Frankston residents encouraged to MOVE it
L to R: Ruth Klein (Monash), Joshua Newton (Deakin), Professor Leon Piterman (Monash), Associate Professor Ben Smith, Scott Norman (Frankston City Council), Robert Donovan (Curtin) and Kara Gilbert (Monash)
Residents in the Frankston City Council area are being encouraged to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles.
Working with the council, researchers from Monash, Deakin, Sydney and Curtin universities will investigate strategies that will help to increase the benefits residents can gain from the new Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) due to open in spring September 2014.
PARC, a major investment by Frankston City Council, is a multipurpose facility designed to promote health and wellness in the local region. It will provide state-of-the-art pools, waterslides, gymnasium and sports facilities, a fitness centre, and health and wellness services.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Ben Smith from Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine said the council was concerned about obesity and heart disease in the region and the MOVE-Frankston study would trial different ways to interest locals in seeking the benefits that regular moderate physical activity can bring.
“The focus of the study will be on finding ways to encourage people who are not regularly active to use the facilities at PARC to improve their health and fitness,” Associate Professor Smith said.
“This is the first time this type of study has been conducted, and it can only be done when a facility provider is willing and open to explore different ways to engage people who don’t normally get involved in sporting activities.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for individuals and families to engage in physical activity, and maybe kick-start new routines that will lead to better physical and mental health."
Frankston City Council Mayor Darrel Taylor said the federal, state and local government-funded $50 million facility would bring long-lasting benefits to Frankston and the greater region and that the Council was pleased to be supporting the research.
“By combining the expertise of university researchers and recreation centre experts we are heading in the right direction,” Mr Taylor said.
The PARC Board is equally pleased and supportive of the innovative research.
The research team is currently recruiting Frankston City Council residents aged 18 – 70 years to take part in the study, and they will be followed up over two years. A number of participants will receive different types of incentives and support to encourage them to become PARC users. Recruitment is taking place from July to September this year.
The MOVE-Frankston study has received funding from the Australian Research Council and Frankston City Council for three years.
More details are available at www.move-frankston.org.au