Active living

City of Rockingham Health and Wellbeing Profile (2023)                                                                         

Our Health and Wellbeing Profile was produced by the South Metropolitan Public Health Unit and the Department of Health WA. The profile demonstrates that the City of Rockingham plays a significant role in creating an environment for communities to prosper and enjoy good health. It influences many aspects of community life which contribute to health and wellbeing, e.g. urban planning, parks and facilities, transport, social support and community participation. The information in this profile will help to inform the City, the public, partners and other stakeholders about how well the local population is faring, and provide us with the evidence required to plan effectively for the health and wellbeing of the local community.

New Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023 - 2028

We are in the process of developing a new Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023 – 2028. The new strategy will build on the successes and learnings from the implementation of the previous Health and Wellbeing and the Volunteering strategies, and will focus on key elements such as physical activity, healthy habits, community capacity, mental wellbeing, volunteering and social connections.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2022

Our Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2022 highlights the City’s vision for improving the health and wellbeing of the community.
 
Through extensive research of local community health needs and wider public health priorities, we have identified four priority areas which will form the key elements of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2022.
 
The four priority areas of the strategy are:

1. sport, recreation and physical activity
2. social cohesion
3. healthy lifestyles
4. community education and awareness.

Please read on below to find out more about the many ways we are supporting the health and wellbeing of Rockingham residents.

WA Bike Week

Did you know that WA Bike Week occurs every year in October?  

To help celebrate, it is the perfect time to dust up your bikes and explore the many cycle paths around the City. It is also a great chance to enjoy the beautiful weather and experience the mental and physical health benefits of cycling. 

Here are some health benefits to encourage you to cycle:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves muscle strength and flexibility
• Improves joint mobility
• Helps in weight control and weight loss
• Improves cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthens bones
• Reduces the chances of diabetes 

Taking up cycling as a form of active transport is also a great chance to reduce emissions on the roads and be kind to your planet.  Through your simplest action of adopting cycling as your means of transport, you’ll be significantly contributing towards reducing air and noise pollution. The planet has done so much for you, and it is now your turn to return the favour. 

To make sure your bike is safe and ready to ride, here are some general maintenance tips to keep in mind:

• Check the air in the tires
• Ensure your brakes are working to safely slow down
• Make sure the chain is on correctly 
• Check the handlebars and seat are the correct height for you
• Get a helmet that is certified and fits!
• Ensure you have light and reflectors on your bike especially in low visibility conditions, so you are easily visible to cars and pedestrians 
• Make sure your bell is working  

Once your ride is ready and safe to ride, here are general safety reminders for when your out and about on your bike:

• Keep a safe distance from the road and stick to the cycling lane
• Check both ways before crossing the road, especially main roads
• Use guided crosswalks where possible
• Make sure to ride with a helmet
• Do not pass from the left of a vehicle that is turning left
• Be mindful and use bells to alert shared path users 
• Feel free to cycle on the road, but yield way to incoming traffic and signal when turning
• Give way to pedestrians when using the crosswalk
• Slow down when crossing driveways to ensure the vehicle driver has seen them 
• Rider should keep a slow speed in wet weather and keep enough distance to brake. Monitor your speed at all times.

Men Rockin' Goals Together

We have developed a 10-week program called “Men Rockin' Goals Together” which is held at the Baldivis Indoor Sports Complex. The program, which was co-designed by community members, includes an indoor soccer competition with additional focus on weight loss, nutrition, peer support and improving health outcomes.

Find out more  

Active living

There are endless opportunities to get active in Rockingham.

If you are looking for an opportunity to join a club, get active or try something new check out the Rockingham Activity Guide. The City of Rockingham also has many great activities, trails and walks to enjoy. See sports and hobbies for more information.

Heart Foundation Walking Groups

Heart Foundation Walking is Australia's largest network of free community-based walking groups coordinated locally by the City of Rockingham. We have a number of free walking groups available for anyone to join. Meet regularly and enjoy a fun and social way to stay fit and healthy. If you would like to know more, visit our Heart Foundation Walking page.

KidSport

We have been successful in receiving funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to administer the KidSport program. KidSport makes it possible for eligible children to join a not-for-profit sport or recreation club, by contributing up to $150 towards club registration and other agreed fees. Read more about KidSport.