By Tanya Steele
Fun, exercise and laughs have seen the community come together, booking out the free aqua classes being held at the local pools in the Yarra Ranges.
The Belgrave outdoor heated pool and beyond have been filled with laughter and fun as the This Girl Can program continues into December in the Yarra Ranges.
VicHealth’s This Girl Can program came back to the Yarra Ranges from 10 to 17 November and the Yarra Ranges will host events up until 7 December.
Belgravia Leisure Community Engagement Coordinator for the Yarra Ranges Kelly Parker said the uptake this year has been outstanding, and the general vibe is one of excitement and positivity, especially with the outdoor sessions at the Belgrave Heated Outdoor Pool.
“The This Girl Can events have brought a real sense of energy and community spirit to the area, attracting a wide range of participants looking to engage in fun, low-impact exercise. With a variety of activities on offer, there’s something for everyone, and the atmosphere at the events has been electric,” she said.
Ms Parker said there’s been a strong increase in new participants trying out water-based fitness classes, particularly at Belgrave Heated Outdoor Pool, where the program is thriving.
“The range of sessions has helped introduce a diverse group of individuals to water exercise. Many newcomers are discovering that water exercise provides a low-impact yet highly effective way to improve fitness while having fun. The welcoming atmosphere of the This Girl Can events has made it easy for first-timers to feel comfortable and encouraged to give it a go.” she said.
The program has been bringing free and low cost activity to girls, women and non-binary people and so far the numbers and feedback have been very positive.
Ms Parker said Aqua Zumba at Belgrave has been booking out with 50 participants each session.
“Aqua Fit and Deep Water Aqua have also seen great attendance, with many participants praising the benefits of low-impact exercise,” she said.
“The feedback from participants is overwhelmingly positive, with many enjoying the variety of sessions and the chance to try different forms of water exercise. Participants have expressed how much they appreciate the inclusive and welcoming environment, and many are returning for more sessions.”
The free aqua classes range from zumba to aqua fit and even mother and daughter yoga have seen many patrons new to the pool pop in for a chance to try something different.
Staff across the Yarra Ranges and at the Belgrave outdoor heated pool have enjoyed hosting the extra events and Ms Parker said running the program at the pool has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
“The staff and instructors love being part of the This Girl Can events, and seeing the community come together in such a supportive and inclusive environment”,she said.
“Everyone involved—staff and participants alike—has been energized by the sense of empowerment these programs offer.”
The classes will continue in Belgrave and the Yarra Ranges – throughout the last two weeks of This Girl Can month, people can book into the line-up of activities across several local venues, including the Yarra Centre, Jack Hort Memorial Community Pool, Monbulk Aquatic Centre, and Belgrave Heated Outdoor Pool.
“This Girl Can events have a clear sense of empowerment, particularly for women, but also for anyone looking for a welcoming and supportive environment,” Ms Parker said.
“These events challenge the idea that fitness spaces can be intimidating or exclusive, offering a space where participants can enjoy exercise without fear of judgment,” she said.
“The This Girl Can program is about breaking down barriers—whether physical or mental—and building confidence, creating a community where people feel empowered to embrace an active lifestyle.”
