It is estimated that chronic diseases are responsible for 80% of the mortality gap between Aboriginal and other Australians aged 35 - 74 years. Aboriginal Australians are three times more likely to develop chronic conditions and 64% are overweight when compared to 51% of non-Aboriginal Australians. It is well documented that these chronic conditions can be prevented through dietary modification and physical activity participation.
Lyrebird exercise classes were established to provide an opportunity for Aboriginal people who were not accessing mainstream physical activity services in the Macarthur area to meet physical activity guidelines. A coordinated program of exercise classes was developed through existing partnerships between Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation (TAC), Health Promotion Service, SWSLHD (HPS) and the local Aboriginal community.
The first exercise class was established in November 2010 in the Macarthur area, with two more exercise classes added in 2011. All three exercise classes are still running weekly during school terms.
The Family Diabetes program educates and supports Aboriginal people and their families to prevent or manage their diabetes. The 12 month program was trialled in April 2012 to March 2013 and ran again in May 2013 to April 2014.
Materials and resources including a Diabetes Resource Manual were developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Community and Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation (TAC). Topics include - developing a Healthy Lifestyle, Managing Stress and making Healthy Choices.
In 2012, Campbelltown City Council, Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, Short Black Films and the Health Promotion Service produced an exercise DVD, "Feeling Alive and Looking Deadly" to encourage community members to exercise at home. Feeling Alive and Looking Deadly was filmed with members of the Aboriginal community. It demonstrates how to exercise at home with everyday items and includes a three level strength program, cardiovascular exercise and other useful information.
The Elders Olympics runs every year in March for elders in the community from Macarthur, Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee areas. Established in 2012, the event aims to attract 7-10 teams from the area which are made up of 10 men and women. The event is coordinated by a number of local organisations including Macarthur Disability Service, Sport and Recreation, Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council, Muru Nanga Mai and local government.
The Elders Olympics has proved a popular way to engage elders who are not physically active in low intensity exercise. The Elders Olympics consists of five team activities which include:
Further information
Contact Alice Wood on 02 4640 3535 or email Alice.Wood@sswahs.nsw.gov.au