Active families thank award-winning program

Western Sydney families and school-aged children have become more active, fitter and happier thanks to the successful Go4Fun program.

The free healthy lifestyle program educates parents and their children about healthier food options and the importance of regular physical activity.

The Martin family from Kellyville are proof that a family can live, get healthy and be happy all living under the one roof. Both parents work full-time while the children attend school.

Mother of two, 39 year-old Christine Amely nee Martin, saw the program advertised in her daughter’s school newsletter.

Soon after she signed the whole family for the free term three program at Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre, Baulkham Hills each Saturday.

“We learned about fat content and sugar levels in foods from a qualified dietitian,” Mrs Martin said.

“The kids would participate in an hour of physical activity while the parents gathered to talk about parenting challenges.

“My eight-year-old daughter loved going each week, while my 12-year-old son who didn’t really want to attend – ended up enjoying himself and also making new friends.

“I wanted my family to understand the importance of maintaining and having a healthy lifestyle.

“Before attending this program, my husband was the main grocery shopper and used to buy the food that he liked, now he chooses a healthier range.

“I’m really impressed about how he has changed to the healthier options including choosing margarine over butter and skim milk instead of normal milk”.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Centre for Population Health deputy director Christine Newman said more than 11,000 families had participated in the program since its launch in 2011.

“This program is really helping kids, and their parents, to make healthier choices,” Ms Newman said.

“Go4Fun is great because kids get the chance to meet new friends, play games and learn tips for a healthy life.

“We’ve seen many children’s self-esteem and fitness improve through the course of the program.”

The 2019 term 1 Go4Fun program will commence on 4 February 2019 for a 10 week period. Sessions are held once a week outside school hours.

Programs will be held at Emerton, Stanhope Gardens, Granville, Wentworthville, Berala and Baulkham Hills.

The Go4Fun program won the “Tackling childhood obesity” award in the 2018 Premier’s Awards for Public Service: https://www.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news/premiers-awards-for-public-service-2018/

To book or for more information, call Go4Fun on 1800 280 900 or visit www.go4fun.com.au