2024 has been a remarkable year of growth, collaboration and success for the ActiveStrongerBetter (ASB) program.
This article reflects on ASB’s achievements in 2024 and celebrates the accomplishments and connections that have made this year our best yet.
Milestones and accomplishments
The ASB program has experienced remarkable growth in 2024, including:
- 26 Fitness Leaders completing our ASB Leader training
- 23 ASB Leaders now delivering community exercise classes as part of the ASB program, up from 9 leaders in 2023
- 43 new exercise classes added to our program, bringing the total number of classes delivered each week to 86
- Expanding the reach of the program to 34 suburbs/locations across the Hunter region and Central Coast—15 more than last year
- Over 1000 participants now participating in the program, almost doubling the numbers from last year
- 7 ASB Leader training workshops conducted, which saw more than 40 Fitness Leaders attend
Digital engagement
In addition to expanding our offerings, we’ve made significant strides in digital engagement. Our website and Facebook presence have been key to connecting with our community, growing our brand, and promoting our programs. Since launching our Facebook page in December 2023, we’ve gained over 170 followers, and our website has attracted more than 4,000 visitors this year. We’ve also posted around 25 articles, a great accomplishment for our small, dedicated team.
Awards
We were proud to be finalists for prestigious awards, including the Australia-New Zealand Future of Ageing Awards and the AUSactive Fitness Industry Awards. Our excitement grew when we won the Social Value and Community Impact Award at the AUSactive National Awards Gala in October. Making us a national award-winning program!
Training
ASB has continued to bridge the gap between health and fitness professionals by creating new referral pathways which allows health professionals to easily locate safe and suitable community exercise classes for their older clients. This year the team have delivered ASB workshops to over 100 allied health and aged care workers including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and aged care teams.
Additionally, this year ASB has trained up over 40 fitness professionals and supported 23 fitness leaders to grow their businesses. ASB has provided educational resources, promotional opportunities, and assistance in launching new programs or growing existing programs.
Media
Our work has been recognized across multiple platforms, with features on NBN News, in several articles, and on the radio. We also had the opportunity to attend significant community events, including the NSW Seniors Festival Expo, Belmont Citi Centre Seniors Week, HMRI’s Sip on Science, Hunter Ageing Alliance’s Physical Activity Seminar and Arthritis NSW’s Rural Health Seminar in Cessnock, among others.
Partnerships
This year, we’ve also built and maintained meaningful partnerships and connections with numerous health, aged care and community organisations, as well as local councils, expanding the diversity and number of partnerships to over 20 organisations.
Participant stories and feedback in 2024
ASB has continued to grow and empower more older adults to live active, independent and fulfilling lives through delivery of its weekly exercise sessions, with many participants reporting improvements to their quality of life, physical and mental health, and social connection.
Feedback from a 90-year-old participant attending ActiveStrongerBetter (ASB) sessions in her local community hall as part of her Aged Care Service Provider’s Social Calendar:
“This has been the most fun I’ve had since moving here in April. The ASB Leader makes every session enjoyable and truly listens to each person’s needs, making it an experience I look forward to.”
A Feel-Good Story: A couple in their 70s, who attend ASB classes twice a week in Lake Macquarie, recently went on a cruise. After returning, they called their fitness leader to express their gratitude. They shared that, unlike their previous cruise, they had no trouble getting up the stairs on the ship—a clear sign of their improved strength and mobility thanks to the program.
Another Feel-Good Story: An 85-year-old participant was considering discontinuing her classes because she felt she was struggling with the pace. However, the leader’s offer of a seated, slower-paced version of the class allowed her to continue attending. She was able to keep the same social outlet, benefit from exercise, and maintain her connection to the community—truly a win-win!
Participant Testimonials:
Many describe their ASB class as the “social essence of my life,” with some saying, “life would be empty without it.”
One participant, nearly 85 years old, shared her pride in seeing the progress of newer members:
“I’m nearly 85, so it makes me feel really good that I can move, and I can get around. And some of the older ladies that have started will start sitting down to start their exercises but give them a few months and these ladies are standing up because the teachers actually give these women so much confidence.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of ActiveStrongerBetter
Strengthening Existing Connections and Programs in Current Regions
In 2025, ASB will focus on solidifying and enhancing the relationships we’ve built with local communities and healthcare providers in the regions we currently serve. This will include deepening our partnerships with existing fitness leaders, health professionals, community organisations, and aged care service providers to ensure our programs continue to meet the evolving needs of older adults. We’ll also prioritize ongoing professional development for ASB Leaders, offering additional training and resources to maintain high standards of service and program delivery. This effort will help foster a strong, supportive network where participants feel empowered and motivated to stay engaged, creating lasting positive impacts on their health and well-being.
Expanding the Program to New Local Regions and Connecting Areas
Building on the success of the Newcastle-Hunter region, we aim to extend the reach of the ASB program to other communities in neighbouring local government areas in 2025. This will involve strategically identifying new areas with a high demand for accessible exercise programs for older adults, and then working closely with local leaders, health professionals, and community organisations to introduce our offerings. By establishing new ASB locations, we will expand the network of support for participants, ensuring that more people can access the physical, mental, and social benefits of regular exercise. Furthermore, we’ll work on fostering connections between regions to create a broader, interconnected community that provides older adults with the sense of belonging and continuity they need to thrive.
Securing Ongoing Funding for State and National Expansion
To ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the ASB program, we will continue to pursue diverse funding opportunities in 2025. This includes seeking grant funding, government and philanthropic support to fund our expansion efforts both within the state and nationally. We recognize that securing ongoing financial backing will be essential for continuing to provide high-quality, accessible programs and extending ASB’s reach. Our funding strategy will not only focus on increasing the number of ASB programs available, but also on maintaining the quality of the services we offer. Through effective advocacy and partnerships, we aim to ensure that older adults across the country have access to the tools and resources needed to lead healthier, more independent lives.
Thank You to our ASB Community
As we reflect on the incredible achievements and growth of the ActiveStrongerBetter (ASB) program, it’s essential to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who have made our success possible. Our journey has been one of collaboration, dedication, and passion, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of the following key contributors:
ASB Team
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you goes out to the core ASB team. This group of committed professionals work hard behind the scenes to ensure that every aspect of the program runs smoothly. From program development and strategy to marketing, administration, and outreach, the ASB team’s collective effort drives our success. Their passion for improving the lives of older adults through accessible fitness and wellness initiatives is the heartbeat of the program. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of individuals whose work impacts so many.
ASB Leaders
A special acknowledgment is reserved for our ASB Leaders, the trained fitness professionals who bring the program to life in each class. These individuals go above and beyond to create an inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment for all participants. Their expertise, empathy, and dedication to adapting exercises to meet the diverse needs of older adults are at the heart of what makes ASB such a valuable resource. The impact they have on the lives of participants—helping them build strength, confidence, and connection—cannot be overstated. We are immensely grateful for their hard work and unwavering commitment.
ASB Participants
We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the hundreds of participants who have joined the ASB program this year. Your commitment to your health and well-being, your enthusiasm, and your openness to new experiences are what make this program truly special. Every class is enriched by the energy and spirit you bring. You are the reason why ASB exists, and your feedback, encouragement, and resilience continue to inspire us. We celebrate your progress and the strong, supportive communities that have formed through your shared experiences. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Consortium
We would also like to express our thanks to the ASB Consortium, whose guidance, collaboration, and expertise have been instrumental in supporting the program’s development. The consortium is made up of a diverse group of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders, who provide invaluable insight and resources to help us expand and refine the program. Their dedication to fostering partnerships that prioritize older adults’ health and well-being is fundamental to the success of ASB. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in the years ahead.
Partners
Lastly, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to our partners—both existing and new—whose collaboration has allowed us to expand our reach and enhance the quality of the ASB program. From local community organisations and aged care providers to healthcare networks and corporate sponsors, your support has been crucial to our growth. A special thank you goes to NovaCare for generously providing space for our ASB team, offering valuable resources and providing steadfast support in jointly managing the ASB program together with the Hunter Ageing Alliance. Through these partnerships, we have been able to offer more classes, extend our network, and improve our ability to serve older adults across multiple regions. We look forward to continuing to build strong, lasting relationships with our partners as we expand our reach and impact.
As we look to the future, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of ASB’s 2024. Your contributions are deeply appreciated, and we are excited to continue working together to help older adults lead healthier, more active lives. Thank you all for making this program such a success!
