By Olivia Condous
Women in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong will be supported to lead healthier lifestyles through the return of the Daughters of the West program.
The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation will provide a free 10-week health program for women aged over 18 who live and work in the west, starting from July 12.
The program is designed to connect like-minded residents and educate women about their health, through talks from experts and fitness classes for all levels of ability.
The sessions will run in Laverton on Monday afternoons, in Newport on Wednesday evenings, in Maribyrnong on Monday mornings and in West Footscray on Tuesday evenings.
2021 Hobsons Bay program participant Lorraine Harrison said the program is a “terrific concept” and is well supported by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
“It encourages your confidence and self-esteem,” she said.
“I thought it was an empowering experience.”
Ms Harrison said the program focuses on improving participants’ physical fitness and creating an open and welcoming space for participants to make long-term relationships.
Facilitators plan the workshops, presentations, events and fitness sessions to make exercise and healthy lifestyles achievable and enjoyable in order to improve overall wellbeing.
Western Bulldogs community relations manager Kashif Bouns said the program will give women of all ages the opportunity to come together in a safe and supportive environment to learn about all aspects of physical and mental health while building social connectivity.
“We’ve been able to help thousands of women over the years on their health and wellbeing journeys, it means so much to us here at the Bulldogs to be able to play that role in people’s lives,” he said.
“We’re committed to providing a judgement-free environment where women of all ages, cultures and abilities can come together to get active.”
The program will run for 10 weeks, with each weekly session lasting two hours, split into a presentation on a health topic from an expert and physical exercise across three levels of intensity.
Details: www.westernbulldogs.com.au/foundation/programs/daughters-of-the-west
