Women in the Douglas Shire are being urged to “Get Out, Get Active!” with free Come and Try classes for Yoga, Tai Chi, Aerobics and Steady Steps about to be launched.

The Queensland Government has awarded $16,408 to Douglas Shire Council under the Get Out Get Active program to increase women’s participation in sport and recreation activities from school leaving age to seniors so they can enjoy the benefits of being physically active.

Mayor Julia Leu said she was pleased to announce the launch of Women of Douglas, Get Out, Get Active and invites the Shire’s female residents currently not participating in regular physical activity to register their interest in the program.

“Thank you to everyone who provided survey feedback last July as your input really helped Council assess the needs of our community and develop a strong funding application,” Mayor Leu said.

“Evidence consistently shows the holistic benefits of regular physical activity and Council is very excited to receive funding under this State Government program.”

Free Come and Try classes for Yoga, Aerobics, Tai Chi and Steady Steps will be available to women not currently undertaking regular physical activity, allowing them to experience activities not normally available to them because of financial, time or other constraints.

“In addition to the physical health benefits of the program, women have opportunities to come together, meet people and have fun,” Mayor Leu said.

“It would be great if participants continued classes at the end of their free eight-week program or use the skills, techniques and confidence they have developed to continue being active at any place and time that suits them.”

The project also involves the development of the “Women of Douglas, Get Out, Get Active” Directory, promoting the range of sport and recreational clubs, businesses and activities in the Shire which offer “female-friendly” programs, venues and childcare options.

“The Directory’s benefits are two-fold - women across the Shire know what is out there, and businesses and not-for-profit sport and recreational clubs raise their profiles, hopefully increasing club membership, commercial patronage, and the number of women undertaking regular physical activity in the Shire.”

To register interest in a Come and Try activity or to provide details for the Directory, forms are available from douglas.qld.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/get-get-active/, Mossman Library, Library Kiosk@Port, Council’s Administration Office or by contacting Council on 4099 9444 or ceounit@douglas.qld.gov.au.

Forms must be submitted by 30 June 2015.