In communities across Australia, small ideas are sparking big change.
With a focus on priority groups, including those living in rural and remote areas, the Heart Foundation’s Active Australia Innovation Challenge supports grassroots projects that make physical activity more accessible and sustainable. Each year, the creativity and passion of local groups and organisations shines through – finding new ways to keep people active, connected and healthy.
Two recent grant recipients show just how powerful community-led action can be.
In remote Indigenous communities across the Northern Territory, the Revolve ReCYCLING Foundation is creating opportunities for children to ride and play through their ‘bike library’ initiative. The program collects unused bikes, refurbishes them and distributes them to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access to their own set of wheels. Managed by local Indigenous groups, with strong support from schools and community services, the project also delivers workshops on bike maintenance and safe riding.
“Donating bikes to aboriginal children in remote communities and providing skills to look after them might sound very simple and straightforward but it is actually a very complex and costly undertaking which would never have been possible if we had not received the grant. And more importantly now that we have been able to deliver the bikes and communicate about it, others have come forward and said that they want to assist with the next delivery.
The Heart Foundation grant program not only made our dream come true, but it also allows us to continue dreaming… ” Guido Verbist, General Manager, Revolve Recycling
Meanwhile, on Thursday Island, the Torres Strait Kaziw Meta boarding house is empowering young students through their Kaziw Ailan Pedal Power Project. This initiative provides bikes, racks, helmets and locks for organised group rides, helping Torres Strait Islander boarders stay active while living away from their remote home islands. Rides are led by students and house parents, encouraging leadership, teamwork and fitness in a culturally safe and supportive environment. The project also introduces students to basic bike mechanics and maintenance.
“Through the support of the Active Australia grant and The Heart Foundation, outer island youth residing at Kaziw Meta have embraced the opportunity to incorporate bike riding into their daily routines. Most afternoons and evenings during the week and on the weekend, our boarding students ride around the island for exercise and group activities, fostering both physical wellbeing and social connection. We have also built strong partnerships with key community advocates for bike riding, including participation in initiatives such as the Bike Bus program with Sarah Tedder and Mobilise TI, encouraging community to commute to school by bike instead of by car. In addition to regular riding, our boarders have actively engaged in learning essential bike maintenance skills, supported by a newly established mini workshop and a dedicated bike shed onsite.” Tom Dunsmore, CEO, Torres Strait Kaziw Meta
Since 2018, the Heart Foundation’s Active Australia Innovation Challenge has supported more than 90 projects across the country, providing seed funding for community-led ideas that make physical activity more accessible. The program empowers local groups to trial new approaches, build skills, and form lasting partnerships – recognising that communities themselves are best placed to drive active, healthy living, one idea at a time.
Both of these projects are harnessing the power of cycling to improve health, build confidence and strengthen community bonds. Regular physical activity, including cycling, is strongly linked to improved cardiovascular health, as well as improved health and mental wellbeing overall.
Even better, it’s an activity that people of all ages can enjoy – making it a perfect fit for these remote and youth-focused initiatives. The skills that children are developing in the bike maintenance workshops opens potential pathways into manual trades and future employment opportunities. As recognised by Tom Dunsmore, “These opportunities are helping to build healthier habits, independence, and a stronger connection to the community.”
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