VicHealth's ‘Participation In Community Sport and Active Recreation’ ( PICSAR) scheme is being delivered across the state by 10 Regional Sports Assemblies who have been engaged to work with and developed programs

• To increase participation in community sport and active recreation in Victoria, particularly for those of the target groups

• To demonstrate the social, physical and mental health benefits of physical activity for healthy gain

• To prioritise interventions aimed at getting inactive people doing sufficient physical activity for health gain

There is a large and diverse range of community sport and active recreation clubs, organisations and groups in the Wimmera and Grampians regions (www.sportslink.org.au/wimmera) VicHealth's PICSAR program is looking to support these existing groups to be more accessible to population groups under-represented in physical activity.

VicHealth has identified population groups in the community that experience lower participation rates contributing to poor health outcomes. These population groups are:

KEY TARGET GROUPS:

By establishing partnerships within the community between individuals, local clubs & groups, organisations and local government the PICSAR program aims to address the barriers to participation experienced by these population groups. Times at which activities are offered, cost, transport, accessibility and the nature of sport and active recreation activities are examples of barriers that once identified can be addressed through community groups working together to develop innovative initiatives and programs.

Through the Active Participation Grant Scheme VicHealth is offering support to local clubs and groups implementing strategies that address the barriers to participation.

The role of the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly is as a facilitator between key stakeholders in physical activity supporting them to identify opportunities and work together to make the most of resources available in the region. The Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly covers the Local Government Areas of Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack, servicing an area of around 33,000 square kilometres and a population of approximately 50,000 people.

Individuals, organisations, agencies and groups with an interest in developing opportunities for the community to participate in any form of physical activity should contact the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.