Celebrating two years of getting active in Leeton

Since June 2023, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s (MLHD) trained leaders Joy, Steph and Leeanne have volunteered their time weekly to provide this wonderful low-cost HAPI Movers class for a gold coin donation.

Since then, the class has had consistent numbers continuing to not only attend the session, but also enjoy a ‘cuppa” afterwards.

“It is so wonderful to see the progress of the participants who continue to show up and how they appear to be regaining strength and flexibility,” class leader Joy said.

“As leaders we are grateful to be able to provide this opportunity to the community and to see friendships of participants formed.”

MLHD Health Promotion Officer, Amanda Johnson, said one of the bonuses of the class for participants was the opportunity to get moving in a fun empowering environment while also socialising and meeting new people.

“The class also is flexible in that you show up when you can, participants are not locked into every week, making it ideal for many,” she said.

MLHD Health Promotion has enabled other local exercise classes within the local area to be established, along with other existing classes across the district.

The 2023-24 Aqua Exercise season led by Renee was backed up with another successful season in 2024-25 led by Deral.

“We saw an enormous number of participants attend both seasons with an average 30-35 to most classes in Leeton,” Ms Johnson said.

Steph transitioned from Leeton to establish Narrandera Gentle Exercise classes as well as introducing Aqua Exercise classes during the summer for two consecutive seasons, attracting 40 participants to each aqua class.

Her Narrandera Gentle Exercise class continues to run 11am Monday mornings at Narrandera Community Health Centre.

Last month, a new style of class was launched in Leeton, led by volunteer leader Michelle, who has recently completed her training in DanceMoves.

This class is a mix of gentle movements and choreography to the beat of the music with brain training included. Classes are held on Monday evenings 6pm at Leeton Community Health, Seminar Room 1. 

Leeton, Narrandera and surrounding residents who would like to be more active are invited to attend any of the classes mentioned, or head to the Active and Healthy website www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au to search for classes supportive of those older than 55 years.

For any other information about any physical activity classes provided by Murrumbidgee Local Health District please contact Ms  Johnson on 0419144379 or visit www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au.