Good reasons to get active
Dalby Regional Council is getting behind a national drive to encourage people out of their arm chairs and onto the sporting field.
Across all levels of government there is a growing commitment to promote active lifestyles and Council is working with clubs and community groups to improve the region’s recreational opportunities.
Spokesperson for Cultural Development Carolyn Tillman believes sport and recreation offer many benefits not only for the individual but for the community as a whole.
“Sport helps keep people fit and encourages personal development, but on a wider community level it promotes pride in our facilities and is an ideal way to initiate newcomers into the region.
“It is also an effective way to encourage our young people to participate in the broader community with fun activities offered beyond the school environment.”
Take your pick of sports
Push bikes are a fun way to get fit and Dalby’s BMX track is great for those who want to take on extra challenges.
The skate park is popular with BMX riders and skateboarders alike providing a series of concrete ramps that cater for various ages and abilities.
BMX and skateboarding clinics are in the planning and will be held each month with guidance from professionals and talented local youths offering tips on how to boost performance.
For families and more sedate riders the town’s extensive bikeway network offers an easy ride via some of Dalby’s more scenic spots.
As part of an ‘Active Neighbourhoods’ project designed to increase the number of people who walk or cycle, Council is working to produce a map of local trails and provide free copies at the Visitor Information Centre.
Among the most significant projects in the area of recreational resources to date is the construction of the multimillion dollar covered arena at the Dalby Showgrounds which will soon be available for equestrian displays, festivals and other community events.
Council is keen to ensure the facility is well used and last year appointed events officer Erin Lawson to work with community groups and volunteers to make the most of this impressive recreational facility. Erin can be contacted on 4672 1161.
The Dalby Police-Citizens Youth Club promotes youth development as well as providing a range of recreation and sporting programs. The PCYC houses a fully-equipped gymnasium and operates a comprehensive timetable of fitness classes.
Tennis enthusiasts are well catered for in Dalby with quality hard court tennis facilities and resident coach while the Dalby Swimming Pool offers the service of a professional swim coach for stroke development, learn to swim and club swimming.
Bungeeba Aboriginal Community Centre in Mary Street has tennis courts and an oval as well as offering yoga sessions and boxing training with all facilities open to the community.
Dalby offers a variety of sporting options so contact the group that most appeals to you. A full list of local sporting clubs and facilities are listed ……….(name placement on page)
Supporting women in sport
Dalby has joined a Queensland Government initiative to promote healthy, active lifestyles.
Since 2002, the Dalby area has received almost $3 million in State funding for facilities, programs, and projects that support the development of sport and active recreation.
On June 19 the Department of Sport and Recreation in partnership with Womensport Queensland will host a free Active Women and Girls Morning Tea at the Dalby RSL from 10.30am to 11.30am.
Special guest speaker will be Karni Liddell, one of the most successful and well-respected Paralympic swimmers of our time.
To register your attendance, contact Womensport Queensland on 3004 6861.
Community Facilities Strategic Plan
Dalby is benefitting from a Community Strategic Plan funded by Sport and Recreation Queensland.
Council began developing the plan last year in response to calls from local sport and recreational groups for help in creating a strategy that would guide the future development of their clubs.
With additional funding from Queensland Health, Council has already begun implementing ideas put forward in the strategic plan assisting clubs with funding applications, providing free volunteer training, and helping with the promotion of local clubs and organisations.
A copy of the plan is available on the Council website and organisations are encouraged to contact council for assistance in creating their development plan.
Sports Star of the Year Award
The community is invited to nominate local sports stars as contenders for an annual sports award.
The Warwick Credit Union Sports Star of the Year Award, also sponsored by Arrow Energy and Dalby Regional Council, is open to local sports people of all ages with a $500 major cash prize.
In the lead up to the yearly award, monthly winners will be selected to receive a trophy as well as a $50 account with Warwick Credit Union and will be in the running for the big end-of-year prize.
The Sports Star of the Year will be announced at a special Sportsperson’s Dinner in December featuring guest speakers such as Broncos selector Darren Burns and other sports celebrities who have excelled in their field.
Nomination forms for the monthly awards can be collected from the Dalby Regional Council customer service centre in Drayton Street or the Warwick Credit Union, Dalby branch.
Council wants to hear from sporting groups needing assistance so any groups or individuals in need of support please contact Council and tell us how we can help.
Dalby Regional Council wishes to thank Queensland Health's Darling Downs Population Health Unit for funding this article for the Dalby community.
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