Individual Australian physical activity promotion initiatives and strategies

Who promotes physical activity in Australia?

Federal GovernmentState GovernmentPrivate sectorsLocal Government

Federal GovernmentThe federal government funds

the Australian Sports Commission which has 3 aims:

To develop and maintain Australian sports infrastructure

To increase participation in physical activity by Australians

To encourage excellence in sporting performance by Australians – A.I.S

Australian Sports Commission Innitiatives

State GovernmentState governments are essential

to the success of the Active Australia program.

The Victorian Government developed the Active for Life program in 1995 with the aim of encouraging Victorians to participate in 30 minutes of PA every day.

Programs and InitiativesGo for your lifeRegional Sports AssembliesSurf Life Saving VictoriaSports Development officer schemeVic Talent ProgramCompulsory PE and sport in Govt

schools – Result of the Moneghetti report

VICFIT – Sport and Rec

Local GovernmentLocal governments assist through

the development and improvement of facilities and distribution of funds to sporting bodies.

Private Sectorsaim to increase the health and

fitness of Australians whilst generating a profit. Many of these are supported by the government through the Active Australia and Active for Life programs. E.g include: VicHealth, ACHPER, YMCA, National Heart Foundation, Vicswim, Masters Sports, Private Gyms and sporting organisations (AFL).

Strategies for promoting Physical ActivityStages of Change ModelPrint and web based counseling

Individual Changes to Physical ActivityFocussing on on the individual making

a change to their Physical Activity behaviour.

Health professionals, health educators and medical practitioners focus on changing behaviours of individuals.

There are theoretical models that help us understand factors and influences on an individuals ability to be PA.

Print and Web based counselingPrint materials promoting PA can be seen in

news papers, magazines, handouts, brochures and billboards.

Web based media provides great info, can be interactive and can be tailored to match a persons place within the SOC model. Eg biggest loser website or personal training websites

Counseling Widely used approach to PA

promotion. Could be a personal trainer, GP, or fitness instructor.