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Active community - recreation policy framework
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Philosophical Basis
Fundamental to this policy statement is the belief that physical activity provides critical foundations for the quality of life and well being that makes Wodonga unique. Physical activity is recognised as being essential to the health and well being of individual citizens and the Wodonga community. Physical activity has far reaching personal, social, economic and environmental benefits.
Active Community Vision
The Wodonga Active Community vision is:
All Wodonga citizens actively involved in sport, community recreation, fitness, outdoor recreation and other physical activities.
Fundamental Principles
The fundamental principles underpinning this Wodonga Active Community Policy Framework reflect the National Participation Framework Active Australia which seeks to maximise participation by all Australians in physical activity.
Participation
Participation is defined as involvement in structured and/or unstructured activities that may be classed as community recreation, fitness activities, sport, outdoor education, physical education or other forms of physical activity. Involvement in these activities should provide enjoyment and produce health, physical, mental, social, and economic benefits. Participation is not just confined to a role as a player, but includes involvement as a coach, instructor, teacher, administrator, manager, official and volunteer.
Access and Equity
All Wodonga community members should have access to a comprehensive range of quality participation opportunities to enable them to fulfil their potential and realise the physical, social, mental, and spiritual benefits regardless of socio-economic status, race, age or gender, ability and geographic location. Individual satisfaction and personal achievement leading to long term involvement in physical activity should be emphasised.
Lifelong Involvement
Participation should be lifelong and not limited by age, but the degree and form of involvement may vary at different stages of an individual's life cycle.
Enjoyment
Participation provides opportunities for individuals to enjoy the experience and excitement of physical activities, to develop skills, interact socially, achieve goals, and meet personal challenges. Participants who enjoy and are satisfied with their experience are more likely to repeat and continue their involvement.
Diversity and Choice
A variety of participation options enables individuals to make a choice relative to their own needs and interests. Diversity and choice from an early age will increase the likelihood of long term adherence to a quality physical activity program.
Quality
Continuous improvement in the delivery of participation opportunities in supportive environments will enhance the quality of the experience.
Safety
Participation should allow for personal challenge in the safest possible environment while recognising the level of physical risk associated with each particular activity.
Community Benefits
Participation should contribute to the health and well being of the community and minimise adverse individual and environmental impacts.
Health Benefits
To generate health benefits it is recommended that every Wodonga citizen should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity on, at least most days of the week. Physical activity can be categorised in various ways, including by type, intensity and purpose, and can include both structured and incidental activity.
Goals
Three goals are critical to achieve the Wodonga Active Community vision. They are:
- To increase and enhance lifelong participation
- To realise the social, health and economic benefits of participation
- To develop quality infrastructure, opportunities and services to support participation.
Strategic Directions
The following strategic directions have been identified as being important in assisting stakeholders in developing plans to meet the Wodonga Active Community goals:
- Policy and planning
- Research and development
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Training and education
- Advocacy
- Industry, organisation and facility development
- Promotion
- Consultation
- Co-ordination
Outcomes
Outcomes related to the Wodonga Active Community vision include:
- Increased lifelong participation
- Better health and quality of life for all Wodonga citizens
- Quality infrastructure, program and services
- Increased participation opportunities
- Minimised risk of injury or other adverse reactions in participation activities
- Increased satisfaction with participation experiences
- Increased economic value of the sport and recreation industry
- Increased awareness of the benefits of active participation
- Equitable access to participation opportunities
- Decrease in health care costs
