Maribyrnong council has been shortlisted for the Victorian Sport Awards.
The council is a finalist in the Bunnings Trade Local Government Initiative of the Year for its Get Active! At Home series.
Mayor Michael Clarke said the Get Active! At Home Series was an adaptation of the council’s award-winning Get Active! Expo, born in response to the first COVID-19 lockdown in early 2020.
“The At Home Series engaged local fitness providers to deliver a range of free classes for the Maribyrnong community for six weeks with the aim of supporting the physical and mental health of residents,” he said.
“It also provided a much-needed link to support our fitness providers, local sports clubs and community facilities during the pandemic.
“Evaluation of the program was overwhelmingly positive with 91 per cent of the 1253 registered participants reporting they enjoyed the Get Active! At Home series, felt healthier (75 per cent) and were more physically active due to participating in the program (84 per cent).
“We are pleased to be able to support our community’s physical and mental wellbeing during the challenges presented by COVID-19.
“It has been gratifying to see the community response to the initiative, now adapted in response to the constantly-changing pandemic environment. And to now also be nominated as a finalist for the Victorian Sports Awards is a great honour.”
The council is up against the city of Casey, which is shortlisted for its #CaseyGirlsCan program and Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, and Cardinia Shire Council nominated for its Mental Health in Sports Clubs program.
Vicsport Chairman Ron Gauci said the awards recognised and celebrated the achievements of the sport and recreation community in responding to many new challenges.
“The calibre of nominations in 2020 and the subsequent finalists chosen are an indication of the strength and resilience of our industry in Victoria who battled a year like no other while finding innovative ways to stay connected,” he said.
Judges include four-time Olympian Steve Moneghetti and 12-time national hurdles champion Kyle Vander-Kuyp.
Winners will be announced by the state government and Vicsport on August 25.
