Background
Physical Activity Australia is Australia’s only organisation exclusively dedicated to physical activity.
We are a national independent not-for-profit organisation.
Since 1982 Physical Activity Australia (formerly Kinect/VicFit) has lead the way in the promotion of physical activity, active living and the reduction of sedentary lifestyles by engaging with the fitness industry, building best practice instructor standards and program accreditation, and rigorously applying research and evidence to develop engaging physical activity initiatives.
We have a long history of working in partnership with all levels of government, across a range of industry and government sectors, and with other non-profit organisations.
Informed by evidence and research
In 2003, as VicFit, we became fully independent from government, and in 2005 became Kinect Australia under the Chairmanship of Professor John Catford, Deakin University, Victoria.
Our links with research centres based at Deakin University, Victoria University, and Monash University inform our approach to promoting new evidence, the development of public health policy and to practice standards.
Bringing accreditation and rigour to the physical activity industry
In 1987 the Victorian government recognised the need for the registration of exercise professionals to maintain standards of practice and safety in the growing fitness industry. We were the first fitness industry accreditation and registration body in Victoria.
Now, as Physical Activity Australia:
- We continue to engage widely with fitness and exercise professionals to ensure appropriate professional development underpins both their registration and daily practice.
- We support the further development of the fitness industry workforce so their expertise and qualifications are recognised in the health sector, and they can contribute to the prevention of obesity and chronic disease.
- We work closely with registered training organisations to ensure their formal fitness qualifications and training meet minimum national standards.
- We are developing professional development programs to enhance the business skills of exercise professionals.
Working with GPs and primary care providers
Physical Activity Australia’s work is the outcome of a strong understanding of current research and evidence. We work closely with GPs and primary care providers in a number of areas:
- Our walking promotion campaign, Walktober, is the umbrella for many organisations and workplaces to take up our National Challenge to clock up footsteps in October.
- We were an active partner with the Victorian Government in the ‘Go for your life!’ program from 2005 to 2011. We provided a telephone information and advice line for the public and health professionals and conducted a range of seminars and education events to promote physical activity.
- We have developed Telephone Health Coaching services and approaches to facilitate health behaviour change for chronic disease prevention and self-management support. This lifestyle modification approach supports and motivates individuals to overcome their barriers to disease prevention.
- We pioneered the development of ‘Lifescripts’. Lifescripts evolved from the Active Scripts Program funded by the Australian Government and promoted the prescription of exercise by GPs.
- We pioneered work on active transport and developed programs to promote walking and cycling trips to and from work.