The weekly sessions of the PCYC Fit4Life program, now being held at Surf Beach, have become a truly collaborative effort with two other community groups joining Makuta to support the initiative.

Makuta, a local charity raising funds to support established suicide prevention and wellbeing initiatives in our community, has been involved with the Fit4Life program for two years.

They have now been joined by Kiama SLSC, which is happy to provide a wet weather venue in their function room and get actively involved to introduce more kids to their club, and Kiama Rotary, which has taken over the cooking responsibilities.     

“It is about exercise and building up self-esteem,” says local policeman and Youth Engagement Officer, Jake Graham, who runs other sessions at the PCYC at Lake Illawarra.

“It’s great to be hanging out with happy, friendly people once a week to build community and help with their mental health.

“It also gives local kids the opportunity to get to know me, so they have a point of contact is they have any issues.

“We are trying to promote healthy living and healthy lives.”

The fitness sessions now have a great wet weather home

The free sessions are open to all children aged 8-16 during term.

“The idea is to give those kids that aren’t busy with school sport an opportunity to do something before school,” says Makuta’s Rachael Peedom.

“It is a varied workout – some mornings boxing, others bootcamp or playing a game of soccer or tag.

“It is run in a very inclusive way, with everyone having a bit of exercise before school starts, followed by a decent healthy breakfast.”

KSLSC’s Ben George says the Club has been talking about getting involved for some time to support community programs, and he hopes the collaboration goes from strength to strength.

“It will be a great way to introduce the kids to what the surf club is all about.”

Barry Wilson says Rotary is only too happy to help, “Our involvement cooking the breakfast allows the others to focus on the kids. It is great for all the ages to interact and see them having so much fun.”

Rotary is now looking after breakfast

Sisters Tricia and Inah Gould were the oldest there on the morning The Bugle visited. They have been coming every week since it started.

“It is a fun experience and you get to meet new people while getting fitter,” says Tricia.

They enjoy the mix of ages and really like the new location outside or inside the Surf Club.

“It’s a great wet weather option – the views are amazing.”

Makuta funds the breakfasts with the help of donations from local businesses, including the Top Shop.

“It’s not just the bacon and egg roll, but we like to set them up for the day with yoghurt and fruit as well,” says Rachel.

Kids wishing to join in should come down to Surf Beach on Tuesdays, at 7-8am.