A pilot program focused on connecting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Melbourne’s western suburbs has received the honour of being named as a finalist in the Victorian Sports Awards Local Government Initiative of the Year award.
Delivered via the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s (WBCF) Sons and Daughters of the West programs and in conjunction with Victoria University and Maribyrnong council, about 120 participants across a Vietnamese men’s and women’s program and an East African women’s program took part in the 10-week program, which included equal parts of class time and physical exercise sessions.
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said council has continued to develop and deliver inclusive and active programs which promote the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to the community.
“We have been working with our partners on the delivery of the Sons of the West and Daughters of the West programs since 2017 and 2014 respectively, and it is wonderful to see these efforts recognised in this way,” she said.
Victoria University Institute for Health and Sport Associate Professor Camilla Brockett said the team were “pretty pumped” to be named as a finalist.
“It was something that really addressed the meaning and value of community,” she said.
Associate Professor Brockett said the VU team were planning to partner with Movember to broaden the program to other local councils later this year.
WBCF community health and wellbeing manager Alyce Vella said they were “honoured” to be named as a finalist.
“It has been fantastic to work with our program partners in Victoria University and Maribyrnong City Council to provide opportunities for Vietnamese women and men and East African women to learn more about their health, engage in exercise and build social connection in a culturally safe and appropriate environment,” she said.
“Our three organisations are seen as leaders in the west and it’s crucial we work together alongside community, to deliver capacity building opportunities.”
