Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has welcomed a $1.8 million Move It Aus Better Ageing investment into Parkrun Australia.

Parkrun is among 27 organisations to share in the Coalition’s $22.9 million Better Ageing Grants funding over the next two years.

Mr Vasta said the funding administered by Sport Australia will be used to encourage more older people in Bonner to get up and active.

“There are five Parkrun groups in the Bonner electorate and each of them do a fantastic job promoting and encouraging locals to have fun, and improve their fitness.”

“Parkrun isn’t just about fitness it’s also about connecting people and encourages people of all ages to get out and be active by walking, running or even just volunteering and this funding injection will further this great initiative within Bonner,” Mr Vasta said.

“More than half a million people are registered participants of Parkrun and I encourage everybody, regardless of age or ability, to get along to one of the five local Parkrun’s in Bonner.”

Minister for Sport Senator Bridget McKenzie this week joined hundreds of parkrunners in Tasmania to announce this major investment.

Minister McKenzie said Australians were living longer and the Move It Aus Better Ageing program was an important step in helping older Australians to live longer happier lives.

“As outlined in the Government’s National Sport Plan – Sport 2030 – no matter what your age and no matter what your stage, we’re encouraging all Australians to embrace the philosophy of ‘Movement for Life’,” Minister McKenzie said.

“It’s predicted that the number of Australians aged 65-plus is expected to double in the next 40 years. This shift presents a challenge in broader health terms but provides a chance for sport and physical activity to make a positive difference to the lives of all older Australians.”

Parkrun Australia chief executive Tim Oberg said the $1.8 million investment would help Parkrun engage directly with more older Australians, their families and the people closest to them,” Mr Oberg said.

“Our aim is to empower people for whom physical activity through walking, running and volunteering is not the norm to become involved with parkrun in a way that is enjoyable, sociable and leads to regular participation,” Mr Oberg said.

Further Information on Move It Aus Better Ageing Grant Program: https://www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/better_ageing

Map of parkrun locations:

http://www.parkrun.com.au/events/events/

Further information on parkrun Australia:

http://www.parkrun.com.au/

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has encouraged teachers and school leaders in Bonner to take action against bullying.

Mr Vasta said registrations were now open for schools to sign up to the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday 15 March 2019.

“The National Day of Action is a national movement against bullying and cyberbullying, and registered schools in Bonner would receive new anti-bullying materials and teaching resources,” Mr Vasta said.

“Parents want to know that students, teachers and school leaders in Bonner have the best tools to deal with bullying and cyberbullying.

“The Morrison Government is focused on keeping our kids safe, which means providing support and resources to combat bullies as well as educating everyone about the impact of bullying.

“I want to see more and more schools across Australia, including in Bonner, taking a stand against bullying, and we have already surpassed the two million students who took part in last year’s event.

“My message to Bonner’s teachers and principals is to get fired up about taking action against bullying and register to become a National Day of Action school.”

For more information and to register your school, visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au