media release

DATE 24 March 2009

Active After-School Communities Program Launch

Tasmanian Senator Helen Polley will launch the Active After-School Communities Program at the Launceston Preparatory School on Thursday at 3pm.

The program offers primary school aged children free access to structured physical activity programs, both at schools and at Outside School Hours Care services that are registered with the program.

“This initiative is a key measure to engage our children in regular physical activity and give them the opportunity to be involved in the kind of activity that they may not do otherwise.” Senator Polley announced. “With the time constraints many families face in getting their kids involved in sports and with over-crowded curricula meaning less and less time for physical education, we need to give our children the best chance at health, fitness and overall wellbeing.” Senator Polley said.

The program, an Australian Government initiative which has been rolled out since 2005, provides funding to over 3000 schools and centres to provide structured physical activity to all primary school aged children. In 2008 nearly 150,000 children across Australia were participating in the program and enjoying the benefits of regular physical activity.

In the 2007 Budget $120 million was committed to ensure the Active After-School Communities Program continues at its current levels until 2010.

“With one in four Australian children being overweight and with our lifestyles changing to be more sedentary, communities need programs like this and the volunteers and coordinators who run them. I am honoured to be able launch this program at yet another Tasmanian school and wholeheartedly support the program’s ongoing success.” Senator Polley said.

The program is always keen to hear from any persons interested in delivering activity sessions at any of the 22 sites operating in Northern Tasmania. Training and resources are provided. For more information, contact the Regional Coordinator, Ralph Morris, 63316277, ralph.morris@ausport.gov.au.

For further information and/or photographs
Contact      Ralph Morris, AASC Regional Coordinator
Tel:             6331 6277
Mob:          0437 700 412
Fax:           6333 0842
ralph.morris@ausport.gov.au