The Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion unit is offering grants to exercise providers and fitness leaders to support the provision of low-cost exercise programs for older adults over the age of 60.

Our focus is providing low-cost exercise opportunities for Seniors (people aged 60 years and over) living in our region.  We are specifically interested in providing opportunities where there are limited or no opportunities at present.

• Eight $500 grants are available to support the provision of existing classes.
• Five grants of up to $800 are available to support establishing a new class (based on need i.e. no classes currently available, affordability and equity)

What the grant money can be used for?

The grant is to assist with the costs associated with:-

Delivering a class, such as:

• Hall/venue hire
• Music licence
• Promotion of class
• Equipment (*to be negotiated)

Maintaining accreditation/registration as a fitness leader, such as:

• Continuing Education Credit (CECs) courses
• Registration
• First Aid/CPR Renewals

Who can apply for the grant?

To be eligible for a grant your program will need to meet the following criteria: -

1. Your program is/will be provided within Northern NSW, for people over the age of 60 years old
2. The fitness leader running the program must meet one or more of the following descriptions;

• Tai Chi Leader
• Exercise Physiologist
• Fitness Leader Cert III or Cert IV – Registered
• Fitness Leader Cert III or Cert IV – Accredited
• Registered Yoga Instructor
• Dance Instructor

3. Class fees are no more than $12 per class.

Eligibility requirements

Applications will only be accepted from persons who can supply the following:-

• Proof of Insurance – Certificate of Currency
• First Aid and CPR Certification
• Proof of qualifications and/or proof of registration with a fitness affiliation body (I.E. AusActive)

How do I apply?

Please complete the grant application form and return a scanned copy with supporting documentation to NNSWLHD-SteppingOn@health.nsw.gov.au by 27 January 2023.

When will I know if I am successful?

We will notify applicants of the outcome on the 13 February 2023.

If you are successful and meet the obligations required as stated above, you will need to invoice NNSWLHD Health Promotion to receive the funding.

Please be advised that there are limited grants, and these will be awarded based on population and geographic need.

If you are unsuccessful, we are happy to provide feedback as requested.

Conditions

Successful applicants must:-

• register class information on the Active and Healthy Site: https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/information-for-health-professionals/register/ (This site enables members of the public to find exercise programs near them, and is also used by health professionals looking to refer their clients to an exercise program)
• Evidence of payment for Venue hire/Music license/CPR or First Aid training/Professional Registration must be attached to your invoice and provided to NNSWLHD Health Promotion.

If you have any questions regarding the grants, please contact on 02 66 207517 or email NNSWLHD-SteppingOn@health.nsw.gov.au