wellness
Keilor Council Expands Free Senior Fitness Programs Across Neighbourhoods
Local over-60s can access accredited group classes at no cost in parks and community centres from this week.
How we reported this
Keilor’s seniors are being invited to get moving this winter, as Brimbank City Council launches an expanded calendar of free fitness programs for residents aged 60 and over. Pilates, tai chi, and walking groups are now available at no charge at venues including Thompson Reserve and the Keilor Community Hub, making group exercise more accessible for the older community.
Why Senior Fitness is in Focus Now
Brimbank Council’s move comes as health data shows nearly half of Keilor residents over 65 do not meet recommended physical activity levels for their age group. The new programming lands at a critical time: a Wellness Victoria report identified that regular exercise improves mobility, mental wellbeing and can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illness for seniors. Since 2023, the council has prioritised healthy ageing as part of its annual Health and Wellbeing Plan.
In the past, cost and travel have been major barriers for local seniors wanting to join fitness programs. The council’s community outreach in April highlighted that many older adults in suburbs like Keilor East and Green Gully Park felt excluded from group classes due to fees upwards of $15 per session-making the fully subsidised offerings a major drawcard this winter.
Where to Find Free Classes
This month, Thompson Reserve on Keilor Road is hosting twice-weekly tai chi sessions on Mondays and Thursdays at 9am. The Keilor Community Hub, located near Old Calder Highway, offers chair yoga and gentle strength training classes run by certified instructors from local group MoveWithMe. Residents in the area can also book spots in guided walking groups that set off from Brimbank Park every Saturday morning, rain or shine.
Brimbank City Council’s events website lists 12 free senior-friendly classes scheduled each week through the end of September. Additional pop-up sessions are advertised at short notice on the council’s Facebook page. Council staff report attendance at the opening week’s Pilates class at Keilor Community Hub surpassed 30 participants-a sign of strong local appetite. The Hub’s staff recommend registering online or calling ahead, as sessions frequently reach capacity.
Keeping Active, Staying Connected
An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found that three in five adults aged 65+ in northwest suburbs like Keilor risk social isolation, but participation in group exercise can counter loneliness as well as boost health. With free classes now a short walk from most Keilor homes, council leaders say they hope more seniors will take up the chance to stay active close to home and meet neighbours at the same time.
Seniors interested in participating can download the full event calendar from the Brimbank Council website or drop in to the Keilor Community Hub for information. New classes are regularly added based on demand. Residents are encouraged to bring comfortable clothes and a water bottle, and to discuss any health concerns with their GP before starting a new activity.