Playgroups across Victoria have wrapped up a week of safe and inclusive events for mums and bubs to get active and socially connect in celebration of our partnership with VicHealth’s This Girl Can Week 2024.

From Sunday 10 November to Sunday 17 November, councils, physical activity providers, clubs, gyms and other facilities provided free or low-cost activities for women to move without judgement from beginners to returners, and try-something-new-ers.

The 2024 This Girl Can Week theme, ‘Together, We Are Unstoppable’, showcased the incredible things that can be achieved when women across Victoria have the support and opportunities to come together and be active.

VicHealth research showed that women with children are more likely to worry about showing their body and being judged while exercising.

A previous VicHealth survey of 1,500 women conducted in 2023 shows that more than half of women were more confident about being active before having kids, and about 1 in 3 worried about being judged for prioritising exercise (compared to only 1 in 5 women without kids).

To help mums across the state access movement that fits into their busy schedules, Playgroup Victoria and VicHealth collaborated with a number of playgroups to bring active events for their communities to life.

Melbourne Muslimahs

In the north of Melbourne, Melbourne Muslimahs hosted a Mum and Kids Bushwalk and Nature Play Session.

The walk saw up to 40 people stroll through Bundoora’s Gresswell Forest Wildlife Reserve, followed by a colourful crafts session out in the sunshine.

Ballarat Outdoor Playgroup

In the west of the state, Ballarat Outdoor Playgroup was joined by a previous parent who is a personal trainer, hosting their very own mums and kids exercise class.

Elwood Community Playgroup

Along Melbourne’s bay, Elwood Community Playgroup also hosted a mums and kids exercise class, featuring a range of movements, which at times included a few extra weights!

In addition to the events, Playgroup Victoria had the pleasure of interviewing This Girl Can Ambassadors Sindi and Sue, sharing their wisdom on how mums of any age can help carve time out for themselves to prioritise their health.

Sindi finds that physical activity nurtures her mind and well-being, easing anxieties and creating chances for connection. As a mother and neurodivergent person, being fully present in movement helps her release energy, bringing calm, balance, and joy.

“When my children were younger I would walk them everywhere I could in the pram. This was both to give them some outside time and also to give my head some fresh air. Eventually, I would start to jog with the pram and the kids' giggles encouraged me which in turn helped me increase my fitness.”

“Now that my kids are older, my active time is “me time”. It gives me a space to go to where I’m not just someone’s mum or co-worker, I’m my own person doing things I find fun and making friends with people who have the same interests.”

Read more about Sindi and Sue here and here, and find out more about This Girl Can here.

Article in collaboration with VicHealth