Get Active in Darebin
Winter 2024
Get Active in Darebin is a free community-based exercise program aimed at increasing the physical activity and wellbeing levels of Darebin residents. Program also targets engaging under-represented groups into physical activity.
Most activities are catered for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels, and facilitated by qualified instructors and coaches. Many programs include family friendly classes specifically designed for parents and children to enjoy exercise together.
Registration is required for many sessions, whilst others you can just join in on the day. Bring your own water, towels, and a mat (if required) and join in on the fun.
You can also keep up to date with any of our free and low cost leisure programs by following Darebin Leisure on Facebook or joining our mailing list.
Winter season program
Check out our Winter season program below. View the downloadable poster(PDF, 2MB).
Program details
All Abilities & Carers Pickleball
Starts: 15 July to 19 August (6 weeks only)
Mondays: 1pm—2pm
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
Led by an experienced Pickleball player, we’re offering the opportunity for participants accompanied by their support worker and/or carer to come and learn the sport of Pickleball. All ages welcome. Accessible parking and toilet facilities provided. No experience needed.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
Chair Yoga
Starts: 15 July to 19 August (6 weeks only)
Mondays: 2pm—3pm
Address: Keon Park Children's Hub, 1-7 Dole Avenue, Reservoir VIC 3073
Chair yoga is a promising form of exercise for older adults. It may help people with certain health conditions, such as arthritis, to exercise without putting pressure on joints. It may also reduce the fear of falling and help people who are not use to exercise to begin improving their strength and balance.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy!
Go Soccer Mums
Starts: 22 July to 19 August (5 weeks only)
Mondays: 6pm—7pm
Address: BT Connor Reserve, 200 Broadhurst Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
Organised by Preston Lions FC, Go Soccer Mums is available to all females and gender diverse people welcome., from all walks of life! It doesn't matter if you have never kicked a football before - absolutely no experience in necessary.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy!
Walking Basketball
Starts: 16 July to 20 August (6 weeks only)
Tuesdays: 10am—11am
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
Walking Basketball is a low impact, social and fun way to improve your levels of physical activity. It is great for those who love basketball but might be intimidated by the pace and impact of the traditional game, offering a slower and more social alternative. All ages, abilities and genders are welcome.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
Yoga
Starts: 16 and 20 July to 20 and 24 August (6 weeks only)
Tuesdays: 11.35am—12.35pm
Address: Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Rd, Reservoir VIC 3073
What is yoga? Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing. Regular practicing of yoga can promote endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility, and well-being. Yoga is now a popular form of exercise around the world.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy!
Try Rugby
Starts: 16 July to 20 August (6 weeks only)
Tuesdays: 5:30pm—6:30pm
Address: CH Sullivan Reserve, Blake Street, Reservoir VIC 3073
Try rugby delivered by Northern Panthers Rugby Union Football Club and learn fundamentals skill training to play and enjoy Touch Football and Ruby Union. These family friendly sessions will be open for girls and boys to join the under 13 ,10 or 6 age group.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy! Contact Grant on 0412 154 752 for more details.
Gridiron
Starts: 16 and 18 July to 20 and 21 August (6 weeks only)
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6.30pm—8.30pm
Address: DR Atkinson Reserve, Argyle St, Reservoir VIC 3073
Get involved in a unique sport for all body shapes, ages and gender by joining the sessions organised by Northern Raiders Gridiron Club. Whether you are a NFL fan or interested in trying a new sport, give Gridiron a go and learn the basics of the game whilst getting active.
No registration required, just drop in and enjoy!
Early Bird Pickleball
Starts: 17 July to 21 August (6 weeks only)
Wednesdays: 6am—8am
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
If you’re an early riser or looking for an activity to get you up and about before work and school, we invite you to join our Early Bird Pickleball. Come alone or wake up your friends for a social, fun hit. No experience needed and all equipment provided.
Introduction to Barefoot Bowls
Starts: 17 July to 21 August (6 weeks only)
Wednesdays: 11am—12pm
Address: Kingsbury Bowls Club, Arch Gibson Reserve, 181 Dunne St, Kingsbury VIC 3083
Join Kingsbury Bowls Club and enjoy the morning relaxing with a friendly game of Barefoot Bowls. It's one of the safer sports to do while being active, with low impact that doesn't involve any long periods of intense activity. Fun for all ages and all levels of fitness.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy!
Social Table Tennis
Starts: 18 July to 22 August (6 weeks only)
Thursdays: 10am—12pm
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
Looking for a low intensity, social activity to enjoy during the week – Social Table Tennis is for you. Join our eager players each week for a laugh and a hit. All ages and abilities welcome.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
Pilates
Starts: 19 July to 23 August (6 weeks only)
Fridays: 9.30am—10.30am
Address: East Preston Community Centre, 7 Newton Street, Reservoir 3073
Pilates is a form of strength training, but it doesn't look like some of the other strength training exercises you might be familiar with. Pilates focuses more on improving muscle tone than building muscles, resulting in greater stability and endurance.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy!
Parents & Bubs Swimming
Starts: 19 July to 23 August (6 weeks only)
Fridays: 12:15pm—1:15pm
Address: Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road Northcote 3070
Parent and bubs sessions cater for children aged 6 months to 3 years and designed to develop basic water familiarisation skills while promoting water safety. Skill-based games and songs are used while encouraging children to paddle, kick, float, blow bubbles and submerge depending on age and ability.
Registration is not required, just drop in and enjoy!
Youth Boxing
Starts: 19 July to 23 August (6 weeks only)
Fridays: 4pm—5pm
Address: Northcote Aquatic Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road Northcote 3070
Whether you are already a boxer or are a boxing fan who wants to get in shape, the Youth Boxing program will teach you the basic techniques to get better. Learn training methods and strength/conditioning exercises to help improve your skills and endurance. Ages: 13-18year olds. Register below.
Register for Youth Boxing
Parkrun
Starts: 20 July to 24 August (Ongoing)
Saturdays: 8am
Address: CT Barling Reserve, Plenty Road, Reservoir, 3073
A community event initiated and organised entirely by volunteers where you can walk, jog or run five (5) kilometres. Commences at 8am every Saturday morning at CT Barling Reserve in Reservoir.
Sport Super Bowl
Starts: 28 July to 11 August and 25 August (3 weeks only)
Sundays: 1pm—3pm
Address: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury and Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 857 Plenty Rd, Reservoir VIC 3073
Join the local Coptic Orthodox Church community and come n’ try a variety of sports including Table Tennis, Pickleball and Basketball. Open to all ages, children, and adults alike.
To register, book through the DarebinMOVES app or phone on 03 9989 5800.
DarebinMOVES App
Download the DarebinMOVES app.
- Register for the Winter Get Active in Darebin program.
- Keep up to date with WHAT’S ON at our Darebin leisure facilities.
- Join virtual fitness challenges and go in the draw to WIN great prizes!
How to download and use the app
- Download from the app store
- Create an account
- Wait for your account be approved by email notification
- Open Weekly Timetable
- Book a class
Approval can take minimum 1 business day. Note, you won’t be able to book any classes until approved. Classes you’ve booked can be found in the ‘My Movement’ tab (tab 2).
Registrations can also be taken by calling reception at:
Free exercise with at-home workouts
If you’re on a tight budget or prefer exercising in your own time, here are some more free exercise options:
Outdoor equipment
Looking to get active outdoors in our parks and build more strength, cardio and stamina? Why not try our outdoor gym equipment at a time that suits you.
Now available to a range of local Darebin parks including:
- A H Capp Reserve, Halwyn Crescent, Preston
- All Nations Park, Separation St, Northcote
- Bundoora Park, Playground Drive, Bundoora
- C H Sullivan Memorial Park, Blake St, Preston
- Edwardes Lake Park, Griffiths St, Reservoir
- I W Dole Reserve, Dole Ave, Reservoir
- J C Donath Reserve, Harmer St, Reservoir
- Mayer Park, Normanby Ave, Thornbury
- T W Andrews Reserve, Fordham Rd, Reservoir
- W R Ruthven V C Reserve, Malpas Street, Preston
Walking and running
It's important to try to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, so why not try walking around local Darebin Parks and streets. Get your free Heart Foundation Personal Walking Plan and get moving today.
Find a walking group near you, visit the Heart Foundation website for more information to search via suburb for your closest groups to join.
For those up for more of a jog or run, why not try parkrun. A free and social community event coordinated by volunteers where you can walk, jog or run 5 kilometers. parkrun is held each Saturday at CT Barling Reserve (Plenty Rd) in Reservoir from 8—9am. Find out more about parkrun and register.
Reduced gym membership
If you’re having financial difficulties, you might be able to get a subsidised gym membership. This will give you access to Reservoir Leisure Centre from 6am—4pm.
To find out if you're eligible, please call 03 9462 4611 and enquire today.