Older Novocastrians have a new way to enjoy the benefits of getting fit and staying active thanks to a collaboration between City of Newcastle, Port Waratah, and the Hunter Ageing Alliance.

A fitness station has been installed in Maryville between the Drop In The Ocean Playground and the Throsby Creek bridge, featuring a range of age-friendly exercise equipment such as a leg and chest press, stretch station, exercise bike, elliptical trainer, and a shoulder mobility wheel.

The project was delivered by City of Newcastle, which also invested $40,000, after the Hunter Ageing Alliance successfully secured a $40,000 grant from Port Waratah’s Community Investment Program.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle is always striving to make the city more inclusive and accessible.

“We’re committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community,” Cr Ross said.

“Age-friendly fitness equipment means everyone can participate, providing older residents the same opportunities to remain physically, intellectually, and socially active as younger residents.

“I’m particularly enthusiastic about this project as a doctor. Exercise is a key part of what’s called prehabilitation in medicine, which is a process that aims to enhance a patient’s physical and psychological function to support them before, during and after surgery. This can improve survival rates after major operations and leads to a faster and better recovery. My colleagues at John Hunter Hospital are national leaders in this new field of medicine.

“This project exemplifies the goals of City of Newcastle’s Disability and Inclusion Action Plan to create and contribute to liveable and accessible public places.”

CEO of Port Waratah Coal Services, Hennie du Plooy, said this is a great example of a community organisation identifying an opportunity to benefit the city.

“Port Waratah is proud to be an active member of our local community and to partner with community organisations to make Newcastle a more active, smarter and sustainable city,” Hennie said.

“Our collaboration with Hunter Ageing Alliance and City of Newcastle to install new exercise stations in Maryville has delivered free-to-access, long-term equipment to enhance local lifestyles, health and wellbeing for people of all ages in a picturesque setting along Throsby Creek.”

Dr John Ward from the Hunter Ageing Alliance said the evidence for the benefit of exercise for older people is overwhelming.

“Exercise allows for maintained independence, helps people stay at home longer and builds confidence,” John said.

“Exercise is the most effective strategy for the prevention of falls injuries and Type 2 Diabetes and helps with the treatment of most chronic health conditions.

“It’s important to have exercise equipment in public spaces that is user-friendly for older people but can be used by anyone.

“We hope this equipment can be the first of many such exercise hubs in public areas in Newcastle.”

IMAGE | Barrett Lord Mayor, Karen Marples, Dr John Ward, Natasha Whyte at the Maryville fitness station.