| Our Sistas and Aunties program is kicking goals! |
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The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence NCIE launched our new Sistas and Aunties Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged over 40 years last month. The program offers women the chance to lead a healthy lifestyle through group exercise classes, healthy meals and workshops on topics including nutrition and goal setting. The Centre’s Sistas and Aunties program runs weekly on Tuesday evenings and will conclude on the 20 December 2011. Thirty-four women registered to participate in the Sistas and Aunties program which has been funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FAHCSIA) through the Indigenous Coordination Centre – Sydney Office. To assist participants in achieving their goals, the NCIE has provided each participant with free access to the Eora Sports, Arts and Recreation Centre gym during the 6 week program, a food & training diary, fitness assessments and a group exercise program delivered by NCIE’s experienced and qualified gym staff. Each participant has also received a free t-shirt, towel, backpack and drink bottle. “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 40 years and over are the caregivers in our community.” said Sara Hamilton, Youth & Community Programs Coordinator at NCIE. “They are our mothers, aunties and our grandmothers and in most cases are the ones that are looking after our children and extended families. If they are eating well and exercising, then hopefully these healthy habits will have a positive influence on the next generation and the rest of our community.” Some of the group exercise activities offered through the program by the NCIE include; Aqua classes, Zumba and an outdoor session to educate participants on what exercises they can do when they’re walking the dog or on holidays and can’t get to the gym. The program has been so popular that a waiting list has been developed for the next program which will start in early 2012. For more information on the NCIE’s Sistas and Aunties Program, contact Sara Hamilton on 1300 866 761 (option 2) or sara.hamilton@ymca.org.au. |
