Exercise proves beneficial for local kids

The kids who attend Port Macquarie’s Youth Hub now have access to outdoor physical training equipment thanks to a $5,000 grant from Enterprise & Training Company (ETC).

Port Macquarie Youth Hub Manager Michael Gilmour said the equipment enabled a whole body workout and supported the Youth Hub’s Healthy Lifestyle programs.

“By having this outdoor exercise equipment the Youth Hub will be able to provide on-site personal training classes to support current programs,” Mr Gilmour said.

“The kids will come to the breakfast club first, then undertake exercise before they go to school.”

Mr Gilmour said there has been positive outcomes for some of the disengaged and Indigenous youth who participated in the programs.

“Feedback we’ve received from their teachers is that attendance and work ethic has increased by 100%,” Mr Gilmour said.

“It’s getting kids off the streets and that’s been a real life changer for a lot of people.”

Mr Gilmore said the Youth Hub’s Healthy Lifestyles Program had become more popular since the purchase of the equipment.

“We’re in the position now that we’ve had to limit the numbers because there are so many kids who are trying to get on board,” Mr Gilmour said.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the assistance from the ETC Community Support Fund. Without ETC’s support and team work, none of this would have been possible.”

ETC Deputy Chair Lorraine Mouafi said it had been a pleasure to be able to support the Port Macquarie Youth Hub.

“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations improve the social and economic development of local communities,” Ms Mouafi said.

“Since 1989, ETC has placed over 54,500 Australians into jobs, trained more than 27,000 people, helped over 37,000 small businesses to start-up and grow, and contributed in excess of $25 million to the local communities in which we operate.”

To find out more information about the Healthy Lifestyle programs, contact the Youth Hub on (02) 6584 7569.