Gerringong 5 x 5

the mental health effects and the digitalisation –he says it isn’t the core of the program.

“It’s the parliamentary education and getting kids into this amazing environment with this brilliant mood where there are interjections left right and centre, and fascinating debates.

On Sunday 30 July the town of Gerringong will begin its quest to involve as many locals as possible in the popular 5 x 5 walking program.

blue space.

Three keen high school students in the region have faced a mock sitting in NSW Parliament House this month as the Youth Parliament program came to an end.

Daniel, Finlay and Alyssa joined like-minded people from across the State in the ten week program which gives young people the opportunity to engage with civic leadership, policy development and democratic parliamentary debate.

The program has seen former Youth Parliamentarians go on to become Members of Parliament.

Finlay, who says the program was an amazing experience, is encouraging others to join next round.

“I love my community and love the area of Kiama so us smaller town communities need to get out there, use our voice and show what we’re passionate about because this is the place to do it,” says Finlay, who is just 16 years old.

“It’s a fun program and, at the end of the day, it’s not real parliament so the stakes aren’t high, and you can get to learn how the system works. It’s really great.”

His committee – transport and infrastructure – looked at accessibility for disabled access into transport and in infrastructure as well as mandatory inclusion zoning for social housing in new developments.

“It is based on personal interest, and it is through that parliamentary and debate process that we have been able to refine our ideas, our bills and truly express the values of young people,” he says.

Alyssa, who is also 16 years old, speaks very highly of the program and says it was the perfect ‘taste tester’ for what life as a parliamentarian is like.

“I have always been a huge youth advocate and because I loved this program so much, I definitely see myself running for a spot in parliament one day,” she says.

17 year old Daniel also commented, “Kiama is a lovely area and an amazing community but in many ways it’s more insular than I realised, so bringing us out of our comfort zones and meeting all these truly different people was amazing.”

While he looked forward to debating his bill – which looked at the effects of COVID on education, particularly

“It nurtures our ability to think for ourselves and hone our citizenships,” Daniel says.

With politics a passion of his, he is interested in the debate and parliamentary process.

“I have this love for democracy where I feel that as long as we are talking about issues and discussing issues, that we can move forward as a society.”

by Cassandra Zaucer

Healthy Cities Illawarra has partnered with local fitness legend Korin Koutsomihalis from SOL FIT CO to bring this weekly opportunity for the community to walk on country by Werri Beach together to enhance their health, exercise and mindfulness through movement.

5 x 5 stands for 5km per week for 5 weeks. The 5 x 5 walking program is inclusive to Australians of all ages (toddlers to supercentenarians), backgrounds and abilities including local businesses and community groups like Gerringong Bowling Club and Gerringong Rotary.

“I think people appreciate a little bit more support and camaraderie through the cooler months of Winter to keep active, so we hope that we can provide a fun and engaging event to do this,” said local 5 x 5 facilitator and SOL FIT CO leader, Coach Korin.

Kelly Andrews, CEO of Healthy Cities Illawarra, said that walking of any kind is a great physical activity that people can do at their own pace. However, walking outdoors in nature is even better, with evidence of mental health benefits such as improved mood and stress levels simply by being in green space, or in the case of our coastal communities,

Together with Healthy Cities Illawarra and local Gerringong Fitness community SOUL FIT CO, there is a team of motivated volunteers who are ready to walk every Sunday morning at 8am in the beautiful ocean breeze and sun by Werri Beach.

All are welcome to join the movement starting this Sunday 30 July meeting together outside Gerringong Bowling Club at 8am.

Enjoy moving your body outdoors with a beautiful community for better health outcomes!

When: Sun 30 July, then every Sunday in August

Where: Meet outside of Gerringong Bowling Club

Time: 7.45am. Please Bring appropriate clothing and water bottle.

by Donna Portland

FreeCommunityHealth Program

Gerringong5x5

5km,onceaweek, 5 weeks.

5×5Body&Mindisafree,non-competitivecommunity walkingeventforpeopleatalllevelsoffitnessandability. Participants walk & talk overa5kmcourse(orcomfortable distance)onemorningaweekfor5weeks.

CommunityInformationSession

Wednesday5thJuly6:15-7:00PM

5Dates:

Sunday30July

Sunday6August

Sunday13August

Sunday20August

Sunday27August

Time: 8amGerringongBOWLO Gerringong5x5.eventbrite.com.au

Register:

Forenquiries: (02)42838111 Korin:asksoulfitco@outlook.com Ingrid:Ingrid@healthycities.org.au