Get active campaign gets second wind

The names of the campaign ambassadors, who will inspire their network of friends, family and community members to Try the 5 and shape up, were also announced.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Try the 5 would build on the success of previous get active campaigns and get the community moving again.

“We have had a concerted regional effort to increase the health of our community over the last few years and Try the 5 is another step in the right direction,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Similar to our previous campaigns, there will be five themed weeks of free activities in personal training, water sports, team sports, wheels sports and walking/running,” he said.

“The campaign is aimed at all residents, particularly those who are not physically active or have become inactive.

“Team sports is a new themed week on offer this year and the ambassador for this particular week is Indie Brough, a Gold Coast Suns Academy player who plays for Baker’s Creek AFL,” Mayor Williamson said.

More than 30 get-active events and introduction sessions are being held across the Mackay region, including Sarina and the Pioneer Valley.

“The Mackay ARC facility is also getting involved, with deep water running and aqua Pilates classes being held in the water sports week,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“There is also a come-and-try track and field event being held at Mackay ARC, organised by Mackay Athletics, in the final week of the campaign,” he said.

There are more than $2000 in prizes up for grabs as an incentive for residents to Try the 5.

To enter the competition, residents need to attend a Try the 5 activity or location, scan the QR code on a Try the 5 poster and fill in the online entry form.

There will also be posters with QR codes on display at major rides and footpaths of the Mackay region from wheels week onwards, as an additional way to enter the competition.

Residents can also share get-active photos/videos on social media with the hashtag #trythe5 for a chance to win one of five $100 gift vouchers from Intersport Mackay.

They can also upload their photos/videos to council’s website if they don’t have access to social media.

Southern Cross Austereo have partnered with the campaign and Jay and Dave from Triple M are featured in the campaign’s TV advertisement.

Try the 5 weekly themes and campaign ambassadors include:

To find out more about Try the 5 sessions and events, go to council’s Facebook page or visit the council website.