VicHealth Physical Activity Strategy 2019-2023 (Increasing the physical activity levels of people who are less active)

Regular physical activity has major benefits for health and wellbeing. It reduces people’s risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. It also helps reduce social isolation, strengthens social connection and improves mental wellbeing. In 2013, VicHealth released its Action Agenda for Health Promotion, which set our strategic direction for the 10 years to 2023. Promoting physical activity is one of the five strategic imperatives identified for action to improve the health of all Victorians, with a 10-year goal that 300,000 more Victorians will engage in physical activity by 2023.
Our 10-year goal – Regular physical activity has major benefits for health and wellbeing. It reduces people’s risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. It also helps reduce social isolation, strengthens social connection and improves mental wellbeing. In 2013, VicHealth set a 10-year goal that 300,000 more Victorians would be physically active by 2023.
Our progress so far – Over the past six years, we have worked with local government, schools, community organisations and all levels of sport to promote physical activity so that more Victorians can be active, irrespective of social or economic background. We have also funded research that revealed Victorians’ changing needs for, and expectations of, physical activity. People want to take part in social and unstructured sport and physical activity that is flexible and fun and fits into their busy lives. This is particularly true for people who are less physically active. Our landmark campaign, This Girl Can – Victoria, celebrates real women giving it a go and getting active. It also aims to influence policies and the places where women go to exercise, so they feel welcome, included and supported.
Over the next four years, we will aim to increase physical activity levels of people who are less active, with a focus on: ^aEURc fear of judgement experienced by women ^aEURc social sport, active recreation and play ^aEURc walking and active travel.
Working with our partners and the community, our efforts will focus on those people with the lowest levels of physical activity. We will continue to measure and monitor physical activity levels across population groups and evaluate programs to track our progress.