Active Farmers brings connection and fitness to rural communities across Australia

Steph Lunn first came across the positive impact Active Farmers was having when she was living in working in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

Fast forward a couple of years and she’s completed her CertIV in Fitness and started an Active Farmers community in Appila, South Australia.

“I work full-time in the ag industry as a field researcher, but always enjoyed health and fitness so being an Active Farmers trainer is a very rewarding way to bring a community together in a fun and positive way,” Ms Lunn said.

“We have a core group of mainly women who occasionally get their husbands to come along too!

“We have a huge age range, from kids to grandparents, but I ensure the sessions are inclusive and cater to everyone’s needs.

“I think it’s really powerful when young people get to exercise with their parents or grandparents and understand that it’s important to move your body at all ages.”

During National Farm Safety Week, it's a good time to reflect on the importance of not just the physical exercise but the mental health benefits of exercise, community and connection.

Ms Lunn said it was important for people to know that there was a regular time and place each week where they can go to do something for themselves.

“They catch up and socialise with others in their community whilst looking after their body and mind,” she said.

It was also important to remember that people throughout the community can all benefit from community and exercise.

“The stresses of farming impact everyone on the land, men and women, and particularly those in these more marginal areas,” she said.

“At harvest time for example, it’s big days and long hours alone for primarily the men out on the header, but it can be equally as isolating in the household and a lot of solo parenting for the women.

“People will make time for Active Farmers when they begin to understand its worthwhile investing in themselves - they can also have a laugh and chat at the same time.

“Whether there is two people or 12 able to attend, the sessions still go ahead – we understand people get busy!”

Ms Lunn said Active Farmers came to local communities – many which no longer have their own sporting teams – which made fitness possible.

“The time taken to travel to and from the nearest gym can take longer than the session itself,” she said.

“In Appila we use the old sports grounds and town hall for our sessions and it’s wonderful to utilise some of these facilities that are seldom used anymore.“

For communities looking to start up a program for themselves, Ms Lunn says: Go for it!

“For those interested in becoming a trainer, there is a lot of support and scholarships/grants available to aid with the financial needs with getting the qualification,” she said.

“Active Farmers is very supportive in getting you set up with equipment to suit your facilities as well as ideas for classes and great interactions with other trainers across Australia.

“For communities, express your interest and seek out someone who might want to take on the role. It may not be someone as local as from your own town.”

Mark Slater, Active Farmers Chief Executive Officer, said: "The Active Farmers program aims to build resilience and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people in small rural communities through regular group fitness programs. It's all about enhancing the quality of life in rural areas by fostering community spirit and encouraging healthy lifestyles."

He invited APlus News readers to support the organisation’s work by participating in its raffle – with a John Deere tractor valued at more than $280,000 as the prize - to enable Active Farmers to reach more communities.