wellness
South Melbourne Council Provides Free Senior Fitness Programs
Port Phillip City Council expands no-cost exercise options for older residents starting this month.
How we reported this
Port Phillip City Council has rolled out free senior fitness programs across South Melbourne, with sessions beginning July 15 at two central venues.
The expansion comes as local health services report rising demand for structured group activities among residents over 65, following a winter period that limited outdoor movement for many. Council records show that previous paid classes drew limited uptake, prompting the shift to fully subsidised options funded through the 2026 community wellbeing budget allocation.
Venues and session details
Classes operate at the South Melbourne Community Centre on Bank Street and at Emerald Hill Reserve off Park Street. Participants can join twice-weekly chair-based strength sessions at the Bank Street site or outdoor walking circuits that start from the reserve entrance each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Both locations sit within a short walk of Clarendon Street shops, allowing residents to combine exercise with errands.
Each program runs for eight weeks and requires only a simple registration form available at the council offices or online. Instructors focus on balance, mobility and light cardio suitable for varying fitness levels.
Participation numbers and next steps
Council data from the pilot phase last autumn recorded 142 regular attendees across similar sessions, with an average age of 72. The current rollout targets at least 200 participants by the end of August, supported by additional volunteer trainers drawn from the South Melbourne Market traders association.
Residents interested in joining can visit the Port Phillip City Council website or call the South Melbourne office on 9209 6777 to reserve a spot before spaces fill. Those with existing medical conditions are advised to consult their GP before starting any new activity.