YMCA has put out the call for more people to toil in its Delacombe community garden as part of the Active April movement.

The Premier’s challenge is for all ages and abilities across the state to commit to 30 minutes’ daily exercise for the next month. Getting dirty in the garden counts.

YMCA Ballarat health promotion officer Georgia Savage said gardening was a great form of exercise for physical and mental health and well-being.

“Community gardens are great, not just for people to see what’s in season and learn how to grow vegetables, but maybe to grow confidence to try at home,” Ms Savage said.

YMCA’s gardening club has transformed a weedy patch outside the Delacombe community hub at Doug Dean Reserve, into lively edible and colourful patches.

Gardening club meets once a week with volunteers from the YMCA’s walking group and participants from the nearby flexible learning centre DOTS (Developing Other Talents and Skills). 

The garden, and its food, is open to anyone who wants to lend a hand. Produce is also donated to Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre’s food enterprise and will feature in a Plate Up Ballarat special dinner run by the Ballarat Foundation using all rescue food.

People across Ballarat are also encouraged to join the YMCA’s special Active April programs, including morning walking groups and a Delacombe cycling group that lend bikes from its ReCranked program.

YMCA is also putting on extra yoga classes at the Delacombe hub and lots of skills sessions for children and adults, particularly during the school holidays. Programs include Rock Up Netball, Hot Shots Tennis.

Details: ballarat.ymca.org.au. Active April also offers free passes and prizes: activeapril.vic.gov.au.

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