Research has found that low levels of physical activity are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes among people who are overweight or obese.

On a national scale, physical inactivity is responsible for an estimated 8,000 deaths every year and costs the health system at least $400 million in direct health care costs.

As part of a program to address our increasing rates of obesity and preventable chronic diseases, the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) today announced grants of over $1.8 million to be distributed to local government authorities and sporting organisations in metropolitan Melbourne.

The Active Participation Grants aim to increase participation among those who experience the greatest health inequalities. These groups include people from low socio-economic areas, as well as Indigenous and new arrival communities, and those with a disability.

“Many people find it more difficult to be physically active. These grants will help to overcome the barriers to participation that some people face,” explained VicHealth Chief Executive Officer, Todd Harper.

“Through these grants we’re keen to get organisations from various sectors working together to make sport and active recreation more accessible,” Mr Harper added.

For example, the Football Integration Development Association is partnering with the Cranbourne Football Club and Casey City Council so it can offer intellectually disabled teenagers and adults the opportunity to play Australian Rules Football.

“The funds will enable us to create new teams for players with an intellectual disability in the south-east growth corridor,” said the Association’s General Manager, Peter Ryan. “But it’s much more than just football.

“It’s a win-win situation - we provide support, structure and discipline for people who join up and all those associated with the club benefit by accepting and including new members, and learning to appreciate their abilities and the contribution they can make to the club,” Mr Ryan explained.

The Active Craigieburn project, to be run by Hume City Council, will offer residents increased social connections as well more physical activity options.

Hume’s Manager of Leisure and Youth Services, Bruce Fordham said the project, which covers areas of both significant growth and community renewal, aims to get the residents involved in making decisions about improving their physical activity options.

“We want residents to know that they can get involved in physical activity and it doesn’t have to cost a lot.

“We’ll be asking them what kind of activities they would like developed in their area, and encouraging the residents to participate and take ownership of these activities,” Mr Fordham explained.

The successful local government authorities and sporting organisations to receive funding for three years under the Active Participation Grants – Metropolitan round are:

• Brimbank City Council;
• Darebin City Council;
• Greater Dandenong City Council;
• Frankston City Council;
• Hume City Council;
• Moreland City Council;
• Mornington Peninsula Shire;
• Whittlesea City Council;
• Wyndham City Council;
• Football Integration Development Association;
• Sailability Victoria;
• Yarra Ranges Active Indigenous Youth Project run through the YMCA