Greater Shepparton City Council is committed to a more sustainable way of operating.

Changing to a less waste driven society is something all of us need to be aware of. Using pedometers for just a month or so and then throwing them away is wasteful and harmful to the environment. The pedometers contain batteries and other electronic components that are toxic and contribute to contamination for our landfills. Further, the manufacture of pedometers relies on fossil fuel, the consumption of which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Given most of the pedometers are in excellent working order, we should try to use them again.

Therefore, in planning the 2014 Pedometer Challenge, the following considerations have been made.

• Council will hold a collection drive to gather and redistribute working pedometers. If you have a stockpile at home these can be returned to the Council Offices or Aquamoves. Alternatively we can arrange to collect the pedometers from your office. If you plan to participate again, please re use your old pedometer.
• A minimal order of pedometers will be made for the 2014 challenge. These pedometers will have a step count function only, which will count up to 99,999 steps. These pedometers are $3.20 cheaper per unit than those purchased in previous years, which included distance travelled, calories expended and current time and time spent walking functions. Higher quality pedometers with these functions will be available to purchase from Aquamoves prior to the challenge, though are not necessary to complete the challenge. More information regarding the purchase of these will follow closer to registrations.

More than 7,000 participants have taken part in the pedometer challenge over the six years the challenge has been running. We would like to see the continued growth of this program, while ensuring continual improvement by investigating ways to ensure our practices are as sustainable as possible.

The Pedometer Challenge will run from 6 October 2014, with registrations from early September.

Planning the 2014/15 Activities in the Park program has commenced. We are actively seeking sponsors, facilitators and volunteers to help deliver our jam packed program, which encourgages Greater Shepparton residents to be physically active in their local parks.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship of the Activiites in the Park program not only has direct advertising benefits, but will also see sponsors intrinsically linked with concepts of healthy communities and healthy people, through their support of our well profiled, positive and healthy program.

Sponsorship opportunities range from whole program to specific events, and can be discussed further with Belinda Conna on (03) 5832 9432.

Facilitator Expression of Interest

We also seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons or organisations who would like to facilitate an activitiy within the program. Program facilitators will be recognised in the Activities in the Park promotional material, therefore providing ample opportunity to promote their service.

An Activities in the Park Program Facilitator Expression of Interest can be downloaded from the Get Mooving website, and contains a program overview and guidance for applicants.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, make new friends, try something new and learn new skills to enhance employment opportunities. Make a difference ti the community and Get Mooving into one of our volunteer roles. Volunteering is a two way exchange - you will gain as much as you put into your role. Complete out online application form to apply.