The Medibank Community Fund (MCF) has awarded a $15,000 community grant to Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-op in Robinvale, Victoria.
The Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-op will use the grant to encourage Indigenous elders and youth in Robinvale to participate in a boot camp followed by a luncheon in order to promote healthy eating and physical exercise.
The boot camps will be tailored to each age group with personal trainers working alongside older participants in order to teach an appropriate exercise program that will assist in maintaining mobility and muscle tone.
Dieticians will also provide information on portion sizes and how to eat the right nutritional foods throughout.
Medibank Retail State Manager for VIC, Mark OShaughnessy said the program embraced the Medibank Community Fund's priorities of promoting healthy eating, physical activity and greater community connectedness -the key selection criteria for the MCF grants program.
"Medibank employees on our Regional Council from across Victoria, expressed overwhelming support for Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-op's application because their program aims to keep young Aboriginal people connected with their elders while providing vital support that address unemployment and drug and alcohol reliance throughout the community", said Mr OShaughnessy.
"The Medibank Community Fund grants program supports local, grassroots initiatives that aim to create a lasting and positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of people in the community and the Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-op and its fitness and healthy eating program are doing just that".
Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-op's, John Billing said the program will also allow Indigenous people both young and old to mentor each other.
"Keeping young Indigenous people connected with their elders is one of the ways our program can help break the cycle of unhealthy living whether that be from bad eating habits to lack of exercise or substance dependence", said Mr Billing.
Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-op is one of 42 recipients chosen from more than 900 applications across Australia and New Zealand to receive a 2014 Medibank Community Fund grant.