobility.
The project’s broader impacts have been amplified through thoughtful community collaboration. Local health organisations, including Nexus Primary Health and Kilmore Physiotherapy, have actively supported participants’ rehabilitation journeys, while community groups like Goulburn Options Seymour, Mitchell Shire Volunteers Network, and Mitchell Shire Leisure Centres have played pivotal roles in volunteer and participant recruitment. Feedback from Elms Retirement Estate has ensured the sessions continually reflect the evolving needs and preferences of local seniors.
Despite its successes, managing the program hasn’t been without challenges. Volunteers are crucial to the sustainability of community-based initiatives; however, volunteer retention initially proved difficult due to mandatory training requirements, geographical distance, and limited public transport in regional areas. The Council responded proactively by establishing the Impact Peer Network, providing volunteers with regular forums to voice concerns, celebrate achievements, and stay connected with each other and the Council. Additional engagement strategies, such as ‘Come and Try Days’, morning teas, welcome packs, and National Volunteer Week events, have significantly boosted volunteer commitment, with a remarkable 75% retention rate over the past 18 months.
The project’s funding model demonstrates Mitchell Shire Council’s strong commitment, enhanced by a successful application to the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (Active Seniors stream). With $100,000 contributed directly by Council and an additional $200,000 sourced externally, the initiative also benefitted from substantial in-kind support, including considerable staff input from the Community Development and Open Space teams. Additionally, Council facilitated engagement and skill development by providing professional development opportunities, such as First Aid and CPR training.
Importantly, the Impact Seniors Exercise Park has not only met immediate community needs but also driven strategic change within Council itself. Insights from this project are informing the Mitchell Shire Open Space Strategy, ensuring future infrastructure continues to reflect community preferences and age-friendly design principles.
With NARI’s formal partnership concluding in March 2025, Council and the community remain committed to sustaining this impactful program. Ongoing support from dedicated Volunteer Champions, combined with the identification of new community and organisational partners, ensures the longevity of this innovative approach to promoting healthy ageing.
Ultimately, the Impact Seniors Exercise Park Project embodies a forward-thinking model of community collaboration and empowerment. It demonstrates that by investing thoughtfully in senior health and wellbeing, regional communities can achieve remarkable outcomes, creating lasting benefits not only for participants but for the entire community.
Video link: https://bit.ly/seniorspark
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