The Atherton Men’s Shed Physical Activity Program (AMSPAP) is getting a refresher and Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) is inviting men aged over 60 to register for this free health and wellbeing program.

The original award-winning program was held over 16 weeks last year and the program has since been shared and replicated at other Men’s Sheds across Australia.

‘This program was a fantastic collaboration between Tablelands Regional Council, Atherton Men’s Shed, Atherton Community Health and FNQ Health and Fitness,’ said Councillor Bernie Wilce.

‘The Health Needs Assessment 2019–22 (nqphn.com.au/about-us/reports-and-plans/health-needs-assessment) by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network showed older men in our region have low levels of physical activity compared to other areas in FNQ and we are committed to delivering opportunities of physical activity and social engagement to older Tablelanders (Age-Friendly Strategy — trc.qld.gov.au/age-friendly-strategy).

‘The program embeds positive behaviour changes towards physical activity and healthy living habits through weekly, one-hour guided sessions with an exercise physiologist.

‘The program is suitable for all abilities and there are pre-, mid- and post-program health checks.

‘Some of the participants in the original program lost well over 10kg and, more importantly, these men have made exercise and healthy eating part of their every day.

‘This refresher program is an opportunity for new participants to join the program, and for previous participants to check-in,’ said Councillor Wilce.

The program will run every Thursday between Thursday 2 February and Thursday 30 March in Atherton.

Places are limited so register (trc.qld.gov.au/mens-shed-refresher) by Tuesday 31 January to secure your place.