With just under half of all women in the Yarra Ranges either sedentary or participating in low levels of physical activity, Inspiro’s Step and Connect program has been designed to encourage local women and girls to get active.

Over the past 12 months, Step and Connect has provided a range of fun and accessible active recreation opportunities in Lilydale, aimed at increasing engagement in physical activity and social connection. Inspiro’s Health Promotion team has also worked to overcome some of the common barriers experienced by women and girls that often impact their ability to participate, such as personal safety, lack of opportunity to exercise, and community support.

Funded through a Yarra Ranges Council Community Grant, the Step and Connect program successfully established two Women’s Social Walking Groups, facilitated eight Girls Get Active co-designed, pop-up events for girls aged 12 – 16, and published an Active Recreation Map of local trails in Lilydale.

The popular women’s social walking groups continue to meet weekly in Lilydale, and the resources and connections created as part of the Step and Connect program will provide ongoing information and opportunities for people living in the Yarra Ranges to increase their physical activity.

View the Step and Connect Active Recreation Map

Download Get Active in the Yarra Ranges – Term 1

To get in touch with our health promotion team about the Step and Connect program, or any of our other amazing health promotion activities, email health.promotion@inspiro.org.au or visit our Health Promotion page.