COUNCIL wants to hear from the community about Aquamoves’ ‘Womens Only Swimming’ sessions, and how to best continue supporting and encouraging women of all ages and abilities to get active.
Between August 2018 to June 2020, Greater Shepparton City Council partnered with VicHealth’s ‘This Girl Can’ to bring monthly Women’s Only Swimming sessions to Aquamoves.
VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter says the fear of judgment – as well as actual experiences of judgement – stop too many women from being physically active.
Ms Rechter said, “Over half of Victorian women worry about being judged while exercising and for over 40 percent this feeling of embarrassment or intimidation is so strong it actually stops them from taking part in sport or exercise.
Between 2018 and 2020, 160 people on average attended Women’s Only Swimming sessions at Aquamoves. Council continued monthly sessions through March to May 2021, with an average of 73 people attending.
Greater Shepparton City Council Director Community, Kaye Thomson is encouraging community feedback via a short survey now available on Council’s Shaping Greater Shepparton website.
“The survey is a really great opportunity to share your input and ideas and help Council determine the best way to empower women in our community to enjoy the fantastic programs and facilities available at Council’s aquatic facilities.”
“Even if you are not interested in swimming, you will have the opportunity to let us know what other women’s only activities you would like to participate in.”
Submissions close at 5pm on Sunday, December 19. Visit shaping.greatershepparton.com.au to have your say.
