IPSWICH’S grassroots fitness movement is surging, with nearly 35,000 residents taking part in the city’s Active and Healthy Program last year, turning parks, pathways and community spaces into hubs of activity.
New figures from Ipswich City Council show 33,781 participants got involved across the year, underlining a growing appetite for accessible, community-driven sport and recreation.
The program delivered a packed calendar of activity, including 48 weekly fitness sessions, 189 Active Kids school holiday programs, 12 Learn-2-Ride cycling workshops and 10 nutrition sessions, offering entry points for everyone from beginners to regular movers.
From strength and fitness classes to low-impact sessions, mums-and-bubs groups and women and girls programs, the initiative has built a broad participation base while lowering the barriers to sport and exercise.
Participants cited the quality of instructors, low cost, and strong social atmosphere as key drivers behind the program’s success – highlighting its role not just in fitness, but in community connection.
The benefits are translating beyond the field. Survey data shows 81 per cent of participants reported improved physical health, while 68 per cent saw gains in mental wellbeing – both up on 2024 figures.
Satisfaction is also climbing, with 90 per cent of respondents rating the program four out of five or higher, delivering an overall score of 4.52.
The program’s digital rollout is also paying dividends, with 92 per cent of users booking sessions through the Active and Healthy app, streamlining access to activities across the city.
