As the world tuned in to watch the incredible feats of athleticism at the Olympics, the Darebin community was invited to channel that excitement into their own fitness journeys through the recent ‘Have a Go’ challenge. Managed by Clublinks, this initiative brought together people from all walks of life to experience the diverse range of exercise and fitness opportunities at our local Darebin venues.

The ‘Have a Go’ challenge was designed with a simple yet powerful message: fitness is for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or someone just beginning to explore the benefits of an active lifestyle, the Darebin venues provided an open, welcoming space to “have a go” at various activities, all completely free of charge.

However, this initiative was about more than just offering free access—it was about breaking down barriers to participation. By removing cost as a factor, we ensured that everyone in the community had the opportunity to engage in physical activity. The program also emphasised the inclusivity of our venues, reinforcing that everyone, no matter their age, fitness level, or background, is always welcome.

One of the unique aspects of the ‘Have a Go’ challenge was the opportunity it gave participants to explore Darebin venues they might not have visited before. The venues involved in this initiative were: Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre (NARC), Bundoora Park Public Golf Course, Northcote Public Golf Course, Narrandjeri Stadium, and the Darebin Community Sports Stadium (Darebin Stadiums).

Each venue offered different activities, encouraging participants to travel across Darebin and try something new. Participants were required to ‘Have a Go’ in at least two scheduled activities at different venues to go into the draw to win a range of amazing prizes, including; a $500 eftpos gift card, free 3-month membership to NARC, golf apparel, and much more.

Each venue offered different activities, encouraging participants to travel across the area and try something new. Activities included; 9-holes of golf, volleyball, walking basketball, swimming, aqua classes, table tennis, badminton, tennis, plus a range of group fitness classes.

The ‘Have a Go’ challenge saw over 150 individuals participate, a fantastic turnout that exceeded our expectations. Even more impressive was the fact that the majority of people had never visited our venues before.

This initiative was particularly effective during the quieter winter months, providing a great lead campaign to cross-pollinate users across our different sites. By giving participants a taster of various activities, we offered them a compelling reason to visit venues they might not have considered before.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with many individuals expressing their gratitude for the chance to experience the facilities without the usual costs, while others shared their excitement at finding a new, accessible way to stay active.

As the ‘Have a Go’ challenge concludes, we look forward to continuing our commitment to making exercise and fitness accessible to all. The success of this initiative has highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for everyone to engage in physical activity, regardless of their circumstances.