Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in the Tweed are being encouraged to take part in two free health and wellbeing programs designed to improve fitness, boost confidence and strengthen community connections.
Northern NSW Local Health District is supporting the return of the Aquafit and Tweed Goorie Go-Getters programs, offering culturally safe spaces for participants to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through group exercise and social connection.
The Aquafit program is held in a heated indoor pool at Tweed Heads South and focuses on low-impact water-based exercise suitable for both swimmers and non-swimmers.
Long-time participant Sandra Corowa said the sessions played a major role in her recovery following hip surgery.
“The water aerobics has one hundred per cent helped my hips post-surgery. In the water you can move a lot more freely,” Ms Corowa said.
Participant Donna Dance said the program had dramatically improved her quality of life while living with chronic pain.
“Aquafit is my happy place,” Ms Dance said.
“I haven’t had a steroid injection in nine months. I’m sleeping better and I can get around so much more easily.”
Alongside the pool program, the Tweed Goorie Go-Getters initiative offers a 12-week group fitness program supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families in a supportive environment.
Participant Lois O’Connor, who lives with chronic lung disease and has recovered from multiple falls, said staying active had become critical to maintaining her health.
“When I stop exercising, I get sick. If you exercise, you keep your lungs working,” Ms O’Connor said.
“Go-Getters has really helped me recover. I feel better all over.”
For Diane Weir, the program has also become an important source of social connection since retiring.
“It’s been a wonderful way to keep in contact with my Indigenous community,” Ms Weir said.
“It strengthens the body, builds confidence and is great for your mental health.”
Northern NSW Local Health District Acting Director of Aboriginal Health, Oral Health and Health Promotion Cameron Johnson said the programs delivered benefits far beyond exercise alone.
“We hear again and again that these programs help people feel stronger, more confident and more connected,” Mr Johnson said.
“They’re about much more than exercise; they’re about belonging and wellbeing.”
Aquafit sessions are currently running every Monday until June 29 at Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre, while the Tweed Goorie Go-Getters program runs twice weekly from June 2 until August 20.
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