Healthy Ageing Exercise Program
Information booklet
What is the Healthy Ageing Exercise Program?
Council’s Aged and Disability Services offer a range of programs to improve the health and
wellbeing of seniors. The Healthy Ageing Exercise Program aims to support and enable
participants to be physically active on a regular basis, providing a weekly timetable of various
classes.
The diverse range of classes is designed to help participants to meet the Department of Health
and Ageing’s Recommendations on physical activity for health for older
Australians. These recommendations are that older people:
1. should do some form of physical activity, no matter what their age, weight, health problems
or abilities
2. should be active every day in as many ways as possible, doing a range of physical activities
that incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility
3. should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most,
preferably all, days
4. who have stopped physical activity, or who are starting a new physical activity, should start
at a level that is easily manageable and gradually build up the recommended amount, type
and frequency of activity
5. who continue to enjoy a lifetime of vigorous physical activity should carry on doing so in a
manner suited to their capability into later life, provided recommended safety procedures
and guidelines are adhered to.
Please visit health.gov.au for further details about these recommendations.
Who can attend?
The Healthy Ageing Exercise Program is for seniors and is targeted at Moonee Valley residents,
however non-residents are able to attend for a non-subsidised fee. See page 4 for a list of
activities with more flexible eligibility criteria.
When are classes held?
The Healthy Ageing Exercise Program operates across two semesters from early
February to late December. The program breaks mid-year for the June/July school holidays.
Classes do not run on public holidays.
Please visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/HAEP or call Council’s Healthy Ageing Officer on 9243 8835 for the
current class timetable.
Where are classes held?
Healthy Ageing Exercise Program exercise classes are held at neighbourhood and community
centres throughout Moonee Valley.
Ascot Vale Neighbourhood Centre
Bowes Avenue Community Centre
Burley Griffin Community Centre
Kellaway Avenue Neighbourhood Centre
Nancye Kirchner Neighbourhood Centre
Niddrie Community Hub
Strathmore Heights Community Hall
Corner Union Road and Munro Street, Ascot Vale
31 Bowes Avenue, Airport West
Park Drive (off The Crossway), Keilor East
5 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds
Doyle Street, Avondale Heights
3-15 Matthew Avenue, Niddrie
1 Boeing Road, Strathmore Heights
Who delivers the program?
Council’s Healthy Ageing team manages the Healthy Ageing Exercise Program. Classes are
delivered by instructors who are contracted to Council following a thorough application process.
All instructors are fully qualified to instruct group fitness classes, are experienced in planning and
delivering programs for older adults, and have current first aid certification and police checks.
How much do classes cost?
Council receives funding to provide exercise programs to seniors in Moonee Valley, so these
residents can access the program at a subsidised rate.
Seniors who reside outside of Moonee Valley are still eligible to participate in the program, but are
required to pay full fees. Please visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/HAEP or call Council’s Healthy Ageing
Officer on 9243 8835 for current program fees.
How do I pay?
Program participants will receive a monthly invoice, based on their class attendance.
Invoices can be paid using common payment methods, including BPay, over the phone, by mail or
in person at the Civic Centre or your local post office.
What classes are available?
Strength training
A range of exercises using a variety of equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, medicine
balls, mats and steps. These classes are designed to help you build fitness, strength, mobility and
balance. Exercises can be adjusted to accommodate individual abilities.
Chair exercise
Strength training exercises done sitting in a chair. Suitable for those with limited mobility, this class
will help improve strength, mobility and posture.
Yoga
Breathing, stretching and strengthening exercises, followed by guided relaxation for improved
physical and mental health. Exercises can be adjusted to accommodate individual abilities.
Pilates
Lengthening and stretching exercises that work all the major muscle groups in a balanced fashion.
Pilates improves flexibility, balance, body awareness and strength, particularly of your core
muscles. Exercises can be adjusted to accommodate individual abilities.
Tai Chi
Gentle, fluid movements that are slow in tempo and easy to follow. Designed to enhance
relaxation and improve balance and health.
Body Balance
Body Balance is a low intensity class inspired by yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. Exercises build
flexibility and strength and leave you feeling centred and calm.
Zumba Gold
Laugh, dance and shake your way to a happy, healthy body. Classes feature an easy-to-follow
program with modified, low-impact moves.
How do I register?
To register for the Healthy Ageing Exercise Program, please call 9243 8806 to book an
assessment.
The assessment will be conducted at your home or at one of Council’s neighbourhood centres,
and we will gather the information required to provide you with services and to support you in
accessing the program.
Additionally, you will need to seek clearance from your doctor. This is standard practice for seniors
exercise programs and is mandatory for participation. Medical clearance ensures your
participation in the exercise classes is as safe as possible. Council’s Assessment Officer will
provide you with a form for your doctor to complete and return.
Once the assessment and medical clearance is complete you will be contacted to confirm a start
date. You will then be able to attend any of the exercise classes in the Healthy Ageing Exercise
Program (within any specifications of your medical clearance).
If you have already received an Aged and Disability Services assessment there will be a simplified
assessment process to confirm information specific to the Healthy Ageing Exercise Program. The
assessment you require will be determined when you contact Council to register for the program.
Frequently asked questions
I don’t live in Moonee Valley, can I still attend?
If you are a senior, you are eligible to attend, however only Moonee Valley residents are eligible
for subsidised fees. Please see page 1 for more information. You can also contact your own
council to find out about programs in your area.
Why is the program only available to seniors?
Council receives funding to provide the program to senior citizens. It is also important to create a
comfortable environment for participants with people of a similar age.
How do you recruit the class instructors?
Instructors are contracted through a regulated recruitment (tender) process.
Applications are evaluated on the qualifications, skills and experience of instructors to provide high
quality programs and value for money. In the event that an instructor is unavailable for their
regular class, a substitute will be provided to ensure participants can continue to enjoy their
session. All instructors come from a pool of quality contractors who were successful in the tender
process.
Can I get help with transport to and from the classes?
Transport to and from classes may be available through Council’s Community Transport Service
or with a Direct Care Worker if the need has been identified in your assessment. There are
additional costs for these services.
Can my carer (eg. partner, family member, support worker) attend with me? If so, do they
need to pay?
If identified in your assessment, your carer may accompany you free of charge to support you to
participate in the class and to assist you to complete the exercises.
What should I wear to class?
Wear clothes you are comfortable in and that allow sufficient movement. Layers are helpful when
you move from being hot or cold throughout the class. Ensure you wear flat sturdy shoes,
preferably with a non-slip sole.
How can I provide feedback on the program or request changes to the timetable?
An annual survey is conducted with participants to gather feedback on the existing program and
ideas for improvements. Feedback can also be provided by calling 9243 8835 or emailing
connected@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Other healthy ageing opportunities in the community
The following services are not run by Council’s Aged and Disability Services. Please use the
contact details listed if you have enquiries regarding these activities.
Free outdoor exercise equipment
Gym-like equipment that uses your own body weight as resistance is available at:
Nancye Kirchner Neighbourhood Centre
Doyle Street, Avondale Heights
Aberfeldie Park
The Boulevard, Aberfeldie
Moonee Valley City Council community centres
Programs change each term. Please contact the centres directly for up-to-date program details.
Bowes Avenue Community Centre
Address:
31 Bowes Avenue, Airport West
Phone:
8325 1890
Email:
bowesavcc@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Website:
mvcc.vic.gov.au/bowesavenue
Crown Street Stables
Address:
40 Crown Street, Flemington
Phone:
Email:
Website:
9243 8748
csstables@mvcc.vic.gov.au
mvcc.vic.gov.au/crownstreet
Flemington Community Centre
Address:
25 Mt Alexander Road, Flemington
Phone:
8325 1800
Email:
fcc@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Website:
mvcc.vic.gov.au/flemingtoncommunitycentre
Walking groups in the Moonee Valley area
Essendon Over 50s Walking Group
Every Thursday, the Essendon Over 50s Walking Group walks all over Melbourne on good
walking tracks, beside rivers and streams and through beautiful bushland. Lunch is a BYO picnic
in a park or garden. Bus trips and short holidays are also organised. You are invited to join this
friendly group where interesting company and places make for a memorable time.
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Hours:
Meet at Flinders Street Station, between platforms 5 and 6
President, Herb Gunton, 9306 8475
Secretary, Jenny Daldy, 9379 9691
jgdaldy@bigpond.com
Thursdays, meet at 9.30am/9.45am for a 10am departure
Moonee Valley Walking Group
Meet in Essendon for a brisk walk of about one hour. All ages welcome, no fees, walkers’ onus
applies. Established over 15 years ago, the group is always keen to welcome more participants!
Just turn up.
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Hours:
Baptist Church car park, 134 Buckley Street, Essendon
0417 572 302
keithdekok@bigpond.com
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7.30pm
Niddrie Seniors Walking Group
Walks occur in local parks and end at the community hub for refreshments and socialisation. The
walking group welcomes people of all abilities however if you require support then you will need to
bring a carer along.
Address:
Phone:
Hours:
Niddrie Community Hub, 3-15 Matthews Avenue, Niddrie
Melba, 0410 918 060
Tuesdays, 9.30am-12.30pm
Westfield Walkers
Westfield Airport West has joined with YMCA to establish a weekly walking group. Meet outside
Target for a 1 hour walk within the shopping centre. Enjoy the convenience of bathrooms, seating
and a weatherproof environment. Hang around for a social coffee afterwards if you wish!
Address:
Phone:
Hours:
Outside Target, Westfield Drive, Airport West
YMCA, 9375 3411
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8am
Other walking resources
mvcc.vic.gov.au/walkingcycling
victoriawalks.org.au
Leisure centres with seniors programs
Ascot Vale Leisure Centre
Address:
Corner Langs and Epsom Roads, Ascot Vale
Phone:
9375 3411
Website:
www.ascotvale.ymca.org.au
East Keilor Leisure Centre
Address:
Quinn Grove, East Keilor
Phone:
9336 3711
Email:
eklcadmin@belgravialeisure.com.au
Website:
eastkeilorleisure.com.au
Windy Hill Leisure Centre
Address:
74-84 Napier Street, Essendon
Phone:
9377 1555
Email:
admin@windyhill.com.au
Website:
windyhill.com.au